Automatic Transmission Problem?

Hey,

I have a 1992 Honda Civic DX automatic with 110,000 miles on it.
The car runs and drives great except for a slight transmission problem.
When coming up to a stop, if i down shift from D4 to D3 its fine, from
D3 to 2nd its fine, but from 2nd to 1st the trans will grind or clunk.
The owners manual says that it is perfectly fine to up shift and down
shift, it even says i can operate this trans like a manual without a
clutch. So is the noise normal or am I harming the transmission and
has anyone else had this experince? Thanks in advance!

Paul

 

Have you had your AT fluid replaced at a dealer (to ensure you get the right
stuff)? That would be the first thing I would do. It doesn't last forever.

 

The fluid has been changed every 30,000 miles and was changed 5000
miles ago with mobil 1 synthetic AT fluid. Is it critical to use the
genuine fluid from the dealer?

 

From what people on the newsgroups have said, you can't use anything
but Honda transmission fluid or you'll run into problems. To fully get
the stuff out, you'll need to drain the fluid, fill new Honda ATF
fluid in (3 quarts with a new washer for the drain bolt), drive a week
and do it again. Repeat one other time and I think you'll get it all
out.

Good Luck,
Nick

 

yes, it's critical. so is reading the archive where you'll see this
question answered so many freakin' times, it beggars belief.