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02 EX - 04-05 trans swap

Old 02-16-2018
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02 EX - 04-05 trans swap

Posted this in the general thread before - figured i'd try here to see if it catches any more eyes.

Recently picked up an 02 Civic EX with 133k miles on it - motors good, checked over by a Honda Tech I know. Trans slips pretty much all the time between 2-3, lessens when it gets warm.

I've seen a few threads here and other forums that you can direct bolt on an 04-05 trans with what are apparently updated internals. Can anyone chime in who's done it? Does there need to be any wiring changes, etc.?

Should i drop the 800 bucks on an 04 EX auto trans with 100k miles and have it put in or keep driving my current until it stops moving forward? Part of me would like to just pull the trigger so I can have some peace of mind for any longer distances I may be traveling.


Thanks for any input!
Old 02-16-2018
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Re: 02 EX - 04-05 trans swap

Did you try a drain and refill?
Seems that would be a prudent first step, who knows that tranny might have another 50k miles in it.
133k could be scary to drive unless you have proof the timing belt was replaced.

I agree if your going to replace it, use a 04/05. Keeping to VTEc or non VTEC model to match your current keeps the trouble codes away

Old 02-17-2018
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Re: 02 EX - 04-05 trans swap

Originally Posted by Slumpertcivic
Did you try a drain and refill?
Seems that would be a prudent first step, who knows that tranny might have another 50k miles in it.
133k could be scary to drive unless you have proof the timing belt was replaced.

I agree if your going to replace it, use a 04/05. Keeping to VTEc or non VTEC model to match your current keeps the trouble codes away

Thats one of the first things I did. Oil and trans fluid change after bringing it home. Definitely a neglected trans.

The timing belt and water pump are being replaced this weekend. After that and some new front brakes, the only other repair needed will be the trans.

I plan to go EX to EX on the swap if and when I do it. Just want to make sure I’m not going to buy a trans that I can’t really use!

Thank you for the input!
Old 02-18-2018
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Re: 02 EX - 04-05 trans swap

Anyone else have any experience with a newer trans plugging and playing?
Old 02-19-2018
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Re: 02 EX - 04-05 trans swap

Well you'll be paying $800 plus another $800-$1000 to install it.

It might be more cost efficient to rebuild the transmission you have.

Call a transmission shop for quotes.

If it is a simple electrical issue like a faulty solenoid then you can have it fixed fairly cheaply; a transmission shop can scan the transmission codes which will not show up on a regular obdii scan.

If the internal filter is clogged then you will need that piece cleaned or replaced with a better option.

Bellow is a great resource for understanding some of the issues that these transmissions have. At 19 min you can learn about the filter problems.

Old 02-19-2018
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Re: 02 EX - 04-05 trans swap

Thanks for the reply!

I haven’t called any trans shops because I’ve read that even rebuilt the 01-02 transmissions don’t last. I can source an 04 with below 100k miles for 900 or less, and I have someone who will install for 300 (Honda tech doing side work).

I’m mainly concerned with the 04 transmission plugging and playing in my 02. I don’t want to cause my guy any issues!
Old 02-19-2018
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Re: 02 EX - 04-05 trans swap

Well as that video showed, the torque converter breaks down and clogs up the transmission filter screen as well as the clutch packs as they wear down.

Would not surprise me a bit that people end up with a nice rebuilt transmission and toss their old disentergrating torque converter back on it.




Old 02-22-2018
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Re: 02 EX - 04-05 trans swap

900 for a used transmission. I get mine from upull yard soon as it gets warm for 100 bucks.
local wreckeers if they pull it is 300 to 350...
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