Hi everyone,

I have a Honda Accord 97 2.2vtec. The automatic transmission is acting up intermittently. D4 is flashing in the dash, 1st gear will not engage, so I manually downshift to 1 or 2, because gear 2 starts in both of those. Once up to 30mph and 3000rpm I shift back up to D4 where things continue as normal. That is until I stop again and repeat the whole process.
I got the codes checked, and have P0740 which says "TCC does not engage, probable cause - open or short circuit, poor connection, or failed TCC system.
Another code is P0758 which says Transmission stuck in 4th gear, probable cause - open or short circuit, poor connection, failed shift control solenoid.
Another code (maybe unrelated) is P0401 which says insufficient flow, probable cause - faulty EGR valve, or blocked EGR passages in engine.

Now, I've watched some videos on how to electrically test the solenoids by grounding them and connecting a positive wire to the terminals and listening for the click engaging sound that the solenoid makes. There are two solenoid sets on the transmission, the one on the top sounded ok, but the one below in between the radiator and the transmission sounded very weak, barely a click in comparison.

My thoughts are I may need to change one or both sets of solenoids, can you please give me advice? Thanks!

Sven

 

Take both sets of solenoids off.
Make sure the valves and screens are clean.
Observe the valve opening closing when you power them, if one of the valves is hanging open there may be damage to the solenoid and it may need to be replaced if cleaning the valves does not work. Check the wire harness for any damage or shorts.

Drain and refill the transmission. If the fluid has never been changed it may be filthy causing the solenoid valves to become clogged or stick which will prevent proper shifting.

P0401 is probably caused from clogged EGR passages. Look up on how to clean them in the Accord FAQ at the top of the page. On a 94-97 it is very simple to clean.

 

Thanks! I removed both solenoids, and cleaned them with brake cleaner. The gasket screens where pretty clean. No metal shavings. The fluid was very dark, I drained and changed the fluid. The electrical testing on the solenoids i did while it was attached to the tranny. I listened for the sound and one solenoid sounded good and strong and the other one sounded faint and weak. I ordered a new solenoid to replace the one sounding weak (tcc solenoid). I am eager to change it out and see what happens.

 

Cut the head off a Q-tip, remove the solenoid screen and insert the Q-tip shaft into the hole where the pintle valve is. You will be able to push the valve open, it should open smoothly. Then spray down the port, it should allow any just to flow past or become dislodged. Exercise the valve a few times to try and free it up. If the fluid was brown there may be deposits or varnish stuck to to the valve assembly. Use a trans cleaner solvent, not a leak fixer, to aid in removal of buildup.