What can we do to improve our automatics??

[GMech]

After 3 months of ownership of my 07 EX with auto tranny, I am pretty disappointed with the performance of this 5-speed auto box.

I don't think this R18 engine is all that bad in terms of power and the fuel we can save, I believe its really the combination of DBW and the so called grade logic control that gives us a hard time.

I really hate getting stuck in traffic now, I don't think neither the kickdown nor throttle response is able for me to keep up with other vehicles. The jump from 2nd back into 1st is kind of awkward, and rolling start is even worse. I dont think I have ever experience any of this in my previous Accords or 6th gen Civics.

Has anyone done any technical or tricks to improve their driving experience of their 8th gen with automatics? Or should I cut it short and just trade it in right now for a stick instead?

-GMech

[Skylinegtr06]

hmm I think you should use the D1 etc then

[TJ213]

Originally Posted by GMech

Or should I cut it short and just trade it in right now for a stick instead?

Manual FTW, Si FTW, ummm, FTW FTW

I would try Skyline's suggeston first though, sounds much less expensive

[Skylinegtr06]

^lol solution for all R18s is to get an Si well whoop de do call me jefferson cause you cant find where the cranberries are

[TJ213]

well, a EX auto is pretty close in price (its like $600 off if I remember)

[GMech]

Too bad there isn't such thing as a Si sedan here in Canada, the Si coupe was like 3k more than the EX auto sedan I'm in right now.

[TJ213]

Originally Posted by GMech

Too bad there isn't such thing as a Si sedan here in Canada, the Si coupe was like 3k more than the EX auto sedan I'm in right now.

oh, my bad, didn't realize you're in canada, I guess there your only Si type sedan is the CSX, which is $$$$$. For me the Si sedan was actually pretty much the same as the EX, as they only had the EX in auto, except for one with Navi, and I refused to buy an AT car, or a coupe, the insurance is so much cheaper on the sedan its crazy

[jasongg06]

Originally Posted by GMech

After 3 months of ownership of my 07 EX with auto tranny, I am pretty disappointed with the performance of this 5-speed auto box.

I don't think this R18 engine is all that bad in terms of power and the fuel we can save, I believe its really the combination of DBW and the so called grade logic control that gives us a hard time.

I really hate getting stuck in traffic now, I don't think neither the kickdown nor throttle response is able for me to keep up with other vehicles. The jump from 2nd back into 1st is kind of awkward, and rolling start is even worse. I dont think I have ever experience any of this in my previous Accords or 6th gen Civics.

Has anyone done any technical or tricks to improve their driving experience of their 8th gen with automatics? Or should I cut it short and just trade it in right now for a stick instead?

-GMech

same here

i can honestly say that i HATE driving my civic in traffic or from stops. You need a light foot just for it to feel normal... (no jerkyness)

[TJ213]

do r18s use a floor hinged pedal? if so you could try using a different spot on the pedal to make your input less sensitive

[jasongg06]

Originally Posted by TJ213

do r18s use a floor hinged pedal? if so you could try using a different spot on the pedal to make your input less sensitive

I mean, i can make it feel normal, it's just a hassle. Both the gas/brake pedals are really sensitive, more sensitive than any car i've been in. My friends all complain about how sensitive the pedals are when they drive my car, it takes time getting used to.

[si_civic]

Too bad you can't get shift-kits like I did with my 72 Torino.

[GMech]

Just wondering have you guys tried to flush the tranny with multiple vehicle ATF and noticed any improvements?

Although Honda insists that no other fluid (ATF Z1 only!!) SHOULD be used in any Honda A/T. I read the "Amsoil" official website and they said their synthetic multi-vehicle ATF is recommended for use to substitute the Z1. It also claims that it has BETTER heat transfer and pressure holding ability than conventional ATFs in a wider heat range. So I'm thinking of giving it a try.

The manual in the car says the total capacity of the transmission is 5.9L, so I bought 7 quarts from a local parts store and hopefully my buddy who owns an autoshop can do the flush for me tomorrow in his spare time. I'll update the result of the experiment in my next post.

-GMech

[06CivEXJon]

I knotice the lag and late throttle response too EX Cpe AT its happening in the Manual civics too so the Auto civics arent the only ones having DBW throttle lag problems its the Manual civics too. Hondas DBW sucks ass!

[TJ213]

I noticed this in my dad's '05 accord v6, it burns rubber between 1/2 and 3/4 throttle, its a PITA to get used to, but I just put my heel on the floor and press against the bottom of the throttle.

I also noticed that if you are on the far right side the panels block your foot, so you can only put the throttle down so far, that may be worth trying.

Originally Posted by 06CivEXJon

I knotice the lag and late throttle response too EX Cpe AT its happening in the Manual civics too so the Auto civics arent the only ones having DBW throttle lag problems its the Manual civics too.

As far as I know DBW lag affects every Honda its in except the s2k

[Kroze]

my 5 speed civic dx works just fine....i think you should trade in for a manual.