Check Engine Light, P1253, wierd shifting

Good Morning All,
My Check Engine Light came on last night. Error code was P1253. Also
noticed that when I'm on the highway and I go to accelerate, the engine
feels like it downshifts, the RPMs increase, but it does not go any
faster. (Its done this once or twice when turning right a few months
ago). I suspected that the transmissions fluid was getting low, but it
checks out just fine.
Any idea where I should begin looking?

Thanks,
Jason

 

What year, model, # of miles, when was the ATF changed last and was
Honda ATF used. Smell the ATF on the dip stick - does it smell burned
and is it quite dark. Did not see a 1253 code in my 97 accord tranny
diagostic section.

 

Oh ya, sorry. Forgot that stuff.

1996 Honda Accord EX, 197,150 mi. ATF was changed at around 160K mi w/
Honda ATF.

I'm pretty sure it was a P1253 code, I read it with a ODB-II diagnostic
tested that I bought from Sears a couple years ago. I can check it
again tonight.

The fluid doesn't smell burnt. It's a redish tan color and looks fine.

 

wrote in

P1253: VTEC system malfunction.

How often do you change your oil?

 

Hmm Changed my oil about a month ago. I got ripped off at JiffyLube
(guess that happens when you don't do it yourself). I change it every
5000-7500 miles...or get it changed that is. Do you think I've got a
clogged oil passage or something?

On the way home I tried changing into 3rd gear while on the highway,
and it acts exactly the same as it does when it tries to downshift.
RPMs go up, but I've got very little speed increase. Could that be that
the VTEC isn't kicking in?

Thx,
Jason

 

wrote in

Is this an automatic or a manual?

 

Automatic. By downshift in my original message I meant that pressing
the accelerator causes the tranny to downshift and when I said 3rd gear
in the previous message I meant D3. It's typically in D4 when the
problem occurs.

Thx
Jason

 

Any ideas?

Thx
Jason