The Honda Civic was equipped with various variants of the H5 transmission, including the BMXA, SPCA and B4RA. In pre 1993-models the M24A. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Honda Civic transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Honda Civic Transmission Models
1992-Up Honda Civic: BMXA, SPCA, B4RA Transmission
Honda Civic Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by exact engine size and year. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Honda Civic transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Honda Civic Transmission Recalls
Recall ID – NHTSA: 15V574000 – 2014-2015 Civic
Summary
On September 15, 2015, a recall was issued for the 2014-2015 Honda Civic. According to NHTSA, a software issue could result in severe damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft.
Consequence
If damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft is severe enough, it could break, causing the front wheels to either loose power or lockup, increasing the risk for a crash.
Remedy
Dealers have been instructed to reprogram the transmission control software. Owners can contact Honda at 1-888-234-2138 (refer to Honda Civic recall JU2). Or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (refer to recall 15V574000).
Recall ID – NHTSA: 90V163000 – 1990 Civic
Summary
The automatic equipped 1990 Honda Civic was recalled because an improperly machined shaft could prevent the park prawl mechanism from fully engaging Park when that gear is selected.
Consequence
If the Park gear is not fully engaged, the car could roll away and cause serious injury or damage.
Remedy
When this recall was issued in 1990, Honda dealers were instructed to install a revised parking prawl shaft.
Honda Civic Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
2001-2004 Civic – TSB 04-036
Problem:
The vehicle won’t move when you select Drive. This problem is usually accompanied by a malfunction light on the dash (’01-’03 models), a blinking ‘D’ indicator, and the error code: P0730.
Solution:
Due to excessive wear in the second clutch, Honda recommends replacing the entire transmission.
2006-2008 Civic Si – TSB 08-020
Problem:
The 6-speed manual transmission may emit a grinding noise when shifting into 3rd gear, pop out of 3rd gear, or be unusually hard to shift into 3rd gear.
Solution:
This problem is likely due to a failed 3rd gear synchronizer, or 3-4 shift sleeve.
2001-2005 Civic w/ CVT – TSB 07-050
Problem:
CVT equipped versions of the ’01-’05 Civic (including the Honda Civic Hybrid) may experience drive belt slippage during acceleration, or transmission shudder at speeds below 15 mph.
Solution:
To solve the problem, it’s recommended to either install a lower valve body kit, or replace the transmission entirely.
Common Problems with the Honda Civic Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Honda Civic can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Honda Civic transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Honda Civic transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Honda Civic transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Honda Civic transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Honda Civic transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Honda Civic transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Honda Civic transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Honda Civic transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Honda Civic transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Honda Civic Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Honda Civic Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Honda Civic Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Honda Civic Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Honda Civic Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
05 Honda cuvic cvt 1.7 vetch random miss fire rocker arm 1 actuator stuck open and shift solindoid a code I’ve checked the solenoids by air and voltage taken them off inspection and cleaned they are working properly. Before I jump to replacing the ecm and Tcm what should I do
1998 Honda Civic Hx, my transmission is leaking fluid after i replaced my axle seals, only leaks after i drive it.
I also got a new computer from a junkyard if I was to put the new computer and new ignition in would it still have the same shifting problems
My 06 Honda Civic was in lint mode I had a friend help me get it out of limp mode it now will not shift into third or fourth gear I’ve replaced the shift solenoid on it I put the code reader on it it’s now coming up as the hydraulic pressure solenoid C I’m not sure if that would stop it from going into third and fourth gear or what kind of information you can give me thank you very much
It shift into gear but it act like it is in neutral
1997 Honda Civic dx Check engine light came on then the only gear it has us park. The code says the transmission control system so I bought a new ecu and it still hasn’t solved anything
My transmission went out while I was driving after jumping for a day. The car came to a complete stop and would not go into gear or drive for nine weeks. Tonight, I started the car and the battery was low, so I ran the engine and then excelerated and the engine sounded different. So, I shifted into reverse and it moved, then drive, then reverse and them drive and drove around the corner to my parking space. Is there any diagnosis that you would please help me with? Thank you very much.
66745
my car 2005 honda civic hybrid triansmison bed
My 1995 Honda Civic EX
transmission was rebuilt 5 years ago. I drove it for 1 year 2 months. It got stuck and wouldn’t reverse,. about 2 weeks later it started back working normal. I was told i had a lot of sand in the transmission pan. Drove it for about 2 more months. Then i parked it for 3 years. I put it back on the road. the transmission is dragging but changes gears slowly. I get up to about 35- 40mph in it. Just added new fluid. never changed the pan. What should I do, I absolutely won’t get it rebuilt again. What should I do in this economy ????. .
Are all the 2001 Honda Civic lx transmissions swappable even if it’s not the exact transmission model that the car was equipped with from the factory
I have a 2013 honda civic lx almost a year in may… two months after purchasing… i had to have transmission fluid changed… now the light A13 is on which is oil change, tire rotation, and transmission oil… do i really need to chang transmission this soon…. my car had 65800 mileage on it when i got it… it now has close to 100000 miles due to I drive for Uber….
Did you get the problem fixed?
2015 honda civic automatic changed the starter. still not starting. you can hear the starter engaging flywheel turns but crank does not? I cant figure out where to go from here? anyone else have this issue? If so what was the fix? It was grinding in drive when i stopped the car
I have a 1993 Honda Civic 16 valve engine Manual transmission , my gear shift is stuck in second gear and won’t release back to neutral I’ve installed a new clutch, slave cylinder and master cylinder and still no luck…would anyone know what the problem could be?
03 civic lx 1.7 automatic. I have p1773 and p1768( clutch pressure control solenoid circuit a and b) never have both codes at the same time. I’ve done every test and all is good. Ohms. Connections all check out. I believe I need a PCM. Help
My 06 Honda Civic is having the same problem did you ever get yours fixed and if so what was the problem with your civic
I just replaced the shift solenoid b an it would shift 1st 2nd an 3rd an 4th would do nothing rpms would go really high well I put the new shift solenoid b in now it took like 5 days in the mail to get to me an now my husband says it won’t shift into any gears… Man if I would of known honda Civic had these problems I would of never bought a Honda .. if anyone is experiencing the samething with your Honda please let me no thank u…
93 civic dx auto.
Driving 60mph the axle malfunctioned. Replaced and now when the car get put into drive it makes a loud awful noise and doesn’t go.
Hi got a 2001 slxa transmission only drives on first gear plus the spedo on the dash stop working replaced the sensor same problem replace the transmission same problem anyone know what to do
I have Honda logo and it won’t move cause D light is flashing and we managed to scan the codes which is Eror code 31 and 32
By chance did you also get a bunch of other warning lights appear? Check Power Steering, Check Emissions, Check Transmission?
This just came up on my 2012 Honda civic
Have a 2001 civic just had transmission rebuilt and now when stopped on hills won’t hold in drive or drive3 and slips when starting take off uphill does hold in low gear though it is not giving any codes has been tested could it be a bad shift solenoid or is it the new torque converter any ideas?
I have a cvt m4va transmission installed from a jdm car on 2000 civic. The tranny whines in forward gear with pitch increasing with speed and even louder in reverse. Need solution.