Jerky Automatic Transmission between 5-15

Tiny
MATRIX454
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150 MILES
Whenever I slow down to 5-15 mph by braking or letting the car coast down to 5-15 mph and then step on the gas pedal while still in this speed range the car jerks or bucks forward and I hear what most describe as a clunk sound coming from the transmission. I want to emphasize I am NOT accelerating fast at all. I can run faster than I'm making the car accelerate. The only way I can avoid this is if I VERY, VERY gently accelerate when my car is in the 5-15 mph range. I am talking about accelerating at a snails pace. This clunking sound and bucking forward also occurs if I try to roll through a stop sign or if I'm coming out of an alley, brake to 5-10 mph and then step on the gas pedal. I forgot to mention this also happens whenever I brake just before the car reaches 0 mph the transmission will buck forward (I can feel it downshift). It's similar to the way a car leans forward when you brake and don't gradually let up on the brake pedal as the car comes to a complete stop. I usually feel this bucking at 2 mph, right before the car comes to a complete stop. Anyways this is so annoying. I emailed the dealer with no reply so I might try another dealer's service center.

I've heard about transmission problems in the manual (3rd gear) on the honda civic si, but what about the automatic transmission? Is this just my car or is this a widespread problem? I love everything about this car except the transmission at 5-15 mph. I should mention the transmission's other up and down shifts are all smooth. Shifting at highway speeds are perfect. Acceleration is always smooth except in the rolling stop sign and alley scenarios.

Others have said the ecm is still learning my driving style. Another person said the same thing happened to them but eventually they said the bucking went away as they drove the car more. Should I ask the dealer to reprogram the ecm or will this bucking go away as the ecm learns my driving style. Thanks in advance.
Sunday, January 6th, 2008 AT 2:57 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,754 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like he CVT transmission is having an issue but I would try a service with CVT fluid only. Here is a video of the job being done.

https://youtu.be/pHPkHP4m0SM

it can be the input shaft speed sensor as well

https://youtu.be/KRTJYOXuON8

Please run down these guides and report back.

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Monday, January 7th, 2008 AT 3:56 PM
Tiny
COASTIEPETE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thank you for this post I had this problem and had to replace the input speed sensor cost me $74.00 all fixed I love this site.
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Monday, November 18th, 2019 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
LILLOU55
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
My car just started shifting erratic, rpms running high, not getting gas to go.
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Monday, November 18th, 2019 AT 12:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TED-E-DEE
  • MECHANIC
  • 109 POSTS
Sounds like you better ck. Auto Trans. Fluid. Ck. W/engine off. Dipstick may have a yellow top, it is sometimes hard to find, but it is there towards frt. Of car on trans.. It sounds like you may have a leak, fluid low, & trans. Is slipping.
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Monday, November 18th, 2019 AT 12:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOOKED_UP
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 HONDA CIVIC
Transmission problem
2004 Honda Civic 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual

Had problems getting gear shift into reverse on numerous occasions. I manhandled it into reverse and now it feals as though there is something restricting the shifter from the point of travel towards 5 and reverse. I am able to get it into both 5th and reverse but the travel of the shifter and the ammount of engagement seams to have lessened and now it seams that there is something in the way.

I am wondering if by forcing the shifter into reverse I added to the problem, and is there any adjustment to the linkage to adjust the travel or is there anything I can check out by removing the center console and.

I feel it is linkage problem but have never worked on a manual transmission in a front wheel drive honda car.

HELP? THANKS in advance !
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Monday, November 18th, 2019 AT 12:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TED-E-DEE
  • MECHANIC
  • 109 POSTS
Hi,
My name is Ted, I have worked on Honda's for 16 years. The 1st thing I would like you to do is raise the car & look for a leak around the trans. Look around the end of trans, see if there is a leak at the end cover gasket, if not there, check axle seals where axles go into trans. 5th gear is in the end cover, & I think reverse is also. It's been awhile since I had one apart. Anyway, the 1st thing you will have problems with when low on oil is 5th & reverse because they are higher up than the other gears. The plug is on the right side of trans. & Is a size 17 or 19 mm. Remove plug, car needs to be level so if you jack the frt., Jack the rear to same height. W/plug out, stick finger in hole, you should get oil on finger just inside hole. It may even drip out when plug removed. If all of this is o.K. & Oil full, no leaks, IT IS O.K. TO DRIVE. So then I would like you to ck. Shifter bushings & shift linkage. If the shifter feels "looser" than it use to, or "sloppy" so to speak, this may be your problem. I have been out of mechanics for a couple years & can't remember exactly how the bushings are, I know there used to be a set at the bottom of shifter then the double cable is on the top of trans. The best thing I can tell you for this is to go online to "Mitchell1. Com" & rent Service Manual for your car. It will give you all the details you need to ck. For adjustments or how to replace the bushings. It's only $15.00 after tax. I use all the time because it also gives you all Technicall Service Bullitens & Recalls for you car. Even if you have to get repairs done at a repair shop, you will have all the info you need & this will help you from getting ripped off ! Let us know how you make out. If you have more questions, e-mail me at,
theoxski@rocketmail. Com or feel free to call me at,
1-607-423-0271 - Verizon Wireless. Good Luck.
Please leave a message if I do not answer & I will call you back.
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Monday, November 18th, 2019 AT 12:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PHILOSOPHIZER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 125,000 MILES
My car won't shift into first from a stop at least every day. Here's my problem: 2 months back I was having trouble shifting into first and between gears (mainly 1st and 3rd) with a litlle grinding so I took it to the shop and they told me I needed to rebuild the tranny. So I had them do that as well as replacing the clutch. Now it's shifting alright but the main problem I was having with it not shifting into first from a stop is still there. I'll be sitting at a light for a minute just trying to get it into first. It's like the tires being in a certain position block it from shifting because if I'm on a hill I'll let it roll a little and it will usually go right in. If it's not the transmission or clutch what could it be? Any help would be greatly appreciated so I don't pour any unnecissary money into it. Thanks
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Monday, November 18th, 2019 AT 12:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Philosophizer,

Seems it is a problem with the trans and you go back to the people who did the trans rebuilt. They did not perform the job well.
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Monday, November 18th, 2019 AT 12:25 PM (Merged)

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