Tranny problems/codes

Hi, driving a 1990 Accord EX with A/T and 243,000 miles. An
intermittent problem has developed where the 'S' indicator light will
flash and first gear seems to be gone. If I give it gas it will slowly
move and then pick up 2nd gear and shift normally until I come to a
stop. Normally, when I turn the car off it resets and shifts fine
again.

Another problem is every now and then it sticks in park and I have to
use the shift lock release to get it into neutral in order to drive
it.

I pulled the TCU codes and came up with 1, 2, 7, and 8. These relate
to the lock-up control solenoid and the shift control solenoid. Any
chance this is accurate and they are both on the fritz? Any chance of
it being the VSS, which seems to be a major problem for eary 90's
Accords? I should mention that at no point does my speedometer quit
working.

Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,
RJ

 

It's highly unlikely.

Pull the fuse to clear the code. From an old Honda Service If the problem
code 1, 2, 7 or 8 sets as soon as the engine is started, the indicated circuit
is either open or shorted to power. If the code sets after selecting a gear or
while driving, the circuit is shorted to ground. I saw this in my Prelude. I
had a contaminated lockup solenoid connector.

If you're seeing ALL four of those codes, look for something intermittent in the
power to the computer.

 

I'm having a similar problem.. How do you pull the TCU codes?

 

I'll tell you how I do it for my 1988 Prelude. Your procedure may vary, though.

Find the transmission control module. It's under the passenger's left foot.
There's a little flap of carpet under the dash which you can peel back to see
the fault indicator for the _engine_ computer. For the corresponding indicator
on the _transmission_ computer you'll have to pull the carpet to the left of
that flap back.

Turn the ignition on. (Starting the engine is optional.) Watch for a flashing
LED on the side of the TCU. Count the flashes, if any.

 

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How many times have you changed the tranny fluid, and with what? There
are a few TSB's about the adjustment of the shifter cable that will
solve your other problem:
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/tsb/civic/index.html

Almost every honda has the same adjustment.

'Curly'