Hi everyone!
I bought a second hand Honda Jazz (2003, good maintenance history) only two weeks ago and I absolutely loved it but now already I am experiencing problems and I'm afraid they will get worse. Because I just got it I am doubting what my next steps will be. Any help in the diagnosis is highly appreciated!
With a cold engine/gearbox, especially in the morning, after I start up the engine I can reverse like normal. When I put it in drive however at first it does nothing and if I wait long enough it starts to creep forward.
From there I have no problems, can drive all day smoothly. Sometimes the first take off (with cold engine/gearbox) can take up to half a minute which of course is unacceptable, (especially when you have reversed out of a parking space and are on the road).
The other thing is that when you push the throttle during the wait, in an attempt to help it go forward it can go in fail-safe mode (flashing D light). I can then turn ignition off and on to get out of this mode and try again. The failure code registered by the computer is P1885: "Problem in CVT Drive Pulley Speed Sensor Circuit". It would be nice if the problem is indeed caused by this sensor or its circuit, but I have my doubts, because this fault is only displayed in these specific conditions. I cannot obtain a replacement sensor quickly and also don't want to spend more money on something if it is not likely to fix the problem. Especially because I'm not sure what I will do if a CVT overhaul is required.
My current theory is the following. Because it reverses I assume the reverse brake clutch and start clutch are working. That leaves the forward clutch. If this one is not operating properly when cold the computer will assume that it is applied and when the engine revs it throws the error because the drive pulley sensor value doesn't make sense if the car is not moving. Does that sound plausible?
Does anyone have any suggestions to diagnose it further (without spending a lot of money). Would it maybe help to change the gearbox oil (don't really expect it to). Otherwise I guess checking the forward clutch pressure at a garage would give more information.
Is there an explanation for this to happen in these circumstances only?
Thanks a lot for your help.
Kind regards,
Remco