Just recently replaced the automatic transmission on a 90 Honda Accord along with the TCM. I'm trying to sell the car, however the transmission shifts very hard, especially when compared to my other 90 Accord. I checked the fluid level, its perfect, and I also inspected the cable linkage that attaches to the throttle body, everything looks good. Do you have any ideas what's causing this? I bought the transmission used from a salvage yard. My friend mentioned something about replacing the shift solenoid (I believe it's on the outside of the tranny housing), could that be the issue? TIA

 

Could be a bad VSS ( vehicle speed sensor), common problem

 

does the car rev up high then slam into hear? like slipping? or does it just shift rough? it may be the valve body if its just hard shifting, or, it could be the torque converter slipping

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by standbackimapro &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Could be a bad VSS ( vehicle speed sensor), common problem</TD></TR></TABLE>

The VSS is fine, the speedometer works perfectly.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM_DC4_Fanatic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">does the car rev up high then slam into hear? like slipping? or does it just shift rough? it may be the valve body if its just hard shifting, or, it could be the torque converter slipping</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, it just shifts really hard, no slippin. Is the valve body inside the transmission?

 

Yes, the valve body is inside the transmission.

 

Alot of rebuilt honda transmissions do this, its pretty normal. As long as it isnt slipping or making strange noises your ok

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Sam_J &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Alot of rebuilt honda transmissions do this, its pretty normal. As long as it isnt slipping or making strange noises your ok </TD></TR></TABLE>

That's hard to explain to someone buying the car. When I had worn tires on it, it would squeel the tires when shifting into second. I don't think that's too normal for an automatic. Anyone know of a cheap fix, besides tearing the transmission down?

 

It could also be a poorly adjusted or bad TPS.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 19dabeast85 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It could also be a poorly adjusted or bad TPS.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Are you talking about the TPS sensor on the throttle body?

 

Someone said it's normal for rebuilds.
I had my tranny rebuilt as well.
2 times !! I've had a lot of problems with this.
Now, it's shifting hard (like yours) but only when engine is cold. After it gets normal temperature everything is ok.

 

I'd first check the pressure lever cable that comes from the throttle body;
When adjusted right; you start to open the throttle and just as the RPM starts to rise, the pressure lever should move up from it's 'slack' position slightly; the driving test to check that adjustment is; roll along under very light throttle, level road, at 25 MPH, then floor the gas. the trans should downshift to first gear.
Repeat the drive but roll along at 27-28 MPH and when you floor the gas it should only drop down to second gear.

 

sounds like either a valve body problem or wrong ATF. Honda transmissions require a friction modifier if you put in Dex 3 mercon ATF. Either the valve body is sticking or the torque converter is slipping, both can be caused by the wrong fluid. Also, if you do crack open the trans, changing the filter wouldent hurt either. Its very important to make sure the right fluid is in there, sounds simple, but sometimes people dont know.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM_DC4_Fanatic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">sounds like either a valve body problem or wrong ATF. Honda transmissions require a friction modifier if you put in Dex 3 mercon ATF. Either the valve body is sticking or the torque converter is slipping, both can be caused by the wrong fluid. Also, if you do crack open the trans, changing the filter wouldent hurt either. Its very important to make sure the right fluid is in there, sounds simple, but sometimes people dont know.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I actually used the correct ATF fluid (Dextron 3), and double checked the fluid level according to honda's recomendation.....Had the car off after it's been warmed up. Fortunately, I traded the car tonight for something that'll net me twice as much as the Accord would , either way thanks for the insight, I wasn't looking forward to tearing down that transmission in order to replace the valve body, so I guess it worked out in the end....

 

Should be using OEM Honda transmission fluid. If not you will need to add a friction modifier if you used straight Dex...You will have a harsh shift condition without the modifier. I would just go with OEM Honda ATF and keep it simple Hopefully the new owner will figure that out