Questions and Answers

Honda Accord Piece Of "S"hift Light Q. I have a 1990 Honda Accord LX with 36,500 miles and it is an automatic transmission. This is a problem that can happen at any time, and then it just goes away on its own after I let the car sit the night, or it can even go away after I turn it off and let it sit for an hour or so. The "S" light on the dash will come on.

When this light comes on, I notice that when I start the car from a stop, it seems the car is taking off in a gear OTHER than first, such as second or third; thus the car seems to accelerate slowly initially. I took the car to the mechanic, but I've only been able to when the "S" light has been off, not on. They scanned for codes, but no codes came up.

I was told that when the problem happens, I should manually put the car in first when at a stop as to not destroy the transmission; and then shift accordingly. I was told the problem could possibly be a VSS sensor, but they have seen worse problems when this is the cause.

Thanks,
Geoff

A. I seem to remember in one of your other e-mails you mentioned some "buzzing" going on. I found a TSB that might be applicable to your situation.

Technical Bulletin # 289
Transmission: PX4B
Subject: Wrong Gear Starts
Application: Honda, Accord
Date: Jan 1995

Honda Accord PX4B Wrong Gear Starts

• Starts in 3rd or 4th gear
• "S" light on, but not blinking
• No codes in computer (A/T control unit)
• Shifter interlock control unit buzzing

Check to see if your vehicle falls into any of these ranges:

U.S. Built 2 Dr Models	up to VIN	1HGCB72 _ LA039050
U.S. Built 4 Dr Models	up to VIN	1HGCB76 _ LA121350
Japan Built 2 Dr Models	up to VIN	JHMCB76 _ LC104599

If it does, there is a modified Transmission Control Unit (TCM) that will fix the problem. A Honda Dealer will be able to fix you up with the correct TCM.