I just bought a 1991 Accord LX, 4 door, auto tranny.

When the car is cold, it doesn't want to shift out of first gear. Once it is warm, it shifts fine. I can manually shift from 1 to 2 using the gear shifter, but in D3 or D4, it just stays in 1 until warmed up.

Fluid is fine--bright red, no burned smell or anything. Fluid level is good.

Any idea what I should look at?

By the way, 159K on the clock.

 

Probably a stuck valve or sensor in the tranny. Me personally, I would just manual it until it's warmed up every time. Seems like very little hassle to avoid changing the tranny, which would probably be cheaper than getting that one fixed. Especially if it is a non-issue once winter is over.

 

Thanks for the reply.

That's kind of what I was thinking. It only takes about 5 minutes tops to get to the point of shifting properly.

Coming out of 1st, it shifts around 3K, but other than that, it seems to be fine.

 

it wouldnt hurt to change the fluid with honda z1. unless u know its already in there. i had a prob going into drive. it would take a really long time. also make sure ur lines arent kinked

 

The owner's manual recommends Dexron II. Can I still use the Z1?

If so, where do I find it? I'm sure auto parts stores carry it, but I've never actually looked for it so i don't know for sure.

Thanks.

 

Goto a Honda dealership, they will have it, unless you live in the boonies haha

 

Can I still use the Z1 though even though the manual says Dexron II?

 

Follow the owner's manual. Honda changes their formulas a little over the years.

 

check with honda but they usually say dex is a temporary solution cus it will affect shift quality