98/Automatic - electrical problems maybe? Check engine light
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Joined: May 2007
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From: PITTSBURGH, pa, USA
98/Automatic - electrical problems maybe? Check engine light
Ok the story here is kinda long, so please bear with me...
My 98 Prelude has had the key stuck in the igniton for months. I tried everything that a guy who doesn't know anything about cars would try (rattling shifter, violently shaking the steering wheel in frustration, etc.) It wasn't a real problem, I just lock it up with my spare key and hope no one steals it. Anyway, I had it at my mechanic for separate issues and he took it upon himself to spend two days trying to get the key out. His solution -- after being thourghly confused by the schematic of the ignition system -- was to remove the actuator from the "key interlock solenoid". My uderstanding is the the solenoid wasn't getting power at any time, so even when in "Park" it was not releasing the key as it should. So, after a long introduction, here are my questions:
1) Are there any consequesces to my mechanic's solution to my key problem? The solenoid wasnt getting power anyway. Everything seems to be fine as far as the key goes. However, the "check engine light" is constantly on (maybe related to question 2 below).
2) Since getting my car back with the key (and key interlock solenoid) removed, the car hesitates while shifting from 1st gear to 2nd or "kicks" after an unhealthy amount of time (automatic trans.) Not acceptable. After doing a little research, I have read that my shifting problems could be electronic rather than mechanical. Is my shifting problem related to the key problem? I tried checking the check engine light codes but it doesn't blink any code at all. A schematic of the ignition system I obtained shows that the the key interlock solenoid is, at least indirectly, connected to the transmission control unit. I opened up the TCU to check for fried resistors or anything that didn't look right. It looked ok to me. After re-attaching the TCU, the check engine light has gone away, but I am still having shifting problems.
My theory (as a complete car novice) is that both problems stem from some as yet undiscovered electrical problem. I dont even know where to start. Except, save, for taking it to a dealer and paying a lot of money I dont have.
Any specific help or general info that might help me figure this out?
Thanks.
EDIT: the reason I had it at the mechanic in the first place was because the car got kinda smashed up in an accident on the front passenger side (near where the TCU is located), although I'm not sure that has any relevance.
My 98 Prelude has had the key stuck in the igniton for months. I tried everything that a guy who doesn't know anything about cars would try (rattling shifter, violently shaking the steering wheel in frustration, etc.) It wasn't a real problem, I just lock it up with my spare key and hope no one steals it. Anyway, I had it at my mechanic for separate issues and he took it upon himself to spend two days trying to get the key out. His solution -- after being thourghly confused by the schematic of the ignition system -- was to remove the actuator from the "key interlock solenoid". My uderstanding is the the solenoid wasn't getting power at any time, so even when in "Park" it was not releasing the key as it should. So, after a long introduction, here are my questions:
1) Are there any consequesces to my mechanic's solution to my key problem? The solenoid wasnt getting power anyway. Everything seems to be fine as far as the key goes. However, the "check engine light" is constantly on (maybe related to question 2 below).
2) Since getting my car back with the key (and key interlock solenoid) removed, the car hesitates while shifting from 1st gear to 2nd or "kicks" after an unhealthy amount of time (automatic trans.) Not acceptable. After doing a little research, I have read that my shifting problems could be electronic rather than mechanical. Is my shifting problem related to the key problem? I tried checking the check engine light codes but it doesn't blink any code at all. A schematic of the ignition system I obtained shows that the the key interlock solenoid is, at least indirectly, connected to the transmission control unit. I opened up the TCU to check for fried resistors or anything that didn't look right. It looked ok to me. After re-attaching the TCU, the check engine light has gone away, but I am still having shifting problems.
My theory (as a complete car novice) is that both problems stem from some as yet undiscovered electrical problem. I dont even know where to start. Except, save, for taking it to a dealer and paying a lot of money I dont have.
Any specific help or general info that might help me figure this out?
Thanks.
EDIT: the reason I had it at the mechanic in the first place was because the car got kinda smashed up in an accident on the front passenger side (near where the TCU is located), although I'm not sure that has any relevance.
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RedEK9
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
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Feb 18, 2007 02:00 PM
