I have a 92 Accord w/ a auto trans. My problem started small. At first the D4 light wouldn't go off and it wouldn't shift into 4th. A Honda tech friend, that I worked with, said he changed the fluid in his and fixed it. I changed my fluid and that only made it worse. It was NOT the first time the fluid was changed, and had never had this happen before. After the fluid change. I could only get into 2nd gear manually and would not go into 3rd at all, after driving for a while would go into 4th (skipping 3rd). Once it made into 4 it shifted normally until the vehicle was shut off, then would not shift again except into 2nd manually and wouldn't go any further again. I still haven't gotten it to go into 3rd or 4th since. A different Honda tech friend that I worked with said he thinks it's the trans computer. He said it was a very common thing on my year Honda. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE! I am desprate for this transportation to be fixed

PLEASE HELP ME!!

With all of that trouble, one or more codes were likely thrown. Therefore, you want to check for codes:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post832012

It is very possible the TCM has failed, as many have on these older Hondas. Does the Check Engine Light stay on, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II)? It's good that you changed the ATF--it's never a bad thing to do. Because of the age of the transmission, it's also possible the clutch packs are shot, which will require rebuilding your ATX or installing a rebuilt transmission.

I already did check for codes. I have Check Engine codes and ABS codes but no Transmission Control Module codes. Once I have jumpered the blue connector, the other two lights flash and the D4 light stays solid. When the key is on the Check Engine does not stay on, only the D4 light stays on.

When you jump the Service Check Connector, what codes appear?

Check Engine codes were 1, 12, 41,43 which are 1 0xygen content, 12 exhaust gas recirculation system, 41 oxygen sensor heater and 43 fuel supply system

ABS code was 21

Sometimes the Lock-up Control Solenoid Valve A/B oil passages on the ATX get cruded up. They can be removed and cleaned. It should have thrown a code, if this is the problem. Therefore, I'm back suspecting either the TCM is bad or the clutch packs are shot. How many miles are on the car? Consider buying a TCM from your local salvage yard and see if it makes a difference. Get an exact Honda part no. match, if you choose this route.

After reflecting on the whole picture, I think the problem is more than just the TCM being bad. Unfortunately, it looks like a rebuild situation, where the clutches have worn out.

230,000 miles. It's well driven. Thank you for your input. I found an exact part number match earlier today on eBay for $75 plus shipping.

I hope it works for you--keep us posted.

Here's what the problem may be:

The ATF was not changed every 24,000 miles or two years, as Honda recommends. Over time, varnish and oxidation built up. Then, when you changed the ATF, the frictional properties of the clutches changed and the problems began. The higher detergent in the ATF started to clean things up and the greater lubricity caused the worn clutches to slip.

I know I changed it more often then that and I am pretty positive that the people who owned it before me did it more often then that. I am more convinced it's the computer.

I hope you're right--be sure to give us an update.

Yea me too. If it is the transmission I am going to have to junk the ****er and get something different. I can't change the transmission myself and can't afford to pay someone else to do it for me because from what I heard that would be a $3000 job including the transmission and the labor.

Yes, I have a 1993 Civic, which I really love. Eventually, however, something will come along to take it out.

My objective is to help as many people as possible keep their cars going in this difficult time. These matters can really stress families out.

Again, I hope you are right. That will be an easy fix.

Here's an UPDATE!
The trans computer came in and I switched it out already. First thing I noticed is that the D4 went off when it was supposed to again. Took it on a test drive and it shifts into all 4 gears again. Thank you TxGreaseMonkey for all your advice. :)

I'm really happy for you--that's great news. Do you work for Honda? Regardless, I'm impressed.

The remanufactured ECM I installed in my Civic has been working perfectly for over 4 years. It's fun to keep these old cars going for very little money.

I was working for Honda for a year and 2 days till my boss decided he didn't want a woman still in school working in his shop anymore. He hired me knowing I was a student and asked me to quit school to work for him full time.

I knew there was something special about you. No other woman, in over 4 years that I have been doing this, has had your insight into Hondas. Nice job of diagnosing the problem.

That's the problem of working for someone else--they control your destiny, to a certain extent. I hope you have sprung back from that setback and things are now going well. You made the right decision to focus on your education.

I graduated from the Automotive Technology Program this past December. I haven't bounced back yet but I found out in January that the guy who fired me got fired for firing too many people!! LOL I was so happy to hear that. I am closer now to figuring out what is wrong with my mom's truck not shifting out of first, now it's just a matter of affording parts

Once I have fixed her truck I will be able to get a job again (I still live with my mom, and she's the only family I have left) I visit my old co-workers on a regular basis and think I should be able to get a job there again. That would be awesome. I love Honda's!

I'm sure they will hire you back. Yes, Hondas are great cars. I love working on them.

Yes Honda's are great most of the time lol not so great when you have to pull the transmission or something like getting in to replace the knock sensor on the newer pilots (those are a pain!! ) they have a nice little area great for rodents to make a nest and chew on the wires or doing a timing belt with all the stuff you have to take off in order to change it.

Now I have to change my other axle without a lift to put it on... not going to be fun :( but at least I know how to do it. May take a little longer but oh well.