Hey guys. Hopefully someone can help me out with this. My daily driver is a 90 Accord with about 160k miles on it. in the past couple weeks I've notice that the transmission doesn't fully engage when putting it in drive until I slightly press on the gas. I thought maybe it was just low(which it was...1/2 qt.) so I topped it of....still does it. Thought I'd better change the fluid and filter, but this engine supposedly has an in line tranny filter which I didn't see anywhere. So I just changed the fluid...still does it. Now it doesn't do it when putting it in reverse, just drive. I'm praying that the tranny isn't starting to so, but I'm almost thinking that's what it is. Anybody had similar problems with this model of accord and can vouch for what the problem may be? Thanks

 

Is the auto tranny on your Accord cable actuated? If so, the cable may have stretched too much. Also, after that many miles, it may be due for a proper auto tranny service - filter change, bands tightened, etc.

 

Sorry, there are no bands to adjust or a servicable filter in a 90 Accord (or any honda automatic). Unless a inline filter was added, they did not come from the factory with a filter. It does have a throttle valve cable, It pretty easy to check for proper tension. It's just like a standard throttle cable. as long as it has some slack and opens the throttle valve all the way the cable is fine. You pretty much have 2 possibilities. The TCM losing it's shit and starting off in 3rd gear. (Shift solenoids off) pull the back up fuse in the under dash fuse box, if the TCM gathers its thoughts it could start shifting properly.you will still need a new TCM. Or the trans is just shot, and you will need a new transmission.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Slows2k
Sorry, there are no bands to adjust or a servicable filter in a 90 Accord (or any honda automatic). Unless a inline filter was added, they did not come from the factory with a filter. It does have a throttle valve cable, It pretty easy to check for proper tension. It's just like a standard throttle cable. as long as it has some slack and opens the throttle valve all the way the cable is fine. You pretty much have 2 possibilities. The TCM losing it's shit and starting off in 3rd gear. (Shift solenoids off)

 

Sounds like this is probably the best explaination yet. It does feel as though it's initially pulling in 3rd gear or something, then just as soon as I blip the gas pedal, it jumps into first and takes off. Otherwise, it shifts just fine and everything. Once rolling, even if I come to a stop as long as I already have it in drive, it doesn't do that.

I went to change the filter, and you're right, there is not one. would it be benefitial to add one, they're not much.

So, this TCM thing, what exactly is it, an electral module that controles the Tranny?

Thanks for the quick response, this is exactly what I am looking for.

 

The TCM is the computer that controls the transmission. If the trans is starting in 3rd, it will seem that the trans is slipping when taking off from a stop. It will take a lot of revs to get the car rolling. An inline filter isn't going to help your trans. Changing the fluid every 30k usually keeps them healthy. If you have an actual time delay before engauging 1st, The trans is on it's way out. Try the back up fuse 1st, Easiest thing to do to verify the problem.

 

Ok, so if I remove this "back up" fuse and it fixes the problem then it IS the TCM that's causing the problem and if I remove it and it doesn't change anything then my tranny is going south. Am I correct?

 

There's a fuse labled back up (radio). Is this the one?

 

Thats it, you got it.

 

well, I removed the fuse....no difference. I suppose my tranny is going to shit.