1997 honda accord se
176k miles
automatic

When i start the car and back out of the drive way and go to shift into drive the car hesitates to go. it acts like it is still in neutral with the rpm gauge going up untill about 3500 rpm then engaging into gear. Once driving down the road the car will not shift gears untill 4500 rpm and feels like there is a lose of power. also the car has began to idle higher than normal.

This only happens when the car is cold. Once warm everything is fine.
The check engine light has come on.

any ideas?

 

I would probably start with finding out what the CEL is saying the problem is...

 

Good point, Knowledge is power.

Another point might be the long overdue Transmission Fluid change-out, or Power Flush (if he's so inclined). I suspect things are pretty gummed up by now.

P