eunos

First of all, I'd like to say hello since I'm new to this forum. I'm not really into Honda performance, but I would pick up an S2K in an instant if I weren't pining for an Elise so badly. Secondly, I have a transmission problem that I need some help with. My 93 Accord stays in gear regardless of what gear (or park) is selected. I tried checking the TCM for diagnostic codes and I did not receive any. The fluid is fairly new and still red. Also, is it normal for the D4 light to come on briefly when the key is turned to the ACC position?

Tech-Nics

yes its normal for the D4 light to flash prior to start up...mine does it...im sure its the computer booting up before turn over..


Modified by Tech-Nics at 7:13 PM 8/21/2006

georgeda

Is it starting in gear?

eunos

The shifter is physically in park, but the car is in gear when it starts. The only thing that holds it back is the park pin. Do you guys think that its the tcm, shift solenoids, or the tranny itself?

Tech-Nics

wait if this car is automatic (cause you didnt mention but im assuming) and in gear. isnt it not supposed to be able to start..cause ive used the tranny lock key under the shifter to put it into gear while the car is off...and you cant start the car unless the car is in "N" or "P"

so how does it start in "D" ????

eunos

It is an auto transmission. The shifter is in park, but as soon as it starts the car attempts to drive forward, but does not move because of the park pin. If I place the shifter in neutral or reverse it will also drive forward.


Modified by eunos at 5:55 PM 8/21/2006

Tech-Nics

yeah i know...but there is a feature on the auto trans that if the car is in drive gear and the car is off it shouldnt be able to turn over unless its in P or N...

eunos

Alright, I see what you're saying. It's not based on shifter position, but which actual gear the vehicle is in. Regardless, it still drives forward in reverse and neutral.

hondadude

replace the shift cable, it's broken

Hondaman56

What has happened is most likely the shift control cable has failed. This happend when the car was in gear. No matter where you place the shifter, the car will always be in gear. Your being allowed to start the car because the shifter control box is indicating that the shifter is in Park or Neutral which it is. What it does not know is that the transmission is still in gear. This problem was eliminated in later Hondas when the shifter cable was eliminated all together and the TCM computer was given full control. Check that shift cable to see that its failed or not and replace if required. The only other possibility is a stuck shift solenoid. Good luck tranny problems are complex and expensive.

eunos

Thanks, I'll check that out. This car seems so much more complicated than the cars that I'm used to working on (Miatas, RX-7s and Imprezas.) The only other things that I've had to replace are the ignition control module, water pump, and timing belt in 5 years of ownership. That being said, I don't get to tinker on this car too often.