Hi all,
our '98 Civic EX automatic s "flaring" between the one-two shift. I've heard that the shift solenoids can go out on these cars. Looking around the transmission, I see one solenoid on the side of the trans, on the end, near the right front wheel, and another on top of the transmission. Since the solenoids aren't cheap, I want to make sure I replace the right one.

Can someone please tell me which one is the solenoid that controls the shift from first to second gear?

Also, anyone know the cheapest place to get a new one?
Thanks!

 

bump. Im having the flaring issue as well, would like to know how to fix it

 

Any CEL codes? Is the D4 light in the cluster blinking? Is the ATF low?

 

Have you tried changing the transmission fluid?

 

No CEL, I havent noticed any D4 flashing. Fluid is at the Bottom Line (within spec). it flares from 1-2 and a little from 2-3. sometimes it will downshift hard when I brake quickly from higher speeds (35-40mph). fluid is fairly clean, ive drain/filled during last 2 oil changes...about to do it again this week.

 

Are you using Honda or Honda-recommended ATF?

 

Yah the Z-1 or whatever its called. i pay like $6-7 a quart :/. Ive read that these trannys are just bad in general.

btw i have a 98 EX with 114K, if that helps.

 

Do the CEL and D4 lights work? If so and the flaring problem is bad, then you may want to look into replacing the tranny.

 

D4 lights up green and stays green. Ill have to verify the CEL (I have a scan tool). I notice my low fuel light and overheating lights dont work, so theres a chance my CEL doesnt work. its just a matter of replacing bulbs right? (if in fact they dont work?)

 

If there's a code, the scan tool should pull it up even if the CEL doesn't work.

Here's how to test the CEL: Turning the key to ON(II) should illuminate the CEL for 2 seconds, if there are no CEL codes.

I'm not sure what an overheating light is? Do you mean low oil pressure light? And the low fuel indicator may not come on until the tank has less than an gallon left.