Questions and Answers

Honda Accord Transmission Q. I have a 1990 Honda Accord DX, with an automatic transmission. I have to put it in drive 1 or 2 to start driving and then switch it to drive 3 or 4. After take off, everything shifts fine but just can not take off in drive 3 or 4. It is also equipped with a button on the shifter knob labeled Sport?

The light on the dash is lit stating that the transmission is in sports mode and will not change upon pushing that button. Do you have any clue of what is going on before I drop MAJOR dollars at a repair shop? I tried to find out how to post this on your Q & A web site, but you have my permission to post this question. I know you have heard this a thousand times, but THANKS for shining some light on the Do-It-Yourselfers. Have a Blessed day.

Michael,
Antioch, TN

A. When the A/T control unit senses an abnormality in the input or output Systems, the S indicator light in the gauge assembly will blink at equal intervals and the LED display on the A/T control unit will blink a problem code when the ignition key is turned on.

However, when the Service Check Connector (located to the lower right of the glove compartment) is shorted with a jumper wire, the S indicator light will also blink the problem code when the ignition switch is turned on.

When the S indicator light has been reported on, short the two terminals of the Service Check Connector together or pull the passenger's side carpet down from under the dashboard. Then turn on the ignition switch and observe either the S indicator light or the A/T control unit LED display.

Problem codes 1 through 9 are indicated by individual short blinks, Problem codes 10 through 1 5 are indicated by a series of long and short blinks. One long blink equals 10 short blinks. Add the long and short blinks together to determine the problem code.

Once we know what the DTC is, we can work from there.