B18B1 Auto Transmission issues

[osiris19]

I have a 1996 Acura Integra LS automatic with about 153,3xx miles on it, all original, original transmission and engine. I bough this car about two weeks ago, and I'm curious if this is a fixable problem or a serious issue. Here's the problem. When accelerating normal, the transmission will jerk from first to second. It's usually really bad when the tranny is cold, and only slight when warm, however it's there. From second to third, it does it again, less noticeable. The third time the tranny shift the RPM's jump to about 4.5K and then drop back down to 2K, like it popped out of gear into neutral, and this happens every time it shifts the third time. I'm not sure if it's slipping or what. Now I searched around a little, and read that if I drain and refill the tranny three times (9 total quarts) it makes the tranny shift smoother and right. I also notice that it tends to shift at 3K RPMs. Isn't the transmission supposed to shift at like 2.5K or am I wrong? One last thing is that when shifting from Reverse to drive, it takes a second to shift and it's usually a loud thud sound when it shifts. Is any of this mount related or is it internally screwed?

[Merlins Beard]

This is exactly what my 97 Gs with 172xxx miles does. Since my Gs was only $1100 and I have 2 other Integras right now, I have never bothered to look into fixing it. I believe that there is no easy way to fix it, I think you will either have to have the trans rebuilt or replaced. I have heard that the fluid flushes help, but dont solve the problem.
My Gs also likes to skip 3rd gear (works fine) so a lot of times I will start off in D3, then go to D4 once I get up to speed

I have found some things to do that help the trans shift smoother:
1. come to a stop when your in R before shifting into D
2. while driving/accelerating lift your foot off the gas before the car shifts (its not too easy at first but after a while it gets really easy and predictable)
3. using 1, 2, D3, D4 and lifting your foot off the gas helps make step 2 easier, but may put some extra strain on the trans
4. NEVER use the shift lever downshift as this will make the problem worse over time since the ECU and TCM are not programmed for the forced downshifts
5. when it shifts from 3rd to 4th and the rpms jump, lift your foot off the gas a little (when my Gs does this, it will rev to 5.5-6k)

[Ganyon]

I think it's just from age because my 99 gs does the same thing. Draining and refilling the trans fluid helps. What I find to help a lot is letting the car warm up before driving. I have also heard that bad motor mounts will cause the rough shifting.

[osiris19]

I have been lifting my foot off when it shifts, but i got annoyed so I gave up. I tried shifting through the gears manually and it sstill does the jerkiness. Honda ATF is expensive, but I want to try and at least make it smoother so I will bbuy like 6 quarts and do a double drain and see if it starts getting better. I should check the mounts too just in case. Its not that big of a problem, and I can always get a replacement transmission withlow mileage on Craigslist or somethong.
I also always come to a complete stop before shifting into D, and let it shift before driving.
Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

[Kyle]

Must be an Integra thing. My old civic had 190,000 on it and shifted like a dream. Not to mention I beat on it like a ghetto hoe when I was an irresponsible young driver.

[jarvalarv]

my 1990 ls does the same thing only thing that helps is letting it warm up and then lifting my foot at shift points but if i still wam getting on the car it will shift it just almost redlines and it only does it in third to fourth in my car

[Merlins Beard]

when you go from R to D do you keep your foot on the brake? Ive always slowed down, gone into N, stopped, then went into D. I get almost no jerk.

I have also heard that accelerating hard will make the trans shift better.

Also you dont have to use Honda ATF, any Dexron III (?) fluid will be fine. Also the Haynes manual I have says that it is fine to use 5W30 or 5W40 grade motor oil instead of trans fluid depending on the driving and temp. (that may only be ok to use instead of MTF, Ill have to look again when i get a chance)

[osiris19]

Originally Posted by Kyle

Must be an Integra thing. My old civic had 190,000 on it and shifted like a dream. Not to mention I beat on it like a ghetto hoe when I was an irresponsible young driver.

Same here. I owned two civics, one with 195k, one with 175k, both shifted fine.

Originally Posted by Merlins Beard

when you go from R to D do you keep your foot on the brake? Ive always slowed down, gone into N, stopped, then went into D. I get almost no jerk.

Also you dont have to use Honda ATF, any Dexron III (?) fluid will be fine. Also the Haynes manual I have says that it is fine to use 5W30 or 5W40 grade motor oil instead of trans fluid depending on the driving and temp. (that may only be ok to use instead of MTF, Ill have to look again when i get a chance)

Yes I do leave my foot on the brake, and I heard these transmissions are so picky that iit has to be Honda because its thinner than other tf


Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

[Spawne32]

OP, sounds like your experience what is known as slip, it would seem its time for you to start looking at getting that trans rebuilt. That last part you mentioned about it sounding like it was coming out of gear and then dropping back in gear again is just that, the transmission has slipped out of gear due to old and worn clutches. Hondamatics like your SP7A that you have in your car are sliding gear transmissions, they are basically manual trannys with automatic components attached, it is quite normal for them to jerk when shifting gears and there is no reason to drive it abnormally to try to smooth it out, it is just the nature of the trans.

Your trans will shift according to how hard you have your foot on the gas pedal, and beyond what i believe is somewhere around 65%...assuming the 96 still has this, you will engage the automatic kickdown. On obd1 controlled cars it is a cable that runs from your throttle plate to the front of the trans, when you go beyond a certain point on this lever it will force the trans to drop down a gear, this can be particularly harsh as well but completely normal. I have heard of alot of complaints regarding the use of aftermarket fluid in these transmissions, but i have been running royal purple max ATF in a constant abuse/racing situation with my auto and it shifts just fine. The biggest enemy of these transmissions is heat, and after an entire day of drag racing it will slip consistently between 3-4th gears, not something i look forward to but its old, 200,000 miles and still going.

[teggythaillest]

Well i got a 95 teggy auto and it does the same thing it is good to let it warm up but anouther good thing that works really well is what merlin beard said to start off on D3 and then when its high on 3rd gear lift to D4!!!

[osiris19]

Originally Posted by Spawne32

OP, sounds like your experience what is known as slip, it would seem its time for you to start looking at getting that trans rebuilt. That last part you mentioned about it sounding like it was coming out of gear and then dropping back in gear again is just that, the transmission has slipped out of gear due to old and worn clutches. Hondamatics like your SP7A that you have in your car are sliding gear transmissions, they are basically manual trannys with automatic components attached, it is quite normal for them to jerk when shifting gears and there is no reason to drive it abnormally to try to smooth it out, it is just the nature of the trans.

Your trans will shift according to how hard you have your foot on the gas pedal, and beyond what i believe is somewhere around 65%...assuming the 96 still has this, you will engage the automatic kickdown. On obd1 controlled cars it is a cable that runs from your throttle plate to the front of the trans, when you go beyond a certain point on this lever it will force the trans to drop down a gear, this can be particularly harsh as well but completely normal. I have heard of alot of complaints regarding the use of aftermarket fluid in these transmissions, but i have been running royal purple max ATF in a constant abuse/racing situation with my auto and it shifts just fine. The biggest enemy of these transmissions is heat, and after an entire day of drag racing it will slip consistently between 3-4th gears, not something i look forward to but its old, 200,000 miles and still going.

Is rebuilding more expensive than purchasing a new transmission? And do you have any opinion on Lucas Oil Transmission Fix?

Originally Posted by teggythaillest

Well i got a 95 teggy auto and it does the same thing it is good to let it warm up but anouther good thing that works really well is what merlin beard said to start off on D3 and then when its high on 3rd gear lift to D4!!!

I started off in D3 and it did the same thing.

[Spawne32]

Originally Posted by osiris19

Is rebuilding more expensive than purchasing a new transmission? And do you have any opinion on Lucas Oil Transmission Fix?


I started off in D3 and it did the same thing.

any "oil" that advertises that it can fix a mechanical part failure in your car is not worth the time or money, they can patch or mask problems, uncover new ones, or damage existing parts, so i wouldnt recommend it. I have seen prices ranging from 700 to 3500 depending on the transmission and the damage and type of work associated, most of the smaller mom and pop shops will do trannys at a much cheaper rate then what places like AAMCO do, and they typically do a MUCH better job. If all else fails you can always find a low mileage replacement on ebay, but you will have to pay shipping charges, and usually they are shipped freight which means about 150 additional dollars depending on where you buy from.

[osiris19]

Well, today it was kinda working fine, at least in the afternoon. I think the cold really messes up the transmission, because it was warmed up today, and the shift jerkiness was only slight, and it had all the get up and go of the the b18, (cept when i went up a hill and punched it, the tranny slipped lololol) and it didn't slip between 3rd and 4th like it usually does. Is a rebuild worth it or should i just change the fluid, and if that doesn't work buy a new one?

[Ganyon]

Just change the fluid. Drive the car a little hard for a few minutes and let it go through all the gears. I just did that then drove normal and it barely jerked.

[phatintegra]

Just to give you heads up always change out your trans fluid every 30k. It's a plus to have a trans cooler install.