JDM transmission or US built

2003 HONDA CIVIC
171 MILES • 1.7L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KEVIN LAY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I’m unsure if I should just drive it until it doesn’t move or put more money into the car. The gears are wobbling into place as is and the burning rubber smell is getting worse and worse. I traded for this car and it was a hugh mistake.
Can you put a jdm ($300.00 to $400.00) in my 03 AT LX since it’s “cheaper” without having to add another $1,000.00 in parts for it to work? State doesn’t do checks so that’s not a problem.
Or should I buy a U.S built ($750.00 to $1,00.00+) transmission and pay the bulk (rather just scrap it).
Thanks for your time.
May 1, 2020 at 3:35 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,336 POSTS
The JDM and US made transmissions are not interchangeable. Different control modules, linkage, shift quadrant and wiring as well as different programming. Trying to use the wrong one will set a variety of codes and make the car generally unusable. There are people who say it's a viable swap but it actually isn't because many things won't work correctly.
If yours is US made then you need the US transmission, if it's a Japanese made Civic then you need the Japanese transmission. The code on the transmission will tell you which you need, Code BMXA came in US built cars and code SLXA came in the Japanese made units.
May 1, 2020 at 5:50 PM
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