1997 HONDA CIVIC fluid

MaintenanceBack-up Light Switch
Transmission Oil
NOTE: Check the transmission oil with the engine OFF
and the vehicle on level ground.
1. Remove the oil filler plug, then check the level and
condition of the oil.
OIL FILLER PLUG/14 N.m (4.5 kgl.m,33 lbl.ft)Proper Level
4.
WASHERReplace.
The oil level must be up to the filler hole. lf it is
below the hole, add oil until it runs out. then rein-
stall the oil filler plug with a new washer.
lf the transmission oil is dirty, remove the drain plug
and drain the oil.
Reinstall the drain plug with a new washer, and refill
the transmission with the recommended oil to the
proper lever.
NOTE: The drain plug washer should be replaced at
every oil change.
Reinstall the oil filler plug with a new washer.
OilCapacity
1.8 f (1.9 US qt. 1.6 lmp qtl at oil change
1.9 { (2.0 US $, 1.7 lmp qt) at overhaul
Always use Genuine Honda Manual Transmission
Fluid {MTF). Using motor oil can cause stiffer shift-
ing because it does not contain the proper addi-
t|ves.
\
\
Replacement
NOTE: To test the back-up light switch, see section 23
1. Disconnect the connector, then remove the back-up
light swirch connector from the connector clamp.
2. Remove the back-up light switch.
25 N.m (2.5 kgf'm, 18lbf'ltl
Install the new washer and back-up light switch
Connect the back-up light switch connector.
ASHER
13-3

MaintenanceBack-up Light Switch
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Transmission Oil
NOTE: Check the oil with the engine OFF. and the vehi-
cle on level ground.
1. Remove the oil filler plug, then check the level and
condition of the oil.
OIL FILLER PLUGia4 N.m {{.5 kgf'm,Proper Level33 tbtfrl
The oil level must be up to the filler hole. lf it is
below the hole, add oil until it runs out, then rein-
stall the oil filler plug.
lf the transmission oil is dirty, remove the drain plug
and drain the oil.
Reinstall the drain plug with a new washer. and refill
the transmission oil to the proper level.
NOTE: The drain plug washer should be replaced at
every oil change.
Reinstallthe oilfiller plug with a new washer.
Oil Capacity
2.2 f {2.3 US. qt, 1.9 lmp. qtl at oil change.
2.3 f {2./f US. qt. 2.0 lmp. qt} at overhaul.
Always use Genuine Honda Manual Transmission
Fluid (MTF). Using motor oil can cause stiffer shift-
ing because it does not contain the proper addi-
tives.
OIL FILLER PLUGila N.m {4.5 kgf.m, 33 lbt'ftl
Replace.
\1,
Replacement
NOTE: To check the back-up light switch, see section 23.
1. Disconnect the connector, then remove the back-up
light switch connector from the connector clamp.
2. Remove the back-up lighr switch.
AACK.UP25 N.m 12.5 kgf.m, 18 lbf'tt)Replace.
lnstall the new washer and the back-up light switch.
Check the transmission oil level.4.

Automatic Transmission
Special Tools ......... .....'."".'-.-.' 14'2
Description .,....................-...... 14-3
power Flow ......,................. 14"6
Elestronic Control System .... . ................'..'.'.. 14-13
Hvdraulic Control .....'......" 1'l-19
Hydraulic F|ow...... .'.'.".'....11-21
Lock-up System '............ ... t/t'33
Electrical System
Component Locations....,.............'......'.............'.,. 14'39
PCM Circuit Diagram
lA/T Control Syst€m: '96 - 98 Models) .........'.. 1/t-40
PCM Tarminal Volt8ge/Measuring Condhions
{'96 - 98 ModeblA/T Control System ............
PCM Circuit Disgram(A/T Conlrol System: '99 - 00 Modsls) '..........' 14-44
PCM Terminal Voltage/Measuring Conditions('99 - 00 Models)A/T Control System ...
Troubleshooting Proceduros ....
Symptom-to-ComPonent Chari
Efectricaf SFiem - '96 - 98 Models '..-.-..."'.'..11-52
Eloqtrical System -'99 - 00 Modols ... .........". 1+54
EleclricatTroubl$hooting ('96 - 98 Models)
Valve Body
Repair .................... ........'.... 14-139
Valve
Assembly
ATF Pump
1,1-1i10
Inspection ...........'.......... 14-141
Main Valvs Body
Disass€mbf y/lnspoction/R.sssembly .'.'.'.'.. -. -. 1 1-1 12
Secondsry Valve BodY
Disa$embfy/lnspoction/Rsassembly ......'.'.'.'. 11-111
Regulator Valve Body
Disa$embly/lnspoction/Rea3sembly ..........'... 14-1{5
Servo Body
Disassombly/lnsp€ction/Reassembly .".'........ 14-146
Lock-up Valv6 Body
Dis$s.mbf y/ln3poction/Rea$embly .'.. -. -..'.'.' 1 1-1 17
Mainsh!ft
Dkassembly/lnep€ction Reassembly ..'...'........ 14'148
Inspoction .............'..........'. l it-149
Countsrshaft
Disa$embly/lnspeqtion/Rea3sembly .......'...'.. 1a-l51
Dba$ombly/Re$s.mblY11-152
til-46
I rl-48
Troubleshooting Flowcharts
Electrical Troubleshooting ('9!t - 00 Models)
Troublsshooting Flowchart3
Lock-up Control Solenoid vslvo A/B AssemblY
RePlacoment
Shift Cont.ol Solenoid Valve A/B A3sembly
Inspestion
Ona-way Clutch
Disassembh/lrupoction/Rca$embly .. "'........ l4-155
Clutch
lllustlttcd Ind.x {A48A, B4RA Transmlssion) ..' 14-156
tustr.tod Index (MrnA Transmi$ionl ............ til-158
...................... 14-153
L
14-56
1+81'
14-105
1+105
Replacoment ......
Mainshaft/Countorshaft Spo€d Sonsors
Replacemsnt ......'."'........... lit'108
Hydraulic System
Symptom-to-Componeni Chart
Hydraulic Sydemr+109
t4-113
1+116
11-117
Rea$emblY
14-106 Difforrr ial
llhdraied Index........ t4-156
B.ckhrh ln3poction. 14-167
Boaring Roplacemont..-..........11-167
..... 14-108 Diftrrsniial Carrior Repl8cemeni .'.-.............'...' lil-168
Oil Sall Romovalt4-t 59
Oil Soal ln3tallstion/Sidc Clearance'......'.....'... 1'l'169
Torqua Convertcr Housing Boarings
Mlin3haft Besring/Oil Scal Roplac.ment ."..'.. lil-172
Counio6hatt Betring R.plscem.nt ..'...... ....... 14-173
Test.....,......14-106
14-107
14-160
11-162
11-171
11-175
Replacement
Test .....,.,..........
Road Te3t
Linear Solenoid AsssmblY
Stall Speed
lllustrated Indax
Transmission/End Cover'. ....
Transmission Hou3ing,.............'.'......'....""..-.-.. 11-128
Torque Conve.ter Housing/Valvo Body ........... 14-130
End Cover
14-itB Park Stop
1+119 In3pection/Adiustmsnt...'......'.'............'...."""'14-175
Transmbgion
Reassombly
11-122 Torquo Convertet/Drivr Plsie ............'.'............'.. . l4-182
Transmission
11.726 Inrtallation
Tranlmission Housing Boarings
Msinsh.ft /CounteEhaft Bearings
B!pltcomgnt
Rcvo.3s ldlor Gear
lnrtallation
Cooler Flushing ..
Shift Cabls
Test
Fluid Level
Checkin9 .........."..'.'.....
Changing
Pressure Testing
Transmission
Transmission
Rgmoval ..
lil-176
.'..........'.'.'..... 1'l-183
.... lil-187
11-132Adiustmont
RemovaUlnttallation1,1-190
lit-191Transmisgion Housing
Removal ... '.'...... ......'..... 14-l3il
Tolque Convgrter Housing/valvs Body
Rsmoval .........,...... ............. 14-136
Valve CaDs
Description .......'................. t 4'138
Shift lndicator Panel
Adiu3tmant ..'.................. 14-192
ATF Coolor Hoses
Connection ..,............,.,....... l'l-192
Shift Lever .,........

Description
The automatic transmission is a 3-element torque converter and a dual-shaft electronically controlled unit which provides
4 soeeds forward and 1 reverse.
Torque Convertel, Geats, and Clutches
The torque converter consists of a pump, turbine and stator, assembled in a single unit. They are connected to the engine
crankshaft so they turn together as a unit as the engine turns. Around the outside of the torque converter is a ring gear
which meshes with the starter pinion when the engine is being started. The entire torque converter assembly seryes as a
flywheel while transmiuing power to the transmission mainshaft.
The transmission has two parallel shafts: the mainshaft and the countershaft. The mainshaft is in Iine with the engine
crankshaft. The mainshaft includes the 1st, 2nd and 4th clutches, gears tor 2nd, 4th, reverse and lst (3rd gear is integral
with the mainshaft, while the reverse gear is integral with the 4th gear). The countershaft includes the 3rd clutch, and
gears for 3rd,2nd, 4th, reverse. 1st and park. The gears on the mainshaft are in constant mesh with those on the counter-
shaft. When certain combinations of gears in transmission are engaged by clutches. power is transmitted from the main-
shaft to the countershaft to provide E, ld, E, and E positions.
Electronic Control
The electronic control svstem consists of the Powertrain Control Module {PCM), sensors, a linear solenoid and four
solenojd valves. Shifting and lock-up are electronically controlled for comtonable driving under all conditions. The PCM is
located below the dashboard, under the front lower panel on the passenger's side
Hydraulic Control
The valve bodies include the main vatve body, the secondary valve body, the regulator valve body, the servo body and the
lock-up valve body through the respective separator plates, They are bolted on the torque converter housang
The main valve body contains the manual valve, the 1-2 shift valve. the 2nd orifice control valve, the CPB {Clutch Pressure
Back-up) valve, the modulator valve. the servo control valve, the relief valve, and ATF pump gears The secondary valve
body contains the 2-3 shift valve. the 3-4 shift valve, the 3-4 orifice control valve, the 4th exhaust valve and the CPC (Clutch
pressure Control) valve. The regulator valve body contains the pressure regulator valve, the torque converter check valve,
the cooler relief valve, and the lock-up control valve. The servo body contains the servo valve which is integrated with the
reverse shift fork, and the accumulators. The lock-up valve body contains the lock-up shift valve and the lock-up timing
valve. The linear solenoid and the shift control solenoid valve Ay'B are bolted on the outside of the transmission housing,
and the lock-up control solenoid valve Ay'B is bolted on the outside of the torque converter housing. Fluid from regulator
passes through the manual valve to the various control valves. The clutches receive fluid from their respective teed pipes
or internal hydraulic circuit.
Shift Control Mechanism
Input from various sensors located throughout the car determines which shift control solenoid valve the PCM will activate
Activating a shift control solenoid valve changes modulator pressure, causing a shift valve to move. This pressurizes a line
to one of the clutches, engaging that clutch and its corresponding gear, The shift control solenoid valves A and B are con-
trolled by the PCM.
Lock-up Mechanism
In ,Dt1 position, in 3rd and 4th. and in E position in 3rd, pressurized fluid is drained from the back of the torque converter
through a fluid passage, causing the lock-up piston to be held against the torque converter cover. As this takes place, the
mainshaft rotates at the same as the engine crankshaft. Together with hydraulic control, the PCM optimizes the timing of
the lock-up mechanism. The lock-up valves control the range of lock-up according to lock-up control solenoid valves A and
B, and linear solenoid. When lock-up control solenoid valves A and B activate, the modulator pressure changes The lock-
up control solenoid valves A and B and the linear solenoid are controlled by the PCM.
(cont'd)
14-3

Description
Hydraulic Control (cont'dl
Msin Valve Body
The main valve body houses the manual valve, the 1-2 shift valve, the 2nd orifice control valve, the cpB valve, the modu-lator valve' the servo control valve, and the relief valve. The primary functions of the main valve body are to swatch fluidpressure on and off and to control the hydraulic pressure going to the hydraulic control svstem.
2ND ORIFICE CONTROTVALVE
1-2 SHIFT VALVE
RELIEF VALVE
CPC VAL
3-4 SHTFT V
VALVE
Socondary Valve Body
The secondary valve body is located on the main valve body. The secondary valve body houses the 2-3 shift vatve, the 3-4shift valve, the 3-4 orifice control valve, the 4th exhaust valve, and the CpC valve.
CONTROL
2.3 SHIFT VALVE
4TH EXHAUST VALV€
VALVE
14-20
VALVE

Description
Hydraulic Control (cont'dl
Regulator Valve
The regulator valve maintains a constant hydraulic pressure from the ATF pump to the hydraulic control system, whitealso furnishing fluid to the lubricating system and torque converter. The fluid from the ATF pump flows through B and 8,.The regulator valve has a valve orifice. The fluid entering from B flows through the orifice to the A cavity. This pressure ofthe A cavity pushes the regulator valve to the right side, and this movement of the regulator valve uncovers the fluid portto the torque converter and the relief valve. The fluid flows out to the torque converter, and the relief valve and regulatorvalve moves to the left side. According to the level of the hydraulic pressure through B, the position of the regutator vatvechanges and the amount of the fluid from B' through D and c also changes. This operation is continued. maantaining theline pressure,
NOTE: When used. "|eft" or "right" indicates direction on the illustration betow.
ENGINE NOT RUNNING
TOROUE CONVERTER
ENGINE RUNNING
To TOROUE CONVERTER Lubrication
Stator Roaction Hydraulic Prossur6 Control
Hydraulic pressure increases according to torque, are performed by the regulator valve using the stator torque reaction.The stator shaft is splined with the stator in the torque converter, and its arm end contacts the regulator sprang cap. whenthe vehicle is accelerating or climbing (Torque Convert€r Range), the stator torque reaction acts on the stator shaft, andthe stator arm pushes the regulator spring cap in the direction of the arrow in proponion to the reaction. Jne stator reac-tion spring compresses, and th€ reoulator valve moves to increase the line pressure which is regulated by the regulatorvalve. The line pressure reaches its maximum when the stator torque reaction reaches its maximum.
STATOR SHAFT ARM
REGULATOR VALVE
14-22
STATORATOR SHAFT ARM
SPRING CAP

\
@ Position
As the engine turns, the ATF pump also starts to operate, Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is drawn from (99) and dis-
charged into (1). Then, ATF flowing from the ATF pump becomes the line pressure (1). The line pressure (1) is regulated
by the regulator valve. The torque conv€rter inlet pressure (92) enters (94) of the torque converter through the lock-up
shift valve and discharges into (901. The torque converter ch€ck valve prevents the torque converter pressure from rising'
Under this condition, the hydraulic pressure is not applied to the clutches'
NOTE: When used, "1eft" or "right" indicates direction on the hydraulic circuit'
14-25

E! or l8! Position
1. lst Gear
The flow of fluid through the torque converter circuit is same as in E position, The line pressure tlows to the manual
valve and the modulator valve. The line pressure changes to the modulator pr€ssure (6) at the modulator valve and to
the line pressure (4) at the manual valve. The modulator pressure (61 flows to the lsft end of the 1-2 shift valve and the
3-4 shift valve because shift control solenoid valve A is turned OFF and B is turned ON by the PCM. The 1-2 shift valve
is moved to the right side. The line pressure (4) changes to the lst clutch pressure (10) at the 1-2 shift valve and the
oritice. The lst clutch pressure (10) is applied to the 1st clutch and tho 1st accumulator; consquently, the vehicle will
move as the engine power is transmitted.
NOTE: When used, "|eft" or "right" indicates direction on the hydraulic circuit'
(cont'd)
14-27