SpazMan

Hi folks,

I've been wondering about adjusting the kickdown cable on a 1992 Accord LX automatic to get slightly softer shifts. I know that the G4 Hondas are notable for their hard engagement, so I didn't know what course of action was best.

I think I may also be experiencing a delayed shift - so I will do a tranny drain-refill soon (tomorrow?). The last time it was serviced was 20k miles or so ago, and it was refilled with generic z-1-compatible fluid.

I'm not a Honda guy, and don't even know where the tranny dipstick on this car is. So, could you folks tell me how to check the transmission fluid (car running, off, hot, cold)?

I plan to drain and refill with generic Valvoline fluid, run it for a few dozen miles, then get some Honda fluid and drain-refill a couple times over the next dozen miles. That way, I hope I can mimic the effects of a flush.

Any advice, I would appreciate. Thanks in advance,

Ari (Volvo guy)

YeuEmMaiMai

when u chage the fluid add a can of lubeguard for imports. That will help to alleviate the hard shifting. Those trannies are KNOWN for hard shifting as they rack up miles.

Use honda ATF only other fluids cause problems

SpazMan

I know about the ATF... that's part of why I'd like to change it ASAP. That being said, it's been OK running 20k miles on generic. I figure that scrubbing out the system with some new generic ATF can't harm things, if I drain within 50 miles.

Whadda ya think?

Ari

YeuEmMaiMai

ok what part of "use honda atf" are you having problems with?

the use honda ATF or use honda ATF?

even Mobil 1 recommends that you use Honda ATF in honda transmissions. Other fluids are THICKER and will cause problems with the transmissions.

SpazMan

Yes, sir.

momofjnd

I am feeling a hard shift on '92 Accord ex that I just purchased. It supposedly had a rebuild on the auto tranny 105K miles ago. I feel like the car shifts hard... No bad sounds, but kinda jerky & possibly shifting at a lower rpm then should be? Not sure about that. It shifts into next gear before reaching 3rpm & quickly drops to 1rpm. I can't start a new thread until I comment twice. Don't know how likely I am to get a response on a thread several years old, but, worth a try. Other things I know is that the o2 senser needs replacement but isn't yet causing too many problems. Can this have any effect? Seller mentioned tight cables regarding the tranny but also said he has no real knowledge of auto trans

MAD_MIKE

Throttle valve cable should not be tight. If it is tight it will cause harsh shifts, as well as an engine out of tune or faulty sensors will cause erratic, harsh or no shifts. Broken or non functional rear mount can also cause harsh shift feel.

Open the hood and find the throttle valve cable to the trans. Loosen it and adjust it so that the cable is not slack nor pulling up on the lever on the trans. You want is so that the lever begins to lift up when the throttle itself begins to open. There is a bit of adjustment that can be done to find tune shifting, but not much.

Adjust your pedal cable as well, if this is sloppy you will have to move the pedal quite a bit before the the throttle actuates. If it is loose enough it may prevent full throttle opening.

If the NM/NC sensors are fouled up, shifts may also be harsh.
If the fluid has never been changed the friction modifiers are probably worn out and need to be replaced/replenished with new fluid.