random hessitation when driving! engine or tranny?

[joshua]

1998 honda civic EX
Manual Trans
177,000 miles

okay so today i noticed while driving that my car would hesitate while driving. i was on the express going 70mph and it felt like the car slowed quickly and then picked back up. but it was very qucik and sudden. it happened a couple times.

first i thought maybe the cruise control was malfunctioning, so i turned it off. but about 10 minutes later it happened again.
i dont think it is a problem with the wheels because it does not pull to any direction like its locking up.
and i tested whether it happened with the clutch engaged or not, didnt occur with clutch popped. but its hard to say because it wasnt a frequent thing, maybe 15 mins apart.

i personally believe it is the transmission because the fluid has never been changed since i have had the car. and i have put approximately 30,000 miles on it. and i have had trouble shifting into first and reverse.
i am going to change my oil tomorrow because it is due, see if that helps. but i would really appreciate any input that anyone has. i cant really afford to go buy a new car right now…

thanks a lot!!
-Josh-

Topic

[Sean]

Does the RPM’s increase or decrease, and it is an automatic?

If so, the transmission is to blame.

If not, check your clutch? Only thing besides brakes i can think of.

[joshua]

im not sure if the RPM’s jumped or not. its so quick i dont look in time.
it is a 5 speed manual.

[Sean]

If it is a 5 speed, then the transmission shouldnt change gear on its own. (ofc)

I dont know what else it could be? Maybe some computer or electric system?

Sorry that i can be of much more use, im sure someone else will see this and know what to do.

Good luck :/

[Chris]

At least for my civic, i had an issue similar to that whenever i would accelerate. It turned out to be a sparkplug wire that would pop out. the engine would run intermintently on three cylinders till i poped it back in. simple tune up solved my issue. im not leanin towards you transmissiom but the oil change would not hurt. I would start looking at ur ignition system.

Hope that helps
Chris.

[Bill]

It’s possible that the ignition switch is on it’s way out. Try wiggling the key while the car is idling to see if the engine falters or stalls.

[Chris]

Along with what wysetech said, also check you battery terminals too. Especialy the positive terminal, Corrosion can cause weird things to any car.

[Author]

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