Drive indicator in the panel turning off?

SIMARUN08

MEMBER
2002 HONDA CIVIC
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120 MILES

I encountered it maybe 10 times when I was driving at D, the indicator in the panel showing the letter D in green light suddenly turn off and the engine will be in neutral. A slight movement in the shift stick will make it back to normal.

Or sometimes when I move the stick from N to D, the D light will turn off too, and a slight move or shake of the shift stick will turn it on.

When the D light in the panel turned off, the car will not move like it is in neutral.

11 Replies

BORIS K

MECHANIC
799 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like you might have an issue with the transmission range sensor.
This sensor, located at the end of the transmission towards the right front wheel, sends the transmission gear position to the system. On occasion it can also cause a non start as the neutral or park position is not being seen.

A good video on how to replace:
https://youtu.be/i5g7dHh99dI?si=lNQ6XDHYMSkiqjV8

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Boris

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Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 AT 3:40 AM

SIMARUN08

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Oh yes, thank you Boris. Can this also be the culprit of the following:
1. Sometimes it can be started at N, sometimes it doesn't.
2. Had notice that sometimes during acceleration (around 60kph) it suddenly downshift.
3. There were instance at shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, around 2000rpm, there was a slight shift shock or shudder felt.
Thank you so much.

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Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 AT 3:22 PM

BORIS K

MECHANIC
799 POSTS

Hello,

The symptoms listed by you could also be caused by a faulty transmission range sensor.

Cheers, Boris

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Thursday, January 18th, 2024 AT 1:19 AM

SIMARUN08

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Thank you so much for this. I'll have it check the soonest.

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Thursday, January 18th, 2024 AT 3:25 PM

SIMARUN08

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Hi. I have replaced the sensor already and symtoms I mentioned are gone. Thank you.
I just noticed that the shifting time is adjusted, it usually shifts from 1st to 2nd at 2,000 RPMs. Now it is at 2,200 RPMs. Will the position affect the shifting? I mean you can install the sensor, but it is not snug fit. It can be lean a little to the left or right as the hole for its 2 bolt are not circle, they are oblong.

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Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 AT 9:43 PM

SIMARUN08

MEMBER
23 POSTS

This bolt hole make the sensor move a little when installing.

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Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 AT 11:29 PM

BORIS K

MECHANIC
799 POSTS

Hello,

The transmission range sensor must be installed with the transmission set in Neutral.
On the range sensor there are alignment notches which must line up, see image below.
With the switch installed ensure that the 4 notches make a straight line with the transmission in neutral.

A good video:
https://youtu.be/i5g7dHh99dI?si=IEfF82PtHk1MkX1R

Cheers, Boris

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Thursday, February 1st, 2024 AT 5:38 AM

SIMARUN08

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Yes, all instructions are followed and are now in very good condition except that the shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear changes after I replace the range sensor. Just wondering if this has something to do with this.
Before replacement: 1st gear to 2nd is at 2,000 RPMs.
After replacement: 1st gear to 2nd is at 2,200 RPMs.
Thank you, will observe it more.

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Thursday, February 1st, 2024 AT 3:20 PM

BORIS K

MECHANIC
799 POSTS

Hello,

If the new sensor has been installed correctly, I can only assume that a difference in internal resistance could cause this shifting difference.
The range sensor uses a bunch of resistors which it uses to determine the transmission position.
See images below of internals for the range sensor.

Cheers, Boris

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