1999 honda civic trans issue, hard shift.

[ewilliams1990]

Okay, I have posted on this before and recently have done some replacing in order to fix this problem but have hit dead ends. My girlfriends 1999 honda civic ex with stock d16y8 automatic trans is having what I believe is a transmission issue.

Symptoms -
1. Shifts hard from first to second gear. Not like super hard, but definitely not smooth.
2. When I press the pedal down hard, to increase acceleration, it shifts hard.

Parts replaced -
Shift Solenoid
Linear Solenoid

I've checked the fluid and looks clean and the normal redish color.
I've also check the throttle cable and seems to have the correct amount of play.

I have a replacement lock up solenoid but I dont feel like replacing that will do any good.

I have a opportunity to get a 74k mile d series transmission from a wrecked car for about $160. I just want to make sure I try every possible attempt to fix the problem before I give up and just replace the whole trans.

Any input will be greatly appreciated..Thanks

 

[OGstackadolla]

Possibly the mount going bad allowing the trans to move under hard shifts?

 

[ewilliams1990]

It literally only happens from 1st to 2nd. Maybe though, right? I'll take a pry bar and test the mounts.
It's like a really fast shift too. Like right when it gets to shifting point it happens instantly, really fast.

 

[OGstackadolla]

Hmmm, Idk about how quickly it's shifting. Lower gears have more load on them under heavy acceleration, because of the sharp spike in rpm's compared to higher gears, if that makes sense to you. Like being able to chirp 2nd and 3rd, but not 4th/5th

 

[ewilliams1990]

Yeah, I understand. I'm going to test the mounts tomorrow. Even going really slow it does it too.
And mind you, this problem doesn't happen 100% of the time. More like 85%.

Really irritates me.

Thanks for helping man.

 

[OGstackadolla]

Any time, keep us updated

 

[ewilliams1990]

Absolutely. I'm probably going to go snatch up that transmission tomorrow before someone else does. 74k for $160 is a catch and if I don't use it I can always re-sell. I will test the mounts tomorrow and check for excessive wear. I am also thinking of ordering honda genuine ATF to drain and refill.

 

[RonJ]

Why did you replace the transmission solenoids? Any codes thrown?

I've checked the fluid and looks clean and the normal redish color.

This^ means absolutely nothing.

Do three consecutive ATF drain and refill cycles with a short drive where you move the gear shifter slowly through all the gears in between.

And yes, use Honda ATF or a Honda recommended ATF only. And don't overfill.

 

[ewilliams1990]

No, no codes were thrown. There was a bad distributor o-ring leak from the previous owner so they were caked in oil. I figured replacing them would possibly fix them if something was slightly off from possible damage.

And when I do this drain refill, I have to use brand new ATF each time?

Code 67 is the only code getting thrown Ron.

I tried recording the problem tonight. It hardly happens after about 30 minutes of driving. So I couldn't get anything of it.

Also an example. When I come to a stop light and start to slow down and the light turns green before I stop then go to re-accelerate, it gives a nice jolt from the front end. Maybe mounts are bad?

 

[RonJ]

And when I do this drain refill, I have to use brand new ATF each time?

yes

There are two aftermarket Honda-recommended ATF. I think Valvoline and Castrol. I prefer the Castrol. Do the first two drain and refill cycles with one of these aftermarket ATF, which are cheaper than Honda ATF. This will save you some money if that's an issue. Do the third cycle with Honda ATF. This procedure seems to solve most Honda auto transmission issues like yours. If shifting improves but is still not perfect, then try one or two more cycles with a few hundred miles in between.

Code 67 is the only code getting thrown Ron.

Your cat is bad. This is usually caused by not doing scheduled ignition system tune ups.

Also an example. When I come to a stop light and start to slow down and the light turns green before I stop then go to re-accelerate, it gives a nice jolt from the front end. Maybe mounts are bad?

Have you inspected the driver side, rear and transmission mounts, as well as the two front torque mounts? Post pictures.

Any other transmission-related issues?

 

[ewilliams1990]

I will go out this upcoming week and buy the recommended aftermarket ATF and do the drain and refills.

And tomorrow I will inspect the mounts and take some pictures to post up here.

There are no other transmission issues at all. It shifts perfectly and smoothly from 2nd-3rd-4th. And runs perfect at constant speeds of all sorts.

Thanks a lot for the help! I'll keep it updated!

 

[ewilliams1990]

I went out today and checked the mounts. I undid the oem air intake, and inspected. All look pretty healthy. I snapped pics of the two that are attached to the transmission. Here's what they look like.

 

[ewilliams1990]

I want to try the drain/refill tranny fluid thing this upcoming weekend. What are some recommended ATF to use for this process? And how should I do it? Drain/refill, 10mile drive, repeat?

Thanks! PS: how do the mounts look?

 

[RonJ]

I want to try the drain/refill tranny fluid thing this upcoming weekend. What are some recommended ATF to use for this process? And how should I do it? Drain/refill, 10mile drive, repeat?

Reread posts 8 & 10.

Thanks! PS: how do the mounts look?[

Your pictures aren't useful. Not sure what I'm looking at in #1. #2 looks okay, but take a shot from the other side as well. And where are shots for the other mounts. For example, the rear mount is particularly important. Can't help you if you don't supply useful information.