I bought a 1995 Civic DX 4-dr for my daughter. It seems to run well, doesn't burn oil (and it passed our emission inspection).

But I am concerned about the transmission. It will not upshift unless I let off the gas, and when it downshifts to first, it seems to do it early so the car lurches a little and the engine revs.

Is this a common problem, or a serious one? Is this something I can repair myself (like a linkage that needs to be reattached) or do I need to take it to AAMCO? Has this been posted already? I'll try searching some more.

The car has 146,000 miles on it. I'd like to put another 100,000 more.

Thanks in advance.

 

sounds like the kickdown cable is a little tight. find that and loosen it a couple o fturns. that should help.

 

Sac, you took the words right out of my mouth! Yea, I have that same thing happening with my car, but intentionally. Do exactly as Sacicons stated, and it should shift just fine.

 

Thanks! I'm glad it sounds like something I can address... My next newb question is: which one is the kickdown cable? Which end do I loosen?

Sorry for the stupid questions...

~lum

 

the cable that goes down from your throttle body, to the front of the tranny. I believe you loosen from the top, near the TB. Im not the one who tightened my cable, so Im not 100% positive.

 

Sounds like the same problem I had with the old '93 auto sedan. It NEVER wanted to shift. My brother's still driving it and I think he might still be having the same issue.

 

I actually kinda like it when its tightened, it feels bit more like a five speed since you really get to choose when it shifts, it also sound a little better. But, still same ol auto[:@]

 

Thanks so much, everybody! With your help I now know what this cable does, and where it is.

I found that it has an adjustment right on the throttle body, and after a few trials and errors, I think I've found the "sweet-spot."

Didn't need too many turns. In fact only a couple of flats was all it took. I'm surprised at how differently the transmission behaves as a result. It still lurches when shifting down to 1st gear, but not as badly as it did before. And of course, it upshifts much better..., more automatically. ehehe

Thanks all!

~lum

 

glad to see you got in handled!

 

What does the kickdown cable do? I don't know much about auto trannies and I don't have my haynes manual here...