Rep Power: 0

Hi everyone, I have a Civic 2005 SE automatic 1.6lt.
some time ago I noticed a change in gear shifting and that the acceleration felt a bit slower. I checked the transmission fluid levels on a cold and switched off engine and they were below the level. I topped it up with the Honda’s own fluid and it felt a bit better with the gear shifting however the acceleration still felt slow.

today I checked the fluid levels on a warm and switched on engine while in NEUTRAL. The picture above shows the level which in my opinion is slightly above the recommended, am I right?

later in the day today I noticed a massive change in the acceleration, now it takes much longer to accelerate, feels like I’m stuck as 20mph for ages before I build up my speed. Later on when I built up my speed to 40mph I could not accelerate any faster. The engine was revving but I wasn’t going any faster. I drove straight home as felt a bit unsafe.

any ideas what this could be? I had a drive shaft replaced not long ago if that helps.

thank you

 
Rep Power: 0

Would also like to add that the gas pedal feels a bit loose right, not when pressing it but feels a bit wobbly when I put my foot on it, once I press it on it feels nice and firm. When releasing the pedal it squeaks slightly at the very end.

 
Rep Power: 210

On most manufacturer's atf level cold check is usually inaccurate. Your Honda atf level should only be checked when the transmission fluid is warm (after 15 to 20 minutes of driving at various speeds) and the engine is off. The car should be on a level surface. After a 20 minute drive park it, set the E-brake, engage the brake pedal and shift through all the gears one at a time allowing a few seconds between each shift. shut the engine off and then check the atf level, wipe the dipstick and check atf level again. Check both sides of the dipstick and repeat check again if needed to get the most accurate reading.

Check the inner CV axles on both sides to ensure they did not partially pop out of the differential.

If the transmission is slipping there may not be much you can do other than an atf drain + fill, and replace the transmission filter if it has one.
Some people use additives such as seafoam trans-tune or Lubegaurd Red. Use those at your own risk and last resort.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thank you for replying, seems like I’ve made a rookie mistake then when I first checked the fluid and then topped it up. I suspect the problem must be somewhere else since the transmission fluid levels were probably fine in the first the place. I guess I’ll be taking it to a mechanic first thing tomorrow morning to get it properly checked out.

Thank you

 
Rep Power: 133

Honda recommends a drain and fill of Honda DW-1 every 30K miles. What has been the transmission fluid maintenance history? I could be wrong but your photo indicates brown used ATF rather than the new pink colour?
There is no serviceable ATF filter to replace - only the internal one that is accessible when disassembled.

 
Rep Power: 210

Valvoline Maxlife for Asian Vehicles full synthetic is fine to use as well. Walmart sells it in 5 quart jugs for $22.