Rep Power: 0

1998 honda civic lx, 75k miles, automatic. when I first start it up and shift from "P" to "D4" the shift indicator light on the dash will not light up D4 and when I try to accelerate it feels very glitchy/jerky and the d4 light will flicker (not flashing like it is throwing a code, but flickering like lights in your house do when storming), car doesn't want to barely move at first but then will after a few seconds and then the light will illuminate on "D4" and stay lit like its supposed to.

Seems to happen more often when cold outside, after driving a bit and warming things up it seems to drive "ok, but seems sluggish even when warmed up. I tried driving it in d3 and no problems at all, seems to drive/shift fine in d3, no flickering light, no sluggish-ness, etc

I did a 3 quart ATF change with honda fluid, but problems are still there. The check engine light isnt on. Any ideas? Thanks for any help

 
Rep Power: 518

Ok the lights on the dash are controlled by the range switch and PCM, and the PCM needs the correct input from that switch in order to put the trans in the correct gear. If no range switch input, it defaults to (3rd or 4th gear?).

If you wiggle the shifter back and forth just a little (somewhere between "N" and "D3", or fore and aft of the detent for D position), the switch may make contact and turn on the D light. If so, then the switch contacts are probably just worn or gummed up.

The switch in question is attached to the side of the shifter assembly in the center console. It is prone to having drinks spilled on it.


If it's had sticky, syrupy drinks spilled on it, washing with hot soapy water (and thoroughly drying it) might clean it up?