Torque converter lock out

Hello group,

I have a small problem with my 1993 Honda Accord. 2,2 L. The torque
converter lock out clutch works erratically. It usually does not
engage until the transmission is really warm (after 50 miles or so of
high speed operation). But, it does not reliably engage even then.
adding to the puzzle is that the lock-out clutch will occasionally
engage (two or three times a week or so) even when the transmission is
relatively cool.

Here is my question, Is this something I need to get fixed soon, or is
it likely to go on for an extended period of time? As a corollary to
that question, will the #@*& thing leave me stranded on a dark and
lonely road some time?

Thanks in advanced for all your help.

Elliot Richmond
Freelance Science Writer and Editor

 

===========================

What's the mileage, and what was the mileage when you last changed the
tranny fluid. Did you change it twice? Was it Honda Z1, or something else?

'Curly'


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Regarding stage performances: When everyone else has finished playing,
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A bad thermostat or low coolant level will also interfere with torque
converter lockup.

 

check the temp sensor/sensor wiring also.

there was a thread on this group a while back with an excellent
diagnostic using led's hooked up to the sensor & solenoid circuits.
google is your friend.

 

I should have included that information. The car has 150,000 miles on
it. The car and the transmission have been serviced by the dealer at
the recommended intervals. The dealer suggested I take the car to a
transmission shop, as the dealer does not service transmissions. I
thought that was odd. I have had generally bad experience with
transmission shops and good experience with dealers.

In reference to the other suggestions, the car does run a bit on the
cool side, and the last couple of months, the temperature gauge has
been acting strangely. So, I do plan to replace the sensor and the
thermostat. I will post the results of that experiment.

Thanks for the help.


Elliot Richmond
Freelance Science Writer and Editor

 

Correction to my own post. I meant to say the dealer does not REPAIR
transmissions. They do service them.

Elliot Richmond
Freelance Science Writer and Editor

 

Elliot Richmond says...

A new thermostat worked for my 94 with the same problem. A
new thermostat is a lot cheaper than any transmission
repair.

Just make sure you bleed the air out completely when you
refill the coolant.

 

Cool! Thanks for the information.

Elliot Richmond
Freelance Science Writer and Editor

 

I had somewhat similar problem or at least a problem with the lockout on the
torque converter. When I reached 60 mph the lockout would release and my
RPM'S rise as it reverted to overdrive or fourth gear. When I pressed the
gas pedal it would then go back to lockout rather than to a lower gear for
acceleration.
The fix was the adjustment on what I call the throttle pressure cable. I
removed the play from the cable. It is a cable right next to your regular
throttle cable on your throttle body that goes down to the transmission on
the right front of the car. If there is any slop in the cable, loosen the
nuts that hold it to the bracket and adjust out the play in the cable.
Retighten the nuts and try it out. If that works and the gears seem to shift
hard after that, back off your adjustment 1/2 turn at a time till
acceptable. Good luck,
Howard