B4RA transmission shift flare

MATTBMENIFEE

MEMBER
1998 HONDA CIVIC
0.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

Hello, I have the car listed above LX model with a B4RA trans-axle and there is a shift flare between every gear (second-third) being the longest flare with light acceleration. No flares between any gear shifts with hard acceleration. I've done some searching/reading on different forums and I believe the CPC valve spring could be my culprit, the symptoms of the spring bring broken are all there. My question is, if I keep driving with this shift flares how much if any damage came come from it problem? The flaring doesn't seem to be getting worse but has moment when the flare between second - third is very long (three to four seconds). Other gears a little longer than usual but nothing near the second-third flare.
Thank you in advance for any advice.
Matt

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

There is a technical service bulletin for this problem. I had to attach it in a picture. As far as damage, it most likely will continue to get worse. Anytime there is a delay between shifts, the clutch plates take a hit when they engage, most likely rougher than usual. Plus there may be a slip going along with this that you don't even notice. So, more damage can occur.

Take a look through this TSB and let me know your thoughts.

Take care,
Joe

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