Civic isn't too happy right now (help?) (three vids added)
#1
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Civic isn't too happy right now (help?) (three vids added)
(1991 Honda Civic SE: 1.5L, 4-speed automatic, 290,000km / 180k mi)
Not quite sure what the problem is, figure I'd start something here and get some ideas on diagnostics before I dig deeper. This $500 Civic has just encountered its first worrysome drivability issue in almost two years and 40,000km.
Scenario: With light throttle application at varied speeds and varied gears, I experience some lurching, as if the trans and/or engine control is calling for a shift that isn't (and shouldn't be) happening. It had mostly been noticable BELOW TC lockup speed. Usually, lockup happens at about 65-67km/h (40-43mph). Lately, at 50-55km/h (31-34mph) the car will appear to want to repeatedly go in and out lockup, it feels like bouncing off a rev limiter, so to speak. The tachometer agrees.
- Driving faster and/or adding more throttle tends to stop the lurching.
- Condition improves, but does not disappear when car warms up and has been driving a while.
- Condition happens at speeds as low as 20-25mph and as high as 70mph, the latter of which is just a one-time hunt out of and back into overdrive
- I'm going to do a little more driving in D3 (non OD) instead of D4 (OD) tomorrow and see how that affects the situation.
Transmission fluid is nice and red, not burnt smelling; levels look OK. I'm also thinking about ignition or fueling related issues, but not sure where to head in terms of that. I know this is not a Honda forum, but any general ideas would be appreciated.
Not quite sure what the problem is, figure I'd start something here and get some ideas on diagnostics before I dig deeper. This $500 Civic has just encountered its first worrysome drivability issue in almost two years and 40,000km.
Scenario: With light throttle application at varied speeds and varied gears, I experience some lurching, as if the trans and/or engine control is calling for a shift that isn't (and shouldn't be) happening. It had mostly been noticable BELOW TC lockup speed. Usually, lockup happens at about 65-67km/h (40-43mph). Lately, at 50-55km/h (31-34mph) the car will appear to want to repeatedly go in and out lockup, it feels like bouncing off a rev limiter, so to speak. The tachometer agrees.
- Driving faster and/or adding more throttle tends to stop the lurching.
- Condition improves, but does not disappear when car warms up and has been driving a while.
- Condition happens at speeds as low as 20-25mph and as high as 70mph, the latter of which is just a one-time hunt out of and back into overdrive
- I'm going to do a little more driving in D3 (non OD) instead of D4 (OD) tomorrow and see how that affects the situation.
Transmission fluid is nice and red, not burnt smelling; levels look OK. I'm also thinking about ignition or fueling related issues, but not sure where to head in terms of that. I know this is not a Honda forum, but any general ideas would be appreciated.
#2
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Granville, Ohio ~NEBF '07 Survivor~
Posts: 5,001
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My guess is the torque converter, assuming it'* an auto... That'* exactly what mine did, only it didn't go away when it was hot...
My suggestion is to dump it at a junkyard and pick yourself up a Bonneville
(jkjk)
My suggestion is to dump it at a junkyard and pick yourself up a Bonneville
(jkjk)
#3
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was thinking the same, but does a bad TC usually go hand in hand with burnt or telltale problems with fluid?
(a new transmission for me = four doors, a 3800... you know where this going )
(a new transmission for me = four doors, a 3800... you know where this going )
#4
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bump for two light throttle vids and one higher speed vid:
In 2nd gear, you can see a double shudder after it shifts into third.
Starting from 1st gear, you will see the same shudder after it shifts into second
At higher speeds: Near the end you'll notice two blips:
In ALL of these vids, throttle is remaining constant. Checked the fluid again today, it looks good.
In 2nd gear, you can see a double shudder after it shifts into third.
Starting from 1st gear, you will see the same shudder after it shifts into second
At higher speeds: Near the end you'll notice two blips:
In ALL of these vids, throttle is remaining constant. Checked the fluid again today, it looks good.
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
What year is that Civic and does it have the Electronic Trans?
It almost acts like its not sure what gear it wants
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote
It almost acts like its not sure what gear it wants
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote
#9
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fuel filter is unchanged under my ownership. It idles great and does fine under heavier throttle, could it still be it? It is a 1991, 1.5L DX powertrain, as far as I know it has electronic transmission control. There is actually an ECU code that is set off for a failure of the lockup control solenoid valve, code 19, as per this link... but I'm not getting that.
Relatively speaking, it'* been a little warmer the past couple days (near freezing as opposed to well below) and it feels much better, but I still get the occasional pop in-and-out of lockup.
Relatively speaking, it'* been a little warmer the past couple days (near freezing as opposed to well below) and it feels much better, but I still get the occasional pop in-and-out of lockup.
#10
Senior Member
True Car Nut
I can hear it whining too just like my old Intrepid before its trans went. Acted just like in your vid. S2 L67 cars are CHEAP now. I'd say pick one up.