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Transmission harsh shifting or shift shock?

Tiny
SIMARUN08
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
From 1st gear to 2nd gear, shifting is not smooth.

When the car is not in use for around 24 hours, there is no problem on shifting when I use it, but when it is used after 2 or 4 or 6- or 8-hours rest, shift shock is felt, and it always happens on the 1st shifting only at around 2,000 RPMs. Sometimes it shifts at 2.2K RPMs with a strong "thud".

Please advise.

many Thanks.
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 AT 12:40 AM

16 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
This is common when the countershaft sensor starts to go out but, we should check the fluid level and condition in case the transmission needs to be serviced. Also, is there a check engine light on? If so, please go over this guide to get the codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Here is a generic guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Note: Use a 3/8 drive ratchet for the drain plug.

3. Remove the drain plug and drain the automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

NOTE: If a cooler flusher is to be used, refer to ATF Cooler Flushing.

4. Reinstall the drain plug with a new sealing washer.
5. Refill transmission with the recommended fluid into dipstick hole to the upper mark on the dipstick. Always use Honda ATF DW-1 (ATF-Z1 has been replaced with ATF DW-1, Honda Service News Nov 2010) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Using a non-Honda ATF can affect shift quality.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
2.7 L (2.9 US qt) at changing
6.0 L (6.3 US qt) at overhaul

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response to the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
SIMARUN08
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  • 23 POSTS
Oil is changed 2 years ago, 3 liters only and had run only around 10,000 km since then. The condition of oil now is still good by looking at its color. Oil level is good also.

No check engine light,
I noticed that the sensor near the dipstick is wet with oil up to the connector. (I think this is the countershaft sensor), problem still exist after cleaning it.

I also cleaned the linear shift sensor, number 10 in the diagram attached.

Can the shift solenoid be also the reason? Number 8 in the diagram. Also, can I pull it out just by removing the battery and other wires above it?
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
Usually there will be a trouble code for the shift solenoid, but I would test the shift solenoids with a voltmeter to see if one has much lower resistance than the other, they should be about the same.

Here is a guide to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 AT 9:14 AM
Tiny
SIMARUN08
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  • 23 POSTS
I will try to do resistance test since there is no trouble code during scan. Maybe a little cleaning will help. Can I pull the shift solenoid by just lifting the hood and taking out the battery and the battery holder?
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Saturday, March 30th, 2024 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
I believe so, remove anything in the way of doing the job, if you are not sure upload an image so I can help walk you through the repair.
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Sunday, March 31st, 2024 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
SIMARUN08
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Thank you so much. I will try to pull it out on my free time.
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Sunday, March 31st, 2024 AT 7:02 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
You are welcome please let me know how it goes.
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+1
Monday, April 1st, 2024 AT 7:17 PM
Tiny
SIMARUN08
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Hi. After cleaning the shift solenoids and do a transmission oil change, the problem is still present. Shop suggested that the transmission be pulled down and do filter change and valve body cleaning, which is a little tedious and costly.
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Monday, May 20th, 2024 AT 1:42 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Did you replace the counter shaft speed sensor? This is a problem with these cars, are is the location.
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Monday, May 20th, 2024 AT 12:33 PM
Tiny
SIMARUN08
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Not yet, just cleaned the shaft speed sensor since there is no check engine light on.
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Monday, May 20th, 2024 AT 4:01 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Yep, the sensor can still be bad, I would swap it out anyway. If the sensor becomes weak it will give false readings but not enough to trigger a check engine light.
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Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 AT 8:23 AM
Tiny
SIMARUN08
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Would you mind sharing the part number of the shaft speed sensor?
Thanks
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Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
SIMARUN08
  • MEMBER
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Is this the sensor?
Thanks
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Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 AT 9:38 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Yep, that looks like it. This should be the part #

Denshi
1 - Speed Sensor - 78410S04972
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Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
SIMARUN08
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
This one is the VSS?
Denshi
1 - Speed Sensor - 78410S04972

I'll have them checked too

And, my fuel usage is now only at 5.5km/liter. Too bad
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Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 AT 4:10 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, that is understandable, let me know what happens with the sensor.
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Friday, May 24th, 2024 AT 12:34 PM

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