The automatic transmission variant of the Honda Civic, produced between 1996 and 2000 has a tendency to jam at low speeds, particularly when moving away from a standing start. Having a garage replace the transmission and incorporated torque converter can be an extremely expensive job. If you have the appropriate tools and auto repair experience, you can accomplish this yourself with a replacement transmission from a donor car.
Instructions
- 1
Jack the car up at the front end and place the jack stands under the front axle. They should be at a high enough setting to allow adequate clearance to remove the transmission from under the car. You'll need roughly two feet of space to drop the transmission down to the ground on a jack, then bring the new one in. Place chocks against the rear wheels to prevent movement.
2Disconnect the battery by unfastening the flat-head screws on the terminal connections. Trace the wires down to the transmission and disconnect the starter lead and and the ground terminal, both located on the top surface of the transmission case.
3Remove the lug nuts on the front wheels using the socket set and remove both wheels. Locate the driveshaft, which leads from just behind the transmission to the center of each hub. Loosen the locking nut connecting the driveshaft into the engine bay and disconnect it. Repeat with the opposite wheel.
4Locate the screws inside the car that hold the center console down. Move the shifter into neutral. Remove these screws and lift the plastic shroud off the console, revealing the shifter mechanism. You need to disconnect the cable from the shifter and at the transmission. Remove the small brass pin clip located between the shifter and the dash. Slide back under the car and locate the shifter cable port on the rear side of the transmission. There are two locking nuts securing the cable. One ring clamp at the point where the cable enters the transmission, and a larger bolt around six inches away from it. Remove both and the cable will come free. There is a strut brace that is clamped to the transmission by the second bolt, so it will come away when you remove it.
5Position the jack under the transmission and pump it up until it makes solid contact with the underside. Ensure there is a tight fit, and the car is properly stabilized. Remove the large bolts connecting the transmission to the chassis. These bolts are fully exposed to the elements and are often corroded, spray them with lube and use the breaker bar on your socket if necessary.
6Lower the jack gently and wheel the transmission out from under the car. Place the new unit on the jack and check that the torque converter is properly seated. When you push on it, it should click twice, and you should be able to feel the vibration of the spring from within. Also check the wheel bearing covers where the driveshaft attaches. Make sure they aren't cracked or damaged in any way.
7Wheel the new transmission under the car using the jack. Raise it up about halfway and connect any of the leads and cables that you are able to at this time. Raise it up the remainder of the distance and secure the large mounting bolts first. Tighten them firmly and lower the jack slowly.
8Reconnect the shifter cable and replace the strut and center console. Reconnect all the cables and connections removed when taking out the old transmission. Fill the new transmission with fluid and grease all the loaded components. Test the shifting before starting the engine.
