1) The document discusses modifications that can be made to the automatic transmission of 1996-2000 Honda Civics to improve shift feel and firmness.
2) One simple modification is to adjust the linear solenoid, which controls shift feel and torque converter clutch operation. Turning it clockwise can make shifts firmer but too much adjustment can negatively impact torque converter clutch control.
3) For firmer shifts without affecting torque converter clutch operation, the CPC (Clutch Pressure Control) valve in the secondary valve body can be adjusted. Turning it in 1/8 to 1/4 turn clockwise provides moderately firmer shifts while minimizing negative effects.
1) The document discusses modifications that can be made to the automatic transmission of 1996-2000 Honda Civics to improve shift feel and firmness.
2) One simple modification is to adjust the linear solenoid, which controls shift feel and torque converter clutch operation. Turning it clockwise can make shifts firmer but too much adjustment can negatively impact torque converter clutch control.
3) For firmer shifts without affecting torque converter clutch operation, the CPC (Clutch Pressure Control) valve in the secondary valve body can be adjusted. Turning it in 1/8 to 1/4 turn clockwise provides moderately firmer shifts while minimizing negative effects.
1) The document discusses modifications that can be made to the automatic transmission of 1996-2000 Honda Civics to improve shift feel and firmness.
2) One simple modification is to adjust the linear solenoid, which controls shift feel and torque converter clutch operation. Turning it clockwise can make shifts firmer but too much adjustment can negatively impact torque converter clutch control.
3) For firmer shifts without affecting torque converter clutch operation, the CPC (Clutch Pressure Control) valve in the secondary valve body can be adjusted. Turning it in 1/8 to 1/4 turn clockwise provides moderately firmer shifts while minimizing negative effects.
1) The document discusses modifications that can be made to the automatic transmission of 1996-2000 Honda Civics to improve shift feel and firmness.
2) One simple modification is to adjust the linear solenoid, which controls shift feel and torque converter clutch operation. Turning it clockwise can make shifts firmer but too much adjustment can negatively impact torque converter clutch control.
3) For firmer shifts without affecting torque converter clutch operation, the CPC (Clutch Pressure Control) valve in the secondary valve body can be adjusted. Turning it in 1/8 to 1/4 turn clockwise provides moderately firmer shifts while minimizing negative effects.
Shift Feel Modifications Civic T by Mike Van Dyke he Honda Civic has become a Figure 2 popular vehicle for modifica- tion by import performance enthusiasts. While the manual transaxle is usually the choice of the hardcore performance enthusiast, there are quite a few automatic-equipped Civic own- ers looking for “performance” shifts. If you do any high performance work at your shop, you’re likely to have an automatic-equipped Civic owner come in asking you about making the shifts firmer. In this issue, we’re going to go over a few simple modifications for firmer shifts and TCC apply on the A4RA / B4RA transaxle used in the 1996–2000 Civic. This article takes a conservative Adjustment approach to making the shifts firmer. Plug You want to be wary of making one of these units shift brutally hard, as its main weakness is the clutch drums. Linear Solenoid If you have the unit apart, check all Remove linear solenoid to adjust end plug the drums, specifically the first gear clutch drum. It’s common for this drum transaxles, you already know that you to adjust shift feel without going inside to crack right around the center, just have to remove and disassemble the the unit. This can be done by adjusting outside the recess where the shaft nut is transaxle to reach the valve body. Both the linear solenoid, shown in figure 2. located (figure 1). you and your customer need to be This adjustment is sensitive; it’s best Before we dive in… keenly aware of this fact. Shift feel to start with 1/8 to 1/4 turn clockwise, If you’ve worked on many Honda and firmness can be a subjective issue, then road test to assess the results. Keep Figure 1 and the only way in mind that you’ll have to remove the to be certain your solenoid to adjust it. customer is going Adjusting the linear solenoid is a to be happy with simple modification and is easily revers- the results is after ible, but it has one major drawback: the modifica- firmer shifts can be achieved up to a tions have been point, but too much adjustment can have performed. The negative effects on TCC control. That’s customer needs to because the linear solenoid isn’t only understand that, used to control shift feel; it’s also used if the unit has to to control the torque converter clutch come back out full apply timing. Cranking up the lin- to fine tune shift ear solenoid can lead to an abrupt TCC feel, the labor apply and lugging the engine, especially isn’t free. under light throttle acceleration. With that When you increase the linear said, a simple solenoid pressure, instead of having first approach is partial TCC apply at light throttle, it
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Superiorplcd.indd 27 4/11/06 3:28:11 PM Hot Rod Civic Figure 3
CPC Valve Lineup
CPC Valve Spring
Secondary Valve Body
Always Remove CPC valve for cleaning and to check for broken spring
can go straight to full apply as soon as Let’s Dive In! valve won’t affect TCC control. TCC is enabled. When this happens the To get even firmer shifts without It’s very common for the CPC valve engine will lug down, the dashboard TCC side effects, or to modify TCC apply, spring to break, so you’ll want to remove will rattle, and acceleration will be we have to go inside the unit. There are it for inspection. You’ll need a 5 mm poor until vehicle speed increases, or a couple of ways to approach modifying hex key wrench and a 10 mm box end until you press down far enough on the shift feel: accumulator springs, increase wrench to adjust or remove the CPC throttle for the PCM to command the line pressure, etc. The easiest and most valve (figure 4): TCC to release. effective modification I’ve found is to • Hold the 5 mm hex key wrench and After adjusting the linear solenoid, simply adjust the CPC (Clutch Pressure loosen and remove the 10 mm lock be sure to drive the vehicle at light Control) valve in the secondary valve bolt. to medium throttle to see if there are body. (figure 3). The CPC valve is con- • Measure and record the depth of the any negative effects on torque converter trolled by linear solenoid pressure, but adjustment plug so it can be reas- clutch operation. the benefit here is adjusting the CPC sembled to the same position.
Figure 4
10mm Box End
Wrench 5mm Hex Key Wrench Hold the adjustment plug with 5mm hex key and Measure and record adjustment loosen lock bolt with 10mm box end wrench plug depth before disassembly
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Figure 5
Lock-Up Valve Body Spacer Plate
Turning in the CPC valve TCC Release Orifice adjustment an additional 1/8 to Enlarge to 0.100” 1/4 turn clockwise will provide moderately firmer shifts. TCC modification: Drill TCC release orifice to 0.100”
The CPC valve spring isn’t available separately from procedures.
Honda; you must purchase the complete secondary valve Turning in the CPC valve adjustment an additional 1/8 to body. A replacement spring is available from Sonnax, part 1/4 turn clockwise will provide moderately firmer shifts. 1/2 number 88894X. The Sonnax spring is a little different from turn to 1 turn clockwise will create very firm shifts. Blocking the OEM, so be sure to follow their installation and adjustment the valve inboard will get you into the 1–2 chirp zone. Keep
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GEARS May/June 2006 29
26Civic-MikeVD.indd Sec1:29 4/17/06 10:23:42 AM
Hot Rod Civic Figure 6
Torque Converter Install 0.150” Shim
Check Valve Valve in first, Spring on top Lock Up Control Valve
Install 0.200” Shim
Regulator Valve Body
TCC modification: Shim the lock up control valve spring 0.200” and shim the torque converter check valve spring 0.150”
in mind that turning up the CPC adjustment will also make the the spring until just before the end of the valve touch- engagements firmer. es the scale: It should have about 2 pounds of spring TCC Modifications pressure. 1. Enlarge the TCC release exhaust orifice to 0.100” 3. Increase the spring pressure on the Torque Converter (figure 5). Check Valve (figure 6) by 30% by dropping some 2. Increase the spring pressure about 40% on the Lock- washers inside of the torque converter check valve to Up Control Valve (figure 6) by shimming the spring shim up the spring about 0.150”. about 0.200”. This can be accomplished by dropping That just about wraps up our fun for this issue. Remember, a G4AEL valve body orifice cup or some washers don’t get too crazy with this unit… at least, not until someone inside the valve in the spring pocket. To check the starts making billet clutch drums! spring pressure on a scale, push the valve down over
Remember, don’t get too crazy with this unit…
at least, not until someone starts making billet clutch drums!.
