I just bought a '97 Honda Accord - automatic transmission. When you are in 2nd gear or higher and brake to slow down, the car slightly jerks as it is shifting down. When it is shifting it seems to be turning too many rpms like the throttle won't give to let it slow down enough to shift smoothly. If you don't slow down enough to "assist" it to shift down and let off the brake, occasionally it will take off. Could this be the tps? Any help or suggestions would be great. Thanks.

 

Check the transmission's fluid level. The transmission fluid may need to be changed. Honda Automatic Transmission Fluid is generally recommended.

Do you know when this car was last serviced (e.g., major service, etc.)?

Most likely does not have to do with the TPS. A malfunctioning TPS normally will cause the Check Engine Light to come on, and will result in a trouble code 7 when the code is read.

Edit: Your 1997 Accord is OBD II, so if the Check Engine Light did come on, a scan will probably give a different trouble code. Trouble Code 7 is for malfunctioning TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) for OBD I, 1995 Accord, etc. --

You don't have the Check Engine Light on anyway.


Modified by tech8 at 1:13 PM 4/26/2007

 

There is no check engine light or maintence light on. We just bought the car from a used car dealership. The salesman said he thought it was something with the transmission. Before we bought it, he sent it down to the transmission shop and they checked it out. I believe he said it was showing up a code. I don't think they took any action however. They never said what code it was. In reality, the shop might have not even got time to look at it, so I am not going to rely on that second hand information. My husband works on small engine/boats motors and he just thought it was something to do with the idle (but like I said - he's a small engine man, he doesn't deal with transmissions). I cannot find any info/receipts in the car showing the transmission fluid was changed, but you may very well be right. I checked the level and there was plenty of fluid - just at the top line, BUT the fluid is BROWN! If I remember correctly it should be red, right?

 

So far, it doesn't sound like it is related to the idle. Based on the conditions you stated, this is occurring when the transmission is down shifting or up shifting.

I believe fresh ATF fluid is red. Use Genuine Honda ATF fluid. Should be relatively easy for your husband to change it, since he worked on things mechanical. -- Doesn't hurt to change it, as extra insurance.

If you do a Search, with Archive selected, you will find many people with transmission problems solved by changing the fluid and using genuine Honda ATF. At worst, the transmission may be showing signs of going out.

 

Thank you so much. I hope it is just the transmission fluid. I forgot to mention that it does tend to idle high in park (1300-1500). When I gave it a spin a little while ago the rpms go down to 900 when the car is put into gear. I have never had a Honda before or even a 4 cylinder car. I've read a few posts and it must be normal for a high idle in park for a Honda. I guess it just sounds SO different from a six cylinder or from a Chevrolet for that matter.

 

The 5th generation Accords (94-97) are generally very reliable. I have one since new, with over 250,000 miles now (original engine, transmission, alternator, etc.). -- I only keep it to see how long it can last.

Fast idle specifications are 1400(+- 200).

Idle speed with headlight and cooling fan off in Park or Neutral:
For F22B1, F22B2 engine are 700(+-50).
For F20B3, F22B5 engines, 770(+- 50).

Your idle is fairly close.

Sometimes automatic transmission problems may also just be due to a solenoid needing replacement.

 

One last inquiry - If we change the trans fluid and the car continues to do the same thing, is it possible that I need to start looking for a new transmission??? If it continues, do you think that the old fluid could have totally toasted the transmission, because the fluid was looking pretty dang old. or are the chances of that more slim that probable? and again, thank you so much, you are like a honda god. lol

 

If you change the fluid and it still does the same thing, it could still be something else, like a solenoid that needs replacement; instead of a new transmission.

The 5th generation Honda automatic transmissions are okay; but, regular fluid changes helps it longevity.

BTW: Lol, I'm no Honda god, by any means.