Occasionally the d4 light on dash panel flashes and it takes a minute to turn over almost like its starving for fuel I used a jumper wire TO make codes flash. It flased 8 times which is a code 8 and in my book it says top dead center sensor. My question is why would that affect my shifting when it flashes while driving?

Install a new distributor (genuine Honda only) and your problem should be solved. New aftermarket distributors for Hondas are problematic and unreliable. Engine and transmission data are jointly processed by the ECM and TCM--they work together. Problems in one area affect the other. Newer vehicles have both functions combined in a PCM.