92 Accord, automatic transmission, over 200k miles, bought used. The shift from 1st to 2nd has been hard since I've had it, but recently it's also late -- it gets past 3000 RPM and often needs me to ease the throttle before it will shift.

Further upshifts are where they should be: 2->3 happens as soon as 1->2 is done, which is where it should be, and I have no problems with the others. I can't pin down any problems with downshifts. (Sometimes I get the feeling the timing of 2->1 is funny, but nothing definite and nothing consistent, maybe once in 20 hours of driving. Whereas the 1->2 late shift is every single time and totally obvious.)

I will see what the fluid looks like and if there are any engine codes and report back. I am pretty ignorant about automatic transmissions, and so would appreciate comment on what it could or couldn't be.

Internet research suggests low fluid, old fluid, or a stretched linkage from the throttle (but wouldn't that affect all the shifts?).

Transmission shop guy on the phone jumped straight to "it's a worn out valve body" (help me understand this?) "and they don't make those anymore, best find a rebuilt transmission and just replace the whole thing" (??!!?!$$$).

Any other possibilities or background info would be welcome.

 

It maybe just dirty or bad shift solenoids. Those can be found at the junkyard. Take the ones off that you have now and see how dirty they are.

If the problem is that bad, to fix it for now you can manually shift using the stick. To do this put it in "1st" then "2nd" then "D3" then "D4". That is shifting it manually like a manual transmission car. I would advise not to bring it into the high rpms when shifting like this you could damage it further.


Its hard to find trusty mechanics, this is why I opted to do all the work myself. Plus you save tons of money. You'll learn something too. Just don't overtighten bolts and snap them off it will make your life a lot easier.

 

Check cable is adjusted correctly, check the solenoids are clicking and free of debris, check the TPS for linear voltage change, check the NM/NC sensors are clean and within resistance....


I'm feeling lazy, so check this link > http://techauto.awardspace.com/transmission.html

 

I have a 90 accord ex (217,000 miles)with a similar issue. Seems it goes from 2nd to 3rd too soon. Also gives a hard downshift between 3rd to second. Also, last night I was cruising along at 45mph and it went from 3rd or 4th into 2nd....nearly put me into the steering wheel!
I am getting a code 5 from the TCU. From looking at diagrams it points to a faulty shift position control. I sometimes have a hard time going from P to R and R to P.

Any help on where to start looking would be appreciated. Fluid is full, not burnt smelling.