JDM transmission or US built

Tiny
KEVIN LAY
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.7L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 171 MILES
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.
Friday, May 1st, 2020 AT 10:35 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,591 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.
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 12:50 AM

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