2004 Civic Cold Weather Problem
 

I lease a 2004 Civic EX. Ever since the car was new there is this
strange problem that only happens when the car sits overnight in the
EXTREME cold weather, (a few days per year).

Car starts fine. Shift into Drive and the car just sits there, i.e.
does not propel forward. If you press on the gas the engine revs up as
if its in neutral. I have had the car back to the dealer on several
occasions and they finally experienced the same problem one cold
morning. They flashed the computer with an updated software and then
contacted the honda engineers who advised them to replace the
solenoids on the transmission, (whatever they are). The problem still
remains. The dealer states that this is a very unusual problem.

I have found an interesting "work-around" fix, in that if the car does
not initially engage into Drive I shift into reverse and back up a few
feet and then into drive and away I go.

I guess the reason that I'm looking for information with this problem
is that I'm thinking about purchasing this car at the end of the
lease, (6 months), as it really has been a fine vehicle with the only
exception being this very rare cold starting phenomenon. The car has
about 38,000 miles and has driven very well to date.

My wife feels that we shouldn't buy this vehicle as we do not need to
repair/replace a transmission and this cold weather problem could be a
sign of future transmission grief.

Any suggestions, similar complaints, or comments would be welcomed.