1996 HONDA CIVIC check transmission fluid

Symptom-to-Component Chart
Hydraulic System (cont'dl
G.
n,
set idle rpm in gear to specified idle speed. lf still no good, adjust motor mounts as outlined in enginesection of this manual.
lf the clutch pack is seized or is excessively worn. inspect the other clutches for wear, and check the orificecontrol valves, CPC valve and linear solenoid for free movement.
lf the linear solenoid is stuck, inspect the clutches for wear.
lmproper alignment or main valve body and torque converter housing may cause ATF pump seizure. Thesymptoms are mostly an rpm-related ticking noise or a high-pitched squeak.
lf the l st clutch feed pipe guide in the end cover is scored by the mainshaft, inspect the ball bearing forexcessive movement in the transmission housing. lf oK, replace the end cover as it is dented. The o-rinounder the guide is probably worn.
Replace the mainshaft if the bushing for the 4th feed pipe is loose or damaged. lf the 4th feed pipe is danFaged or out of round, replace the right side cover.
Replace the mainshaft if the bushing for the 1st feed pipe is loose or damaged. lf the 1st feed pipe is darn-aged or out of round, replace it.
A worn or damaged sprag clutch is mostly a result of shifting the transmission inthe wheels rotate in reverse, such as rocking the vehicle in snow.
or E position while
Inspect for damage and wear:
1. Reverse selector gear teeth chamfers.
2. Engagement teeth chamfers of countershaft 4th and reverse gear.
3. Shift fork for scuff marks in center.
4. Differential pinion shaft for wear u nder pin ion gears.
5. Bottom of 3rd clutch for swirl marks.
Replace items 1,2,3 and 4 if worn or damaged. lf transmission makes a clicking, grinding orwhirring noise,also replace mainshaft 4th gear, reverse idler gear. and countershaft 4th gear in addition to 1, 2, 3 or 4.lf differential pinion shaft is worn, overhaul differential assembly, and replace ATF strainer, and thoroughlyclean transmission, flush torque converter, cooler and lines.lf bottom of 3rd clutch is swirled and transmission makes gear noise, replace the countershaft and final drivengear.
Be very careful not to damage the torque converter housing when replacing the main ball bearing, you
may also damage the ATF pump when you torque down the main valve body. This will result in ATF pumpseizure if not detected. Use the oroper roors.
Install the main seal flush with the torque converter housing. lf you push it into the torque converterhousing until it bottoms out, it will block the fluid return passage and result in damage.
See flushing procedure, page 14-187 and 188.
lf the large clutch piston O-ring is broken, inspect the piston groove for rough machining.
lf the l-2 shift valve is stuck closed, the transmission will not upshift. lf stuck open, the transmission hasno 1st gear.
lf the znd orifice control valve is stuck. inspect the 2nd and 3rd clutch oacks for wear.
lf the 3-4 orifice control valve is stuck, inspect the 3rd and 4th clutch oacks for wear.
lf the clutch pressure control valve is stuck closed, the transmission will not shift out of 1st gear.
lf the ATF strainer is clogged with particles of steel or aluminum, inspect the ATF pump and differentialpinion shaft. lf both are OK and no cause for the contamination is found, replace the torque converter.
Inspect the frame for collision damage.
14-112

Fluid Level
Ghecking
NOTE: Keep all foreign particles out of the transmis-
sron.
1.Warm up the engine to normal operating tempera-
ture (the radiator fan comes on)
Park the vehicle on the level ground, then turn off
the engrne.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the trans-
mission. and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick into the transmrssron
Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level lt
should be between the upper mark and lower
marks.
UPPER MABKLOWER MARK
lf the level is below the lower mark, pour the recom-
mended fluid into the tiller hole to bring it to the
upper mark. Always use Genuine Honda Premium
Formula Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Using
a non-Honda ATF can affect shift quality
K
L
DIPSTICK IYELLOW LOOPI
7. Insert the dipstick back into the transmission in the
direction shown.
FRONT
Installthe dipstick in the extent
of the direction shown.
14-117

Transmission
Installation {cont'd)
Connect the lock-up control solenoid connector. andinstall the transmission ground cable.
6 x '1.0 mm12 N.m {1.2 kgf.m, 8.7 lbl.ft}
LOCK.UP CONTROLSOLENOID CONNECTOR
Connect the staner cables on the staner motor. andinstall the cable holder.
NOTE; When installing the starter cable terminal.make sure that the crimped side of the ring terminalis facing out (see section 23).
6x1.0mm12 N.m 11.2 kg{.m.8.7 tbtftl
{0.9 kg'f.m, 7 lbf.ftl
TRANSMISSIONGROUND CABLE
b
14-186
STARTER CAELE
24. Installthe intake air duct.
D16Y7 engine:
Install the intake air duct and the resonaror.
D16Y8 engine:
lnstall the intake air duct and the air cleaner hous_ang assembly.
25. Refill the transmission with ATF (see page 14_1.18).
26. Connect the positive (+) cable first. then the nega-tive (-) cable to the battery.
27. Check the ignition timing (see section 23).
28. Start the engine. Set the parking brake, and shift thetransmission through all gears. three times. Checkthe shift cable adjustment (see page 14_190).
29, Check the front wheel alignment (see section 1g).
30. Let the engine reach operating temperature (thecooling fan comes on) with the transmission in Nor @ position, then turn it off and check the fluidlevel (see page 14- 7).
31. Road test as described on pages 14-113 thru ,14_116.

Cooler Flushing
!!!@ To prevent iniury to. face and eyas, always
-ea. safetv glasses ot a face shield when using the
transmission flusher.
NOTE: This procedure should be performed before rein-
stalling the transmission.
1. Check the tool and hoses for wear and cracks before
using. lf wear or cracks are found, replace the hoses
before using.
Using the measuring cup, fill the tank with 2'l ounces
(approximately 2/3 full) of biodegradable flushing
fluid (J35944 - 20). Do not substitute with any other
fluid. Follow the handling procedure on the fluid
contarner.
Secure the flusher filler cap, and pressurize the tank
with compressed air to between 550 - 829 kpa (5 6 -
8.45 kgflcm'. 80 - 120Psi).
NOTE: The air line should be equipped with a water
trap to ensure a dry air system.
Hang the tool under the vehicle.
Attach the tank's discharge hose to the return line
of the transmission cooler using a clamp.
Connect the drain hose to the inlet line on the trans-
mission cooler using a clamP
IMPORTANT:
Securely clamp the opposite end oJ the drain hose to a
bucket or floor drain.
TRAMtssroN
TRANSMISSION COOLERFLUSHER{Commcrci.llY avail.blel
Kent-Moore J384O5'Aor equivelent
NS
I
{r Water
7. With the water and air valves off, attach the water and
air suDolies to the flusher' lHot water if available.)
8, Turn on the flusher water valve so water will flow
through the cooler for 10 seconds.
NOTE; lf water does not tlow through the cooler, it
is completely plugged. cannot be flushed, and must
be replaced.
9. Depress the trigger to mix the flushing fluid into the
water flow. Use the wire clip to hold the trigger down'
While flushing with the water and flushing fluid for
two minutes, turn the air valve on for five seconds
everv 15 - 20 seconds to create a surging action'
AIR PRESSURE: MAX 845 kpa {8.45 kgf/cm', 120 psi)
Turn the water valve off. Release the trigger, then
reverse the hoses to the cooler so you can flush in
the opposite direction. Repeat steps 8 through 10'
12, Release the trigger, and rinse the cooler with water
onlv for one minute
13. Turn the water valve off, and turn off the water supply
14. Turn the air valve on to dry the system out with air
for two full minutes or until no moisture is visible
leaving the drain hose.
CAUTION: Residual mobturo in tho cooler or pipas
can damage the transmksion'
15. Remove the flusher from the cooler line. Attach the
drain hose to a contalner.
16. Install the transmission, and leave the drain hose
attached to the cooler line
{cont'd)
10.
'11.
14-187

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVTI
Special Tools ................ 14-194
Description .................... 14-195
Clutches/Reverse Brake/Planetary
Gear/Pulleys .......... 14-198
power Flow ..............,..... 14-200
Electronic Control SYstem(,96 - 98 Modets) ......14-203
Electronic Control System
('99 - oo Models) " 14-205
Hydraulic Control '....... 14-208
Hydraulic Flow .'..-.....'... '14-212
Park Mechanism .....-...'.' 14-222
Eleqtrical Systom
Component Locations'96 - 98 Models """"""' 14-224,99 - 00 Modets ............. 14-225
TCM Circuit Diagram ('96 - 98 Models) ............. 14-226
TCM Terminal Voltage/Measuring Condiiions ('96 - 98 Models) '.... 14-228
PcM Circuit Oiaqram{A/T Control System: '99 - 00 Models} ...--.... 14-230
PCM Terminal Voltage/Measuring Conditions('99 - 00 Models)
A/4 Control System .'.'...14-232
Troubleshooting Procedures ... . .... .....',........."' '14-234
Symptom-to-ComPonent Chart
Electrical System - '96 - 98 Models ......'..... '14-234
Electrical System -'99 - 00 Models ..'....-..-. '11-210
Electrical Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Flowcharts('96 - 98 Models) """'11-242
Troubleshooting Flowchart
('99 - 0O Modets) ...... 14-265
Linear Solenoids/lnhibitor Solenoid
Test ......................... . ...... 14-29f
Drive Pulley/Driven Pulley/Secondary Gear
Shaft Speed Sensors
Replacement .........'...... .14-292
Start Clutch Control
Start Clutch Calibration Procedure ....... ....,. 14-293
Hydraulic SYstem
Symptom-to-ComPonent Chart
Hydraulic System '.'.......14-294
Road Test ............................ 14-296
Stall Speed
Test......................... ...... 14-294
Fluid Level
Checking/Changing ....... 14-299
Pressure Testing ................. 14-300
Lower Valve BodY AssemblY
Replacement ..........,... 14-302
ATF Filter
Removal/lnstallation ..... 14-303
Transmission
Transmission
Removal ........... . 14-304
lllustrated Index
Transmission/Lower Valve BodY
Assembly ................. 14-308
Transmission Housing/Flywheel Housing ... 14-310
End Cover/f ntermediate Housing ..........'.'.... 14-312
Transmission Housing/Lower Valve Body Assembly
Removal ..........'.... .. " 14-314
Transmission Housing/Flywhesl Housing
Removal ................. ........ 1+316
End Cover/lntermediate Housing
14-318Removal .........,...............
Manual Valve Body
Disassembly/lnspection/Reassemblv .'.'.'..... 1 4-320
Forward Clutch
lltustrated Index ........................................ 14-321
Disassemblv .................. 14-322
Reassemblv , ,, . ',','......14-324
Secondary Gear Shaft
25 x 35 mm Thrust Shim Selection ..'.'....-... 14-324
Differential
lllustrated lndex ...,.....................,.,...-.-.-...'... 14-329
Backlash Inspection .-....14-329
Bearing Replacement ......'........'....'... ....'... 14-330
Differential Carrier Replacement ........'........ 14-330
Oil Seal Removal ........... 14-331
Oil Seal Installation/Side Clearance ....... . . 14-331
Flywheel Housing Input Shaft Oil Seal
Replacement .....,.... ...'.'.. 14-333
Transmission Housing Bearings
Driven Pulley Shaft Bearing
Replacenient ...................'. . ...................'.. 14-334
Secondary Gear Shaft Bearing
Reolacbment ...................... . .......... . ........ 14-335
Flywheel Housing Beating
Secondary Gear Shaft BearingReo1acement..................,........................... 14-335
Ring Gear Bearing
Replacement......... ........ 14-336
Control Shaft Assembly
Removal/lnstallation ....................'........... 14-336
Transmission
Reassembly .................. 14-338
Flywheel/Drive Plate .. . ...... . ...... ... . ....-.....'.'...14-341
Transmission
lnstalation ..................... 14-348
Cooler Flushing .'......... 14-352
shift cable
Removal/lnstallation....'........." """ 14-354
Adjustment .......'........ 14-355
Shift Lever ........................,. 14'356
Shift Indicator Panel
Adjustment ................ 14-357
ATF Cooler/Hoses
lnsta llation ......,,...... .... 14-357

Start Clutch Control@
T
Start Clutch Calibration Procedure
NOTE: When the following parts are replaced, the TCM
must memorize the feedback signal for the start clutch
control.
. TCM
. Transmissionassembly
. Stan clutch assembly
. Lower valve bodv assembly
. Engine assembly or overhaul
'96 Model Only
CAUTION: Do not uso this procsdure on'97 - (X) mod-
els or you will damage the transmission. On '97 - 00
models, the TCM or PCM memorizes ths loodback sig'
nals when you drive the vehicle.
1. Engage the parking brake, and block the front
wheels securely.
2. Connect the SCS service connector to the Service
Check Connector as shown. (The Service Check
connector (2P) is located under the dash on the
passenger's side of the vehicle.)
CONNECTOR07PAZ - lDl01(xt
Start the engine, and warm it up to normal operat-
ing temperature (the radiator fan comes on twice).
Fully depress the brake pedal and accelerator for 20
seconds in the E] position.
rl ,
CONNECTOR I2PI
14-293
7.
Shift into E o|. E position. To store the engine
negative pressure in memory. Iet the engine idle in
E or E position for one minute under the follow-
ing conditions:
. With the brake pedal depressed,
. with the y'\/c switch oFF.
. With the combination light switch OFF.
. With the heater fan switch OFF.
. Turn OFF all other electrical systems
NOTE: Start step 5 within 60 seconds after the radi-
ator fan goes off.
Shift into E position, and let the engine idle for two
minutes to store the feedback signal in memory
under the same conditions as in step 5.
Connect the Honda PGM Tester. Check that the TCM
has completed the start clutch calibration.
NOTE:
. The TCM will not store the feedback signal when
the CVT fluid temperature is below 40"C (104'F)
even if the engine coolant temperature reaches
the normal operating temperature.
. Repeat these procedures until the start clutch
calibration is completed-
Disconnect the SCS service connector from the
Service Check Connector.
'97 - 00 Models
The TCM ('97 - 98 models) and PCM ('99 - 00 models)
memorize the feedback signal when you drive the
vehicle as follows:
. After warming up the engine (the radiator fan
comes onl.
. Shift into E position.
. Turn OFF all electrical systems,
. Drive the vehicle up to the speed 37 mph (60
km/h).
. After the speed reaches 37 mph (60 km/h),
release the accelerator for 5 seconds.

Fluid Level
l.Checking/Changing
CAUTION: while chscking and changing, be sure not to
allow dust and other toreign particles to ent€l inlo the
transmission.
Checking
NOTE: Check the fluid level with the engine at normal
operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on).
'1. Park the vehicle on the level ground. Turn oft the
engrne.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the trans-
mission, and wipe lt with a clean cloth.
NOTE: Check the transmission fluid 50 to 90 sec-
onds after shutting off the engine.
3. Insert the diDstick into the transmission.
DIPSTICK (YELLOW LOOPI
Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level.
should be between the uDDer and lower mark.DIPSTICK
5. lf the level is below the lower mark, add fluid into
the filler hole to bring it to the upper mark. Use
Genuine Honda CW Fluid only.
6. Insert the dipstick into the transmission.
14-299
Changing
1. Bring the transmission up to normal operating tem-
perature (the radiator fan comes on) by driving the
vehicle. Park the vehicle on the level ground, and
turn off the engine.
2. Bemove the drain plug, and drain the CVT fluid.
NOTE| lf a cooler flusher is to be used, see page 14-
352 and 14-353.
Reinstall the drain plug with a new sealing washer,
then refill the transmission with Genuine Honda
CVT Fluid to the upper mark on the dipstick.
Automatic Transmission Fluid CaPacity:
3.9 i (4.r US qt. 3.4 lmp qt) 8t chlnging
6.4 I (6.8 US qt, 5.6 lmp qt) 8t ov€lhaul
Rscommended Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Genuine Honda CVT Fluid-
Use Genuine Honda CW fluid only. Using other flu-
ids can affect transmission operation and may
reduce transmission liJe.
Change Interval:
Normal Condition: 30, 000 miles 148,000 km)
Severe Condition: 30,000 miles (48,000 km), but it
you drive at high sPeeds in high
t90"F (32'C) and abovol temper-
atures, the ttansmission fluid
should be changed evsrY 15,000
miles 124,000 km).
{-]lr
ORAIN PLUG18 x 1.5 mma9 N.7n (5.0 kgl.m, 36 lb{'ftl
SEALING WASHERReplace.

ATF Filter
l.Removal/lnstallation
!@ Make sure lifts, lEcks, snd safoty stands
ara pl8ced properly {sae section 1).
CAUTION: While removing and installing the ATF tilier,
be sure not to allow dust or other for6ign particle3 to
enter thg transmission.
1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with
safety stands (see section 1).
2. Set the parking brake, and block both rear wheels
securely.
3. Remove the drain plug, and drain the CVT fluid.
Reinstall the drain plug with a new sealing washer
{see page 14-299).
fl,
5.
CAUTION: Keep all toreign particles out ot the
transmission.
Remove the ATF cooler hoses at the ATF cooler
lines. Turn the ends of the ATF cooler hoses up to
prevent ATF from flowing out, then plug the ATF
cooler noses.
CAUTION: Keep all foreign particles out of the
transmission.
Remove the right front mounvbracket.
10 x 1.25 mm4{ N.m {i1.5 kgf.m,33 lbf ft)
ATF COOLER LINE
10 x 1.25 mm54 N.m {5.5 kgt'm,
40 rbl.ft)
ATF COOLER HOSE(|'t
14-303
6. Remove the ATF cooler outlet line.
7. Remove the ATF cooler line bracket bolt.
8. Remove the ATF pan (fourteen bolts)
9. Remove the ATF cooler inlet line from the ATF pan
(three bolts).
10. Remove the ATF filter, and clean it.
11. Check that the ATF filter is in good condition.
12. Replace the ATF filter if it is clogged.
LINE BOLT28 N.m {2.9 kgf.m,21 lbt.ft)
ATF COO1TR OUTIET
6x1.0mm
ATF COOLER INI-ETLINE ERACKET BOLT8 x 1.25 mm26 N.m (2.7 kgt.m,20 rbtftt
O.RINGReplace.
ATF
ATF FILTER
ATF PAN
6x1.0mm12 N.m (1.2 kgt'm,8.7 lbl'ft)
lnstall the ATF filter in the reverse order of the
removal procedure.
GAUTION: Keep all foreign particles out ot the
transmission,
NOTE:
Replace the O-rings, the ATF pan gasket and
sealing washers.
lf the ATF cooler inlet line bracket is bent or
warped. put it back to the original position
GASKETReplace.
'13.
12 N m (1.2 kgf m,