Searched already, so please don't PMS on your keyboard.

Alright, 2001 SE with 142K. It's my daily driver and I love it but in all honesty, the headache that it causes outweighs the positive. Recently I've been receiving a second gear trouble code which is causing a large migraine. The first startup of the day, not depending on the weather, the car won't catch second at all. It jumps when shifting, but after going through one full trans rotation it's completely fine. (Mind you it's an automatic)

Second problem I just developed as of Monday is a strange knocking. I feel it under the tranny somewhere, but it only appears upon turning left. I had Sears take a look at it (go ahead and laugh but I work in a mall) and they turned up nothing steering or suspension related. Although I really want to get a second opinion, I'd like to know the diagnosis of you fine people beforehand.

Thanks.

 

Well i dont have a clue about the first problem ,but the second problem could be a bad cv joint...

 

First problem sounds like a TCM or maybe a valve body problem.

 

a CV joint will usually make a racheting/popping noise when it starts going bad, I don't think I would describe it as knocking at all... If what you're hearing is a knocking sound, I'd get a second opinion on the suspension/steering.

TCM would probably be your best case scenario for the tranny, that'd be alot better than a mechanical problem!

 

I have a few buddies that have them and they love them and have no regrets. Cars are going to need things over time. Your problems appear to be minor. I cant wait to get into one...

 

If you have access to a lift or Jack. jack your car up and get a pry bar. take the pry bar and lift up on all the componets under the vehicle mainly with steering and suspension see if there is any play in them there should be very little play with your CV Joints and What not. if thats not the problem then check your ball joints. alot of times the bearing can get worn off and cause it to move freely as if it was dislocated out of its socket. this will calls that Vibration or Knocking Noise you hear. If you have A CV Ball Joint Kit in your household or a friend use it lol. but its more then luckly your ball joints from the problem you described i just replaced one on a honda civic the other day and it had the same symptoms as you described. let us kno what you figured out. Oh and a little piece of advise dont take your car to sears for anything they dont know anything over there.

 

transmission = most likely tcm or your tranny might be going to shiat

suspension = raise car, take off wheel, turn left all the way and look for loose parts, listen for the noise, sounds like might be a bad upper mount or upper mount bearing

 

thats what i was just telling him.

 

tranny issue = TCM... 500 bucks will fix it. Good luck.. I have the same issue

 

The car has 142k miles and the negatives are outweighing the positives?!

 

sounds to me like all you need is some aspirin or a more natural medicine ( my preference ) for all your headaches and migraines.

 

arent there recalls for that year car. i believe its because of the transmission... read into that. helpful hint before you go spending money on something the dealer should fix

 

VAT VAT VAT!?

I'm definitely going to look into that.

As for the knocking: Turned out my aftermarket replacement cats lacked proper hinges. So, a couple welds here and a couple brackets there and we're back in business.

Thanks guys.