Oil leak between engine and transmission: rear main seal (TSB 01-040)
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What causes "Oil leak between engine and transmission: rear main seal (TSB 01-040)" on the Honda Civic EK (1996-2000), and how is it fixed?
Honda attributes it to a contaminated rear main (crankshaft) oil seal. Fix: Confirm with a powdered leak detector (old residue can mislead), then replace the seal per the bulletin.
Symptoms
Oil seeps where the block meets the transmission.
Cause
Honda attributes it to a contaminated rear main (crankshaft) oil seal.
Fix (summary)
Confirm with a powdered leak detector (old residue can mislead), then replace the seal per the bulletin.
Related build entries
Other EK problems
- Recall 96V-106: brake booster check valve can stick (1996)
- Recall 97V-193: passenger airbag assembled wrong (1997-98)
- Recall 99E-015: accessory floor mat can catch the accelerator (1996-98)
- Recall 02V-120: ignition switch contacts can wear (1998-2000)
- Recalls 20V-026 / 20V-027: driver airbag inflator (1996-2000)
- Recalls 01V-380 / 02V-051: faulty rear seat belt buckles (2000)
More for this car
- All Honda Civic EK (1996-2000) fitment answers · EK common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- Honda TSB 01-040: Civic rear main oil seal leaks (1996-2000 Civic) — American Honda (service bulletin) via Operation CHARM (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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