HELP please--CIVIC ES1 Transmission Problem

[trinijanus]

Hi Folks,

I'm experiencing a change in performance in my automatic transmission. I have a 2003 Honda Civic ES1, SOHC, non-VTEC.

Over the past few months, I've noticed that when I'm driving, particularly from a standstill to normal speeds above 60 KPH, there's a point when the transmission seems to "slip" or "neutralize" before the gear engages. For example, if I'm in 2nd gear and the RPMs are at about 2500, the RPMs will shoot up to over 3000 then settle back into about 2000.

Also, there are times when if I've been driving at normal speeds (avg 40-60 KPH) and have to stop or slow down considerably, the gear tends to "drop" in very hard when I try to accelerate to normal speed again.

Other than these, when running on open road I can detect no problems (speeds over 80 KPH).

One mechanic advised to remove the catalytic converter. But somehow I doubt that a catalytic converter can affect the tranny.

At my last engine oil change (less than 5000 KM ago) I had them check the transmission fluid and was advised that it was fine, not burnt or anything. And I check and change my engine oil and transmission fluid pretty regularly. I also only use Honda transmission fluid.

Is there a filter in the transmission that needs to change or be cleaned? Should the ECU be checked?

Does anyone have any ideas or advice on this? It will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[civic SIR]

pally, parts for our car expensive, get a scan done to prevent excess cost expenditure - cost you bout $150

[fearsaga15]

yes, there is a filter in the transmission tht needs to be changed!!
i experienced similar problems while driving. soon after it got to the point where the gears were not engaging and when my mech pulled down the transmission, we realised there was a filter inside that was clogged. as a result, the torque converter and some of the trans clutches were burnt. the transmission was rebuilt and ive had no problems to date.

[trinijanus]

Thanks fearsaga15, will have my mechanic take a look at it. Where is the filter? Will this be a major task or can it be done fairly easily?

[Damien]

fearsaga15, how much that cost?

[fearsaga15]

trinijanus,it's not difficult once ur mech knows wht he doin, had the car up and running in a week's time.
Damien, cost me abt 6K in total... labour was relatively cheap, rebuild kit was lil pricey

[Damien]

trinijanus,it's not difficult once ur mech knows wht he doin, had the car up and running in a week's time.
Damien, cost me abt 6K in total... labour was relatively cheap, rebuild kit was lil pricey

Price not bad keep servicing regularly so it dont happen again that is one headache i could do without

[fearsaga15]

^yeah man..lesson learnt..engine n tranny goin jus now anyway

[Damien]

^ the plans i had for my car