Hawkeye09

Hi all. My 1997 Civic EX which has 215k on the original engine and tranny, had a couple of instances in the last 3 weeks where the gears did not shift on time and took 1-3 seconds to shift from gear 1 to 2 or 2 to 3. Other than those two cases, the car otherwise shifts fine through every gear and I drive it everyday to work 40km.

Yesterday however, I decided to check the Tranny fluid and found that it was brown with burnt smell, which I know is not good. I'm getting a free checkup at Mr. Transmission tomorrow morning but I was just looking for input from everyone here what should be done or what could be the issue. I would like to think that changing the fluid may be alright but what I don't understand is how come the car is shifting gears fine?

Thanks!

3rdgen3

What should be done is to have the transmission fluid flushed and the filter replaced and than refilled with new fluid.

HOPEFULLY the transmission will shift okay after that, but if not than the brown looking fluid and burnt smell is from the worn clutch packs and you just might have to rebuild/replace the trans in order to get bacf to proper shifting.

D.T.P

What do you mean it takes time to shift? It doesn't go in? Or once you release off clutch nth happens?
And be aware of mr transmission, they are rip offs.

bseries_el

is it even a manual transmission? it sounds like an automatic you're talking about.

D.T.P

Ah it makes more sense if its auto. Unfortunately I don't know auto transmissions all that well.
GL

Hawkeye09

Thanks guys for your input. Yes it is automatic. The Mr. Transmission guy actually said the same thing that it may require rebuilding/fixing. He actually told me not to bother with the transmission fluid flush because it's a waste at this moment. I'm going to try it out and see how it goes.

Thanks again.

chris_v2

There is no serviceable transmission filter on his vehicle.

If the transmission fluid is burnt you do have transmission damage from burnt discs or bands.

If you are looking for a cheap alternative to mr. transmission, my shop can install a transmission for you. We would not provide one however. If you are looking for a rebuild, I suggest you shop around at a few transmission shops first to get the best deal!

Hawkeye09

Hello. Appreciate the information. I actually had a big day yesterday and bought myself a 2010 Civic Sport. There is no point for me to fix a 1997 car for 1k cost that is worth probably 2.5k at most. Honda is having a sick sale now so it made sense.

jamie1985

lol nice work...I just bought a 2009 civic sport last year and I love it! Congrats!