01 Civic Automatic Transmission Shifts like...?

[Shrewz92]

I noticed that my 01 Civic LX Automatic Transmission with 36,500 miles on it doesn't have 'positive' shift points between 3 & 4. That is, from first to 2nd, I feel the up-shift from 1 - 2, firm and positive. However, I don't feel the shift from 2nd to 3rd, nor 3rd to 4th. Is this a typical set-up, or is there a problem with transmission shift-solenoids? I believe that this transmission has only 4 forward gears, and not 5th automatic overdrive gear.

Points that may be Pertinent:
1. When shifting between 3 & 4, at 40 mph and/or 2800 rpm, the rpms go up 500 rpm to approx 3300 rpm before dropping to 4th, then hits the gear with approx 2600 rpm, then drops yet again, to approx 2200 rpm, feeling like a 5th gear has been engaged, and feeling like 4th has been totally bypassed.

2. When braking, and rpms are dropping, around the 40 mph mark, I feel a down-shift, like a shift from 4th to 3rd (tach & speedo are pointing at same angle, typical of 3rd gear range), which actually causes a light forward lurch. This didn't occur in my last Honda, a 1991 Accord EX, but designs change over time. Is feeling the down-shift while braking normal?

3. When coming to a stop like at a stop sign or light, I'm hearing a light 'clack-clack' when slowing, then again, when reaching full-stop. This happens when exiting off my interstate exit, and stop-lights, from full-speed to stop.

4. Auto Trans fluid is within cross-hatch at end of dip-stick, and NOT discolored.

5. Throttle Cable is adjusted to 3/8" deflection. Cruise Control cable is also adjusted to 3/8" deflection. On 91 Accord EX with Auto Trans, adjusting the throttle cable improved shifting and shift points. Adjusting on this 2001 Civic didn't change shift points. Is there yet another cable to be adjusted for this?

Haynes manual does NOT describe any of these symptoms that I've seen.

[Copytech99]

It is only a 4 speed auto, you may also be feeling the lock-up converter engaging.

#2 is due to grade logic, if you watch you will see the tach jump up as it downshifts.

Some of the early 7th gens have had auto tranny issues. It is also very important to not flush, only perform drain & refill using only Honda ATF-Z1 fluid.

I chose to go 25k miles between ATF service on my 05.

I have also read that the trannys in some cases slip when cold and perform better when warmed up. You could try a drain and refill to see if anything changes.

[Shrewz92]

Originally Posted by Copytech99

It is only a 4 speed auto, you may also be feeling the lock-up converter engaging.

#2 is due to grade logic, if you watch you will see the tach jump up as it downshifts.

Some of the early 7th gens have had auto tranny issues. It is also very important to not flush, only perform drain & refill using only Honda ATF-Z1 fluid.

I chose to go 25k miles between ATF service on my 05.

I have also read that the trannys in some cases slip when cold and perform better when warmed up. You could try a drain and refill to see if anything changes.

Thank you for your reply. I've never heard of 'grade logic' prior to your mention. Can you address the 'clack' during slow-down and stop?

The lock-up converter engaging: Is that good or bad? Maybe that depends on the situation? It feels like a shift from 4th to a 5th gear, when on flat and having been in 4th for several hundred feet at constant speed.

I've only heard BAD things about trans flushes on cars over 100k, so I've avoided them in all my past automobiles. It's a crap-shoot. However mine was a Granny Car, and 36,500 miles are original miles. It could be the Trans fluid has degenerated over 8 years, and it 'may' be a good idea to change it, anyway.

Do you know if there's a throttle-to-transmission cable, as there used to be on early 90's auto trans?

[Copytech99]

The noise is hard to say, but should be investigated. Maybe you or a 2nd person could be outside the car to listen as it drives by and stops and help narrow the noise. Inspect all 4 axle boots to make sure none are torn and leaking.

Lock up converters have been used for years. The one thing that concerns me is when you say the revs jump up. The cars use the input given from the gas pedal (and many other factors) to determine shifting points. If you are holding the gas steady and the revs are jumping then...? All later cars will work to always get into the highest gear and lock the converter as soon as possible to conserve fuel, unless you are asking for more speed (more gas pedal )then the transmission will shift differently under those conditions.

The flush or no flush is up to you, I would be against it myself. Has the fluid ever been changed ?? If so was it Honda ATF-Z1 ?? The drain and refill requires 3 qts the system is shown to have about 6 qts total capacity (from the manual) Honda recommends that if the wrong fluid is used to do multiple drain and refills to resolve it. You may want to consider a multiple service as well, I would think 2 would be fine you may be o.k. with just 1. The 01-02 are known for a clutch pack issue, and using original fluid is critical.

I don't think they use a "kick down" linkage any longer.

[Shrewz92]

Originally Posted by Copytech99

Lock up converters have been used for years. The one thing that concerns me is when you say the revs jump up. The cars use the input given from the gas pedal (and many other factors) to determine shifting points. If you are holding the gas steady and the revs are jumping then...? All later cars will work to always get into the highest gear and lock the converter as soon as possible to conserve fuel, unless you are asking for more speed (more gas pedal )then the transmission will shift differently under those conditions.

Thank you for the reply. your '....?' open ended statement has many concerns for me. A previous vehicle of mine was a 1996 GM product and the torque converter never locked up, and caused breaking of transmission.

My throttle position, when revs jump up (before shift from 3rd to 4th), would be 1/4 to floor, and typically happens around 40mph. Noticed this AM that shift from 2nd to 3rd is more like a 'slide' into gear than a positive shift. Is that a clutch issue related to the the Clutch Pack that you mentioned above?

Can you recommend another forum or URL that may be of additional assistance to me?

[Copytech99]

The "lock-up converter" is just a term used it is a normal function, not an actual problem. Sorry I don't want to say how it works because I don't want to give wrong info about it.

www.civicforums.com Use the search, it used to be only 01-05s but now covers all years.

www.7thgenhonda.com is 01-05 only.

[ladagosta]

For anyone who is concerned about transmission issue go to car complaints dot com and find out that 01 and 02 civic's are extremely bad news where a transmission is in question... Personally I used to endorse Honda... Never again.. I bought mine new and 120,000 miles later the transmission died 3,800.00 and 40,000 miles later it again is showing signs that it is going to bite the bullet.. I have lost all faith in Honda since 2000... before that I may have faith.. but after 2000.. Never again will I praise their product... sorry ... but the proof is in the purchase and this is not a wise investment...

[ladagosta]

oh btw I found out by putting together a group to form a class action suit that no lawyer wants to take this giant on for this issue.. but it is a defective o ring that is causing the failure.. good luck..

[Shrewz92]

Ladagosta:
1.Where is this defective o-ring of which you type?
2.I've also read that because there's no real 'filter' that one can change, outside the trans, the dirty fluid continues to flow through an internal screen that over thousands of miles, clogs up and starves the trans of fluid.

[ladagosta]

Originally Posted by Shrewz92

Ladagosta:
1.Where is this defective o-ring of which you type?
2.I've also read that because there's no real 'filter' that one can change, outside the trans, the dirty fluid continues to flow through an internal screen that over thousands of miles, clogs up and starves the trans of fluid.

I believe I was told it was the oring on the transmission filter.. but I can not swear to that my hard drive crashed with all the information on it.. but I do know a mechanic replied to my car complaints dot com report 3 years ago.. that it was indeed a defective oring in the transmission that was the cuplrit for failure rates.. and yes these as well as many newer cars have what is termed " throw away " transmissions..

where you can not service them unless you take them to a transmission specialist (or dealer) to pay an arm and a leg to have them siphon out the transmission fluid and replace properly with clean fresh tranny fluid and most people do not realize that they should have a transmission fluid change done at least every other oil change.. which would certainly improve the life of their transmissions.. but hey the average consumer wastes more money on food waste than they do on cars.. so who should care ,, right..