QuestionQUESTION: 1996 Honda Civic DX automatic. When I put the car in Reverse I hear a whining noise. When I put in N or D no noise. The tranny is not slippling, when it goes in R or any gear it goes in smooth. I recently changed the fluid about a month ago. Used Honda Trans Fluid. Some said it could be a motor mount, but I don't know why a mount would make noise.. Need help on this one. Thanks for you advice..
ANSWER: Gil, are you saying now you hear the noise more than before? Or since you have changed the fluid it is more defined? Whichever all Honda's have a very low gear ratio in 'reverse'. Afterall you do not need to go that fast and the lower gear ratio will give you added torque when in reverse specifically on a hill. Yes the honda's i have owned have all seemed to be a little louder in 'reverse' vs. all other gears and driving conditions. If you think a mount is causing this have a friend go from 'R' to 'D' repeating the motion while you inspect the mounts for excessive flex under the hood. Be sure to have the parking brake engaged while doing this. And A/T's seem to have a little more noise vs. M/T's. Probably due to the fact that they have a torque converter and flex plate compared to a clutch and flywheel. Another reason could be that one of the solenoids is failing, but, doubtful.
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QUESTION: Hi, thanks for the response. I never heard the noise before. Its a whining noise when I put in reverse only. Other gears no noise. Is sounds like something is rubbing agains something then when I put in N or D it goes away. I don't know if that helps. Thanks so much for your response. Is a solenoid hard to replace?
Thanks Gilbert
ANSWER: Gil, now that you think it sounds like a metal on metal sound or something whining, that would definitely not be able to be fixed with a solenoid replacement. And, yes, solenoids are super easy to replace. Hmmmm... Have you personally checked your Automatic Transmission Fluid level? It might be low even though you just had it serviced recently.
Well if it is bothering you alot try not to use 'R' as much as you possibly do. Meaning at night back into your spot or driveway in 'R' so that you are ready to go in the morning. Does the sound make more noise in the morning or night? Or is it the same all the time? Let me know in another follow-up please...
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QUESTION: I checked the fluid level. Its perfect. The sound is when you first start the car. I wait a minute or 2 to get the temp going and then put in reverse. Thats when I hear it. Pretty much everytime I start the car but when its cool. If i run an erand and get somehwere and get back in its not there.. Its weird. Cound a transmission mount make a noise or a vibration noise like that? Not sure. If you don't mind I have another issue. I have replaced all my brakes. Front rotor, front pads, rear drums, rear shoes. I get a vibration when I brake in high speeds. I replaced all the tires because they were bad. Still get a shimmy. The shocks are good. Could calipers or wheel cylanders cause vibrations? I know its alot to ask, but I am going crazy replacing parts..
AnswerGil, the vibration is coming from your wheels and tires. They are not balanced properly. With brand new tires they should have balanced them properly. Instead a new guy might have been just learning or an experienced guy might have just static balanced your wheels and tires to do it quickly. Whichever they should cover that for free since they were not balanced from the begining properly. If you feel the vibration in the steering wheel then it is coming from the front wheels. If you feel the vibration in the lower part of your seat then it is coming from the rear wheels. Vibrations occur between the speeds of 50 to 65 mph. Freeway speeds. So when you get them rebalanced take it on the freeway to ensure they corrected the problem. Take it to 70 mph if you can and accelerate as rapidly as you feel comfortable. Calipers won't cause vibrations nor will wheel cylinders. Untrue rotors will. But you replaced yours with brand new so not there. Out of round tires will and it is not uncommon for a brand new tire to be defective, but, rare.
No a transmission mount will not cause that noise. I know that out of all the Honda's A/T's i have owned they kinda make odd transmission sounds from time to time. Always use OEM Honda transmission fluid too each time you service your transmission too. Which you did, excellent. But, generally I would not be too concerned about this noise. Continue driving the vehicle and it should quiet down after some more miles have been put on the fresh transmission fluid.
