Rep Power: 0

Ok so I have a 2001 honda civic automatic, starts and runs great, revs up fine, but when you put it in gear it doesn't move. If you put your foot to the floor and nearly redline it, it will creep forward a little, and then sometimes lurch forward and start moving.

Thoughts?

 
Rep Power: 126

First off, don’t do that.

Second, what engine codes are there?

Once you check codes, the next step would be to do a 3x drain and fill. What that means is you drain your transmission, refill it, take it for a short drive if it lets you, then repeat the process two more times.

In all likelihood, it sounds like you may need to replace or rebuild the transmission.

 
Rep Power: 0

I'll check engine codes tonight.

For the 3x drain and refill, is there something cheaper than ATF-Z1 that I can use? Seeing as thats $10/quart with a 6 quart capacity, that's a $180 test...

 
Rep Power: 126

Does that mean your check engine light is on?

It won’t be that much. It doesn’t drain everything all at once. It should be under $100 all-in. Not sure if you can use other fluid or not.

Get codes checked and report back. Look specifically for P0730 aka dead transmission.

 
Rep Power: 222

Check Valvoline and Total. I think they each have a compatible fluid.

 
Rep Power: 0

Will do.

It had an emmissions related code previously so the CEL is on, but haven't checked to see if it has any new codes. I'll scan it hopefully tonight.

Hoping to find a cheaper fluid I can use since I'm just going to be flushing it back out.

 
Rep Power: 126

Not flushing, draining. You WILL destroy the transmission if you flush it.

 
Rep Power: 0

Sorry poor terminology on my side. Thanks

 
Rep Power: 308

Do you know the history of past ATF services ?

 
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No idea. My guess is it's been a LONG time since the tranny fluid was changed.

 
Rep Power: 224

FYI the service manual specs 2.9 quarts for a transmission fluid change (drain and fill). Nine quarts would cover your three drain and fills.

 
Rep Power: 134

Yikes. Might be too late to save this trans. Internal filter and screens may be contaminated with clutch debris causing lack of ATF flow and failure to shift. Drain and fill of Honda ATF recommended at least every 30K miles. Check Owner's Manual.

 
Rep Power: 0

Good to know, thanks!

I didn't have time last night, but I'll break out my scanner tonight and see what codes I have.

 
Rep Power: 0

Sorry for the super late response. Codes are p0740 and p0730. Do these traditionally mean the transmission is toast? Or there is still potential with a couple drain and fills?

 
Rep Power: 222

P0730 is typically the "death code"