Hello,

Last few days, *when it is really cold*, my 98 Honda Accord EX 2.3L 4 cylinder has trouble gaining speed/shifting gears for the first 5 mins or so. I press the accelerator, but it just does not get going (beyond 5-10 mph).

After 5 mins, once it shifts, it runs perfectly fine.

I have taken it to autozone, and to a couple of mechanics, and they pulled the following codes.

P1164: Failed H02S (Heated Oxygen sensor)
P0700: Indicates transmission fault-check other codes
P0740: TCC not engaged (probable causes: Open or short circuit, poor electrical connection, failed TCC system)
P1456: EVAP emissions control system leak detected (fuel tank system). Probable causes: loose fuel cap, vapor canister saturated, failed vent solenoid, failed purge solenoid.


The two mechanics I took it to had this to say :

Mechanic 1 (AAMCO) said: He can start off by doing some pressure test, to get a better idea of the problem. This would cost around $ 200, and then he will take it from there.

Mech 2 (Eagle Transmission): He was sounding very confident that the Torque conv would need a change (he mentioned 98-02 accords have had this well known problem). He said he can replace it for ~ 700, and also check on the rest of the transmission. If a complete overhaul is needed, we are looking between 14-1800.

I would appreciate if you have any comments/suggestions, as to how I should proceed ?


Does the fact that I got the code 0740 necessarily imply that the torque converter is gone ? Could it be a simpler problem (e.g., I was reading somewhere that a malfunctioning solenoid can also cause these issues, and takes about 400 to repair)?

Thanks a lot !

 

What is the mileage on the car and when was the last time you changed transmission fluid?

 

Im having the same problem with my 92 honda accord as well. The d4 light comes on onnly sometimes. And when it does come on the car stays in 2 gears. And you can hear it short circuiting. Like it will be clicking while im sitting there in park. And the d4 light just keeps blinking on and off. and the car will be in shift lock. I cannot manually change gears. I will pull the lever and it will be locked. Only when it stops clicking it will magically let me move the lever. But it still wont as much when I put it in drive. It will hestitate. And I have to step on the gas.

I have took it to meinieke and got a tune up, fuel fillter for $400

then i got the shift sensor/gear..whatever changed for $224 and it worked for a day, and now it the shift locks comes on now more than ever. I have to wait 50 mins for my car to somewhat act right just to drive home at night. It works fine in the morning.

If you figure out what the problem is, please let me know!..Im $600 down the drain with the same problem

 

Mileage is 150K. Had the fluid changed when I bought the car 3.5 years ago, at 128K.

BTW, when I say trouble gaining speed/shifting gears, I mean gaining speed above 5-10 mph.
It does start moving without a problem, but does not go beyond 5-10 mph until a few minutes.

 

It's a design flaw in the 98-02 transmissions.
Sonnax Overheated converters/Code 740
Below a given rpm the flow valve prevents fluid passing through the cooler. The transmission basically cooks itself. Once the fluid overheats it needs to be replaced.
I would not 'just' replace the converter. The problem is not the converter itself, but a valve in the transmission that needs to be replaced.
Highly unlikely. The 90-97 transmissions are not the same as the 98-02 units.
Find the two wire blue diagnostic connector, jump the connector and turn the car to ON. The D4 light should begin to flash a code. Click on the H4A troubleshooting link in my sig for further details.

 

Here is a good video that explains the over heating torque converter issues on Honda’s

 

Nice video, thanks for posting that.

~5:30 min mark is where he explains the issue with the PRV and cause of TC overheating.

 

Hello All,

Thanks for your replies.

I have still not done any repairs to my Accord, and have been driving it since the last time I posted two months ago.

The car is still running, although with increasing trouble.

Earlier, it had occasional trouble shifting. Now, it happens quite often, especially after it has not been driven for a while.

However, I have noticed a new phenomenon now: If the car is having trouble shifting, and I turn the A/C on (heat), it tends to shift after a while. Conversely, if the A/C has been on for some time and the car is running fine, if I turn the A/C off, it starts to have some trouble shifting.

Is there any explanation for this ?

Appreciate your feedback.