ExtremeValue wrote:
> I had this problem with my 1996 civic before. With an warm engine,
> shifting from 2 to 3 causes the engine to rev very high for fraction
> of a second. I took it to a Honda dealer and they said "Transmission
> has a flare". They asked me to replace the transmission.
>
> Then I took it to Aamco and they said linear shift solenoid need to be
> replaced. It was replaced and the problem recurred in 3 months. I
> asked them to go for Honda parts this time. They did that (as they
> said). Again after 1 year the same problem.
>
> It has 228K km, coolant level is okay, Transmission fluid is OK
> (changed a year ago and its pink), regularly changing oils from Honda
> dealership.
>
> I know it will cost me another 400 dollars to replace the solenoid.
> Any idea why its going bad so frequently? Thanks.
>
i don't think it's just the solenoid. while they can and do go wrong,
if the motor's flaring, it's much more likely a problem with the general
condition of the motor.

my experience is that basically, the transmission expects the motor to
produce a certain amount of power in a certain amount of time in the
event of a downshift. if it's too sluggish, the clutches don't lock and
the motor flares. my 89 civic was chronic for this when i first got it.
and that's why the previous owner sold it - they'd been told it needed
a new transmission as some frightful expense.

so, i came in and sorted the motor out, adjusted the shift cable
properly, etc. and now the car's fine.

checklist includes making sure the cam belt is correctly tensioned,
ignition timing is correct, all the ignition components are in good
order, the valves are adjusted correctly, egr system is ok, transmission
fluid is ok, coolant levels good with thermostat working correctly, etc.
take care of all the little things that can affect general engine
health, i bet this problem disappears like mine did.