Transmission Issue?

1999 HONDA CIVIC

201,000 MILES • 1.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Hi, when I drive on D4, the gear stuck on 1 and does not change to 2nd 3rd gear immediately. I have to drive at least 50 mts with higher acceleration, then only the gear moves to higher gear. Sometimes, i change it to D2 for it to shift on 2nd gear, drive a little, then change to D4 for the gear to move on 3rd and 4th.
There's also a transmission oil leakage but I have checked it and cannot find where the leakage came from.
I have also noticed a vibration issue on slow acceleration but when accelerating more, it disappears.
It has been more than 6 months and I still cannot find a solution of oil leakage problem. If the engine is hot or have been driving for a while, then nonissue of gear shifting.
Thanks for your help.

Aug 6, 2023 at 8:19 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

What you described sounds like it could simply be the result of low transmission fluid. Have you checked the level and condition of the fluid? If not, do that first.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

If you look at the three pics below, they are the directions specific to your vehicle. Follow them and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Aug 7, 2023 at 12:43 PM

TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Hi Joe.

Thanks for your reply.
Actually, have done this several times. Fill the level of oil but still issue persistent.
Previously on D2 it could shift easily but now even sometimes on D2 it takes a little to change from 1st to 2nd gear.
Have also noted an oil leakage which cannot identify where it comes from, but you can only see it on the engine floor.

Aug 7, 2023 at 4:11 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

If the leak is bad enough and we lose line pressure, that can cause issues. There are two transmission cooling lines. Both will go from the transmission to the bottom of the radiator. Check to see if either one is leaking. See pic below.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to enlarge)

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Aug 8, 2023 at 1:11 PM

TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Hi Joe, have checked the places where u said and all okay. I have found some oil accumulation of oil some other places but cannot figure out where it is coming from. Also attached a picture with arrow to show the flow of oil and where it comes down. Some pictures also to help. I cannot figure out where the leak is or why the gear shift problem.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Aug 12, 2023 at 4:20 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Thanks for the pics. I have to say I don't see anything that appears bad enough to cause a pressure issue.

At this point, I'm going to suggest having the can-bus scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. CAN stands for controller area network.

Basically, all the different control modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will retrieve codes from any module storing them.

Here is a link showing how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Let me know your thoughts.

Joe

Aug 13, 2023 at 2:06 PM

TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Well, me too, I'm very confused since there's a leak but i cannot find it. Also, the pressure drop is only when the engine is cold. If you run for 100 -200 mts the pressure is back, and gear shifting is normal.
Can generate the pressure for the gear shift? Do you think the pump? What pump the transmission oil? Is it the same pump as the steering wheel?
The car is 1999 so i don't know which scanner will fit to do a diagnosis. Do you have any scanner in mind that can be used?
Do you think taking it to a shop will help? Shop charges lots in my country just to do a diagnosis.
Thanks

Aug 14, 2023 at 4:06 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

The transmission fluid is pumped via the front pump in the transmission. If it is working when warm, I doubt that is the issue. I suspect it is a pressure sensor or pressure solenoid, but that is a theory.

As far as a scan too, you need one that is designed for OBD2. They started that system in 1995, so you are well beyond that.

Let me know what I can do to help or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

Aug 15, 2023 at 1:50 PM

TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Hi Joe, is it possible the solenoid on the transmission is causing this issue?
What are the pressure sensors you are referring to and where they are found?
Thanks

Aug 22, 2023 at 8:19 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

The solenoids could be on the outside or inside of the transmission. If you want, I attached the directions for testing transmission line pressure. It requires a few special tools.

Take a look at the directions and let me know if you are comfortable performing them.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
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Aug 23, 2023 at 12:12 PM

TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Hi Joe, sorry to get to you so late. Have been trying to look for the tools. Unfortunately, it is not easily available and if it can be found, the price they are quoting is not cheap.
For the solenoid valve, it is outside the transmission, just below the distributor.
See the attached pic.
What is confusing is that, in the morning, when driving on D4 it is stuck in 1st gear. If you put it on 2, then change to 2nd gear. After driving around 200 mts, if shift back to D4, then it goes up to 3rd and 4th gear.
Anyhow, thanks for helping and if you can give more suggestions, I would be grateful..

Image (Click to enlarge)

Sep 19, 2023 at 9:28 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

The idea that it works when you shift manually to second could be a pressure issue or even a shift solenoid issue. Are you able to scan the can-bus to see if there are codes related?

Let me know.

Joe

Sep 21, 2023 at 11:03 AM

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