Rep Power: 0

So I test drove a 2008 Honda Civic LX yesterday, it was vibrating around 14-16mph(like slight shaking). Like car was hesitating, noticed it around 2 times at the similar speeds.

ATF fluid looked a bit dark, couldn't really tell since it was bit late.

Question is, what would it be? Can a simple drain/refill of ATF 2-3 times cure the problem or it'll be something major?

Never noticed anything at highway speeds or any other ones.

Owner said ATF has been replaced, but he doesn't know about kind of fluid, since it was done at a shop.

Any thoughts or opinions from experts Thanks

 
Rep Power: 518

If it's only doing it at certain speeds and probably just after the trans makes a shift, I'd guess TCC shudder. Fluid is probably rather dark, not pink?

Yes, first step is trans fluid service, possibly multiple times. Use the correct DW-1 fluid from Honda.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks EZ, yes it's rather dark not at all pink as it's in my car :P

Can it be CV axle or anything along those lines?

It happened only 14-16mph and not anywhere else. Yeah, ONLY Honda ATF.

 
Rep Power: 0

Also, regarding cylinder block cracking. Was it on certain VIN# and was 2008 affected ones too?

 
Rep Power: 518

No, not based on your description The affected range was 2006 to early production 2009, and only a relative few have it happen. Certainly not all have it happen.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks EZ, so could it possibly be a ATF fluid being the culprit? After getting it, planning to do 2-3 drain and refills after each week.

Anyway engine block issue can be isolated with a VIN#?

 
Rep Power: 518

Fluid deterioration is the suspected cause. Most are fixed by simply changing fluid anywhere from 1 to 3 or 4 times, depending on condition.
IF fluid alone doesn't solve it, then it might need a torque converter replacement.

This is a big reason my dealer still recommends trans fluid services every 30k or even more frequently. We know what happens when this service is neglected.
No. No way to predict if it will ever happen.

 
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Absolutely, makes sense. Worst case, how much is torque converter replacement?

For now, planning to do at least 3 drain and refills. Then will take it from there, have not picked up the car yet.

 
Rep Power: 142

Without actually consulting the parts catalog and labor times I would estimate the torque converter at $6-800 and the labor time to be around 8 hours. So figure 1500 or so to replace a converter.

But having said that. Yesterday I drove a customers 2008 era CRV with a shudder complaint. At 39-42 mph it felt like someone was hitting the car with a jackhammer. 3 transmission drain and refills later it was perfectly smooth. Some don't come out of it, but many do. If the vibration is light I would expect it to something that fluid would correct, if it is a TC shudder.

 
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Yeah way you are explaining, it's no where close to it. It's like someone is pushing the car back and forth, definitely indication something with transmission.

Thanks, will follow the advice of drain and refill!

 
Rep Power: 518

Negotiate dropping the price by a grand because of this condition?

 
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He's a first owner and I can close the deal at $3850 with ~155k miles.

 
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Just to update, after 3 drain and refills transmission fluid is pink and there's no more shake.

I appreciate all the help. Thanks EZ!

 
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Aint it amazing ...! what using New fluid does for the trany. ?

enjoy the Civic