Alright this is my 6th CRX but my first automatic. Is it just me or do these things have no power whatsoever. It really seems as if I can not go up a hill. I literally burn gas to the point i am watching it go away up a hill. Also it gets bad gas mileage in general period. I am average 170-240 a tank and my 5-speed rex gets like 400-450 sometimes (on the highway). I posted this in Honda-TEch and the general concensous is transmission needs fluid change/service. I am just trying to get sencond opinions. Thanks.
Automatic CRX that cant make it up a hill
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Welcome!
You may want to do a general tune-up on the vehicle. Plugs, wires, fuel filter, cap and rotor, etc. Perhaps the 02 sensors are funny and causing the engine to dump a ton of fuel in, killing performance and gas mileage.
I'm no expert though, so lets wait for some more input.
You may want to do a general tune-up on the vehicle. Plugs, wires, fuel filter, cap and rotor, etc. Perhaps the 02 sensors are funny and causing the engine to dump a ton of fuel in, killing performance and gas mileage.
I'm no expert though, so lets wait for some more input.
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I have had a 90' and a '91 DX auto. I've gotten up to 42 MPG on the highway with both the stock motor and a D16Z6. The Z6 seems to get better economy in day to day driving... Typically around 34-37 MPG where the D15B2 got 30-33. Point being, what you're seeing is definately not normal.
A fluid change would be a good idea in general, but I don't think old fluid would hurt the fuel economy that much. You might see those numbers with no obviously apparent cause if the torque converter lockup clutch was worn out or otherwise not functioning. Check that the solenoid valve on top of the tranny is plugged in and operating (give it 12v+ and see if it clicks).
A fluid change would be a good idea in general, but I don't think old fluid would hurt the fuel economy that much. You might see those numbers with no obviously apparent cause if the torque converter lockup clutch was worn out or otherwise not functioning. Check that the solenoid valve on top of the tranny is plugged in and operating (give it 12v+ and see if it clicks).
Thanks for the input guys. I have done a tuneup, the only thing left is O2 sensor and fuel filter. I know the fuel filter can really effect MPG but it looks like it has been replaced recently (ie it doesnt look stock). Another crazy thing is it downshifts pretty hard when i start to slow down/brake. The HT guys said it was kinda normal for a stiff downshift so i dont know if i should even be worried about that at all. Other than all this junk the car is mint really. I may end up doing a 5-speed conversion later so i really dont want to invest much in this tranny you know? i got a zc sohc chilling at my house in Louisiana, but i just moved to Hawaii sooooo well you get the picture. trying to figure it all out. THanks
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The CRX auto tranny is a 4 speed with lockup torque converter. Changing gears is done by a hydraulicly operated clutch pack on each set of gears as opposed to physically moving the gears into mesh as the manual transmission does. The transmission has a fifth hydraulic clutch in the torque converter.
The torque converter (which occupies the space where the clutch and flywheel would be on a manual transmission setup) uses transmission fluid flowing through a turbine system to create a torque multiplying effect at low engine RPMs. Making the engine power move through a fluid like this allows the transmission to stay in gear while the car is stopped without stalling the engine and also allows for the slow forward creep when you let off the brakes.
The torque converter doesn't serve any purpose at highway speeds - It just wastes energy spinning fluid around. As such, the lockup clutch is set up to sort of mechanically short out the torque converter. Instead of power flowing through the fluid and turbine fins, it goes from the torque converter casing (which is bolted to the end of the crankshaft), through the lockup clutch and on to the transmission input shaft.
If the lockup clutch is working, you should be able to feel it engauge as a sort of fourth gear shift. When it's on, power delivery will feel much more direct - no reving up a few hundred RPM when you step on the gas... It should feel like a manual transmission.
The torque converter (which occupies the space where the clutch and flywheel would be on a manual transmission setup) uses transmission fluid flowing through a turbine system to create a torque multiplying effect at low engine RPMs. Making the engine power move through a fluid like this allows the transmission to stay in gear while the car is stopped without stalling the engine and also allows for the slow forward creep when you let off the brakes.
The torque converter doesn't serve any purpose at highway speeds - It just wastes energy spinning fluid around. As such, the lockup clutch is set up to sort of mechanically short out the torque converter. Instead of power flowing through the fluid and turbine fins, it goes from the torque converter casing (which is bolted to the end of the crankshaft), through the lockup clutch and on to the transmission input shaft.
If the lockup clutch is working, you should be able to feel it engauge as a sort of fourth gear shift. When it's on, power delivery will feel much more direct - no reving up a few hundred RPM when you step on the gas... It should feel like a manual transmission.
well 'power delivery' is not there at all. so i can just put 12v to the switch and it should click, if not then i need a new switch???? or am i totally wrong??? if i have to tear down the transmission at all i am just gonna put a 5-speed on it. That i can do no problem. thanks
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It's a solenoid valve but yeah, that's the idea.
Have you replaced the fuel filter or O2 sensor yet like baker_jeff suggested? The O2 sensor pretty much gets ignored during hard acceleration, so replace the filter and see if that helps power.
It just occured to me... Maybe you have a clogged catalytic converter?
:?
Have you replaced the fuel filter or O2 sensor yet like baker_jeff suggested? The O2 sensor pretty much gets ignored during hard acceleration, so replace the filter and see if that helps power.
It just occured to me... Maybe you have a clogged catalytic converter?
:?
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My auto is not sprightly but it's not the slowest car I've ever driven. That trophy belongs to a 92 Tercel 4-speed. Fortunately I won't be slow or auto for too much longer. The best tank of gas I saw in 6 years of CRX ownership was 401 miles.
Unfortunately I have no idea what could be wrong with this guy's car. :?:
Unfortunately I have no idea what could be wrong with this guy's car. :?:
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That would be consistant with a clogged cat. I was helping out a friend of mine when he swapped in an SOHC ZC and new exhaust system, including a cat. Evidently, one of the honeycomb sections had broken and was sitting in the housing at an angle. Evidently the restriction that caused was enough to make the cat housing glow red hot.wabashky said:
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