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yesterday i was at a red light and when it was time to go the car started acting like it was going to choke out started to idle very low. When i got home going up the drive way the car died tried to restart it and it would turn then die then the "D" light on dash started to flash. I know the light flashing means transmission issues put i have no signs of transmission failure does not slip or make noise. I checked for any loose conections but could not find any. the car starts fine when cold but when i drive it for ten min. then turn it off and try to turn it back on it turns and dies but i notice if i put it in neutral the car starts fine but still wants to choke out when i step on the gas. My question is this really a transmission failure or could it be gear solenoid, torque converter, or some kind of sensor if so, is there anything i could do. I really want to do everything i can before i have to take it to a shop money very tight. Thanks.

 
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have you check if its getting fuel? maybe a fuel pump?

 
Rep Power: 188

It would help to know what year it is.

It could also be a clogged fuel filter causing low fuel pressure. Fuel pressure will build quickly if you leave the key on without the engine turning over. Once the engine starts spinning, fuel pressure drops quickly. Since it starts for an instant, the electrical / ignition system appears to be working. Might as well check the air filter. How many miles on spark plugs and wires?

 
Rep Power: 190

Do a tune up, meaning fuel filter, air filter, cap rotor, plugs, wires if they are old. Once that is done then we can troubleshoot from there and yes please include the year and model of civic to help you out more.

 
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sorry, its a 97 hx coupe automatic.
come to think about it i am alittle over due on a tune-up i'll do it this weekend.
Do you think this will cause the drive light on the dash to blink?
I'll reply tomorrow let you guys know what happens. Thanks

 
Rep Power: 190

what is the condition of the atf? It should be bright red and not stink. If its redish brown change it and the filter, if its worse than that then you will need to flush it out.

 
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ok. i did a tune up today changed the fuel filter, plugs (gap .044), wires, cap & rotor. Now the car wont start it'll turn on for a second than die, if i step on the gas and force it to stay on it runs really rough then when i let go of the gas the car dies. On the other hand one good thing is that the drive light on the dash stop flashing. Any ideas????

 
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Sounds like a fuel issue but I'm no expert on diagnosing that.

 
Rep Power: 190

are you sure you got the wires back on the right plug? if you messed that up then it will cause a no start/rough running condition. I have seen ppl do that on occasion. Remove all the plugs again and disconnect the main wire off the cap, see if you can smell fuel with it turning over. Also add some fuel injection cleaner to the tank to clean the injectors out. I would not jump to anything like the fuel pump just yet.

 
Rep Power: 188

You also need to check the timing belt.

If you use some starting fluid, or pour 1/4 cup gas into the intake, and the engine starts and runs for just a moment, it is likely your ignition system is working, your fuel system is not.

This can be dangerous, so be careful, do not put your face or fingers near the intake while cranking. Do not pour gas down the intake while cranking the engine at the same time. If you get a back fire up through the intake, keep cranking the motor to suck the fire back in. Do not use too much gas or starting fluid.

 
Rep Power: 190

starting fluid would be safer than the gas idea its kind of redneck but it does work if you do not have the proper tools for testing fuel pressure.

 
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I prefer the term "old school".

 
Rep Power: 190

lol very well old school.

 
Rep Power: 367

haven't used the gas method for quite a long time (we old farts )
Newfiedan, you still too young

 
Rep Power: 190

me to young? lol, you are only 4 years older than me, I have been working on cars since I was 14, and worked around many much more experienced guys than me and learned from them, hell I can macgyver a car like ppl twice my age, it has served me well for many years, unlike most kids I never opened my mouth other than to learn from them and not be a dumbass know it all. If I did I woulda gotten smacked for it lol. Respect for my elders was a learned trait lol.

 
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its alive!!!!
decided to start over again put back all the old parts back in because if the car turned over before the tune-up it should turn with them back in, and it did. The only thing i left on that was new was the fuel filter, So i started doing one thing at a time put new rotor and it turned, new cap and tuned, new wires it turned, new plugs DID NOT turn!! I was told to gap them at .044 did that the only thing i can think of is that they were house brand (autolife) they did'nt have NGK's. Also leared what started the whole problem it was the fuel filter. Thanks Newfiedan & Too Tall.
Im still going to change atf in hope that the drive light dosent flash again.
Thanks for your help.

 
Rep Power: 367

hunh...
another one for the new parts that actually do not work too well.
glad it's back on and another lesson to all.

 
Rep Power: 188

I suppose by "turn" you mean start and run. I generally use the term "turn over" to indicate the battery and starter spin the engine over without the plugs actually firing.

Strange the autolight plugs didn't work, unless they cross referenced them incorrectly.

The light comes on by a pre-programed computer setting based on mileage, it in no way measures the quality of tranny fluid.

auto tranny oil change interval

This thread has some good information about changing tranny fluid. Some guys do it wrong and end up with a burnt out tranny.

 
Rep Power: 190

I have heard of that issue with the e3 diamond fire plugs actually, a lot of people were having problems due to improper gapping for their car coming from the crossreference. Glad you found it, I would still use the new cap/rotor and plug wires though in case you did not put them on.

 
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Sounds a lot like when my civic stopped firing on cylinder #4 because there was no spark.