imported_jj2ii3344

Good evening!!
I want to ask a very simple question:

For an automatic 5Gen Civic (1992-1995), there is a button on the shifter that you press in order for the car to go from P to R. My question is, do I need to press the button to go from D4 to D3 or vice versa? Because I notice that for my friend's 5gen, when he wants to go from D4 to D3, he doesn't need to press the button, he just move the shifter down to D3.

I did not pay any attention to this before and am just wondering if his shifter is malfunctioning, or is it suppose to be like that?

Thanks!

imported_Steve-O

I autoX with my automatic and shift it myself so I can asmwer this one safely I think.

Provided your shifter is working correctly, you should be able to move the shifter back and forth from D4 to D3 at will (just use caution and be aware of your speed and RPMs because there is no safeguard between D4 and D3 so you can over-rev). It simply has a notching mechanism that holds it in each position.

For anyone interested in autoX'ing or those who just want to shift like a manual, read on...

You will need to press the button to go from D3 to 2 and/or 1.

As I said above I autoX with the auto in my 95 HB and once you get the feel down, you can shift it like a manual.

FYI, if you start from a stop in 1 (as if u were driving a manual), it will rev all the way until you shift it so BE FOREWARNED. As long as you leave it in 1, it will stay there.

I don't know why but that is NOT the case once you have it in 2. While in 2, once it hits a certain speed and RPM close to redline (not sure of the exact RPM) it will shift into 3rd on its own even though your actual shifter is still locked in 2. I'm assuming its some sort of electronic safeguard but i dont understand why it only works in 2 and not 1 (it's fun tho to rev out in 1st so I dont mind ). Also, if for some reason you leave it in 2 and come to a complete stop, your car will stay in 2 and obviously be slow off the start.

Another scenario...you have rev'ed the transmission out in2 and it has now shifted automatically into 3rd but you still have your lever locked in 2. Once your speed and RPMs come down to a certain point, the trans will shift back into 2 (you will notice it). Just realize that once you shift out of 1, the shifter locks into 2 and you have to press the button to go back down into 1.
The same goes for 1. If you are in 2 and you press the button to unlock the shifter and move it to 1, the trans will stay in 2 if your speed it too high. It will stay in 2 until your speed comes down, then it will shift automatically into 1st again (this is even more noticeable than the 3rd to 2nd shift.

Lastly, if you are in 1, you DO NOT need to push the release button to go all th way up from 1-D4 (drag/street racing scenario).

Sorry if I didnt' explain it clearer. It's far easier to understand when you try it out yourself. And for those who say to never shift your auto...ive been to several autoX events with mine and been pretty hard on my auto (leaving it in high RPMs alot and lots of 1-2 and 2-1 shifting) and it still runs awesome. I run Honda ATF fluid and change it as required.

imported_BoOsTd

no button required from d4-d3