Transmission issue in 1998 Honda Accord 2.3 4cyl
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 173
Re: Transmission issue in 1998 Honda Accord 2.3 4cyl
A few things to check and then report back on.
1 - Is there any computer check engine light on? is the D4 light blinking or anything weird or is it normal
2 - Check the fluid level of the transmission : is it properly filled or has it leaked out? Is the color a normal pink or does it look brown and dirty? Does it smell burnt in any way?
3 - I am presuming through all this it's an automatic, so the next thing to do is take off all the solenoids on the transmission and clean the filters on them, they are often clogged which can possibly cause this:
This will give some guidance, but there are several to pull and clean (I believe 3).
4 - Get under and check the shifter cable connection, it's possible it's come loose and when you put it into reverse it is not really in gear. You can put the car up on jackstands so the front wheel are off the ground, chock the rear, put on emergency brake, climb under, remove the gear cable cover and manual push it into the gear to see if it will go (car will be running, so be careful and don't do this if not confortable). If so, then you would need a new cable or try to adjust it while under there.
That's where I would start. HOpefully, if you have been changing fluid it's the filters, fluid level, or cable. Otherwise you are down to repair, and often it's easier to simply replace it at this point in time because you can pick up a used transmission from the junkyard or ebay for about $500 and put it in. Obviously at that point it's a little more work, but it's very doable at home. Personally I wouldn't try to go to a shop and buy a new one because the cost is prohibitive to me, but that's me and I'm very comfortable taking a car apart. Might be differnt in your case. Try the above and report back.
1 - Is there any computer check engine light on? is the D4 light blinking or anything weird or is it normal
2 - Check the fluid level of the transmission : is it properly filled or has it leaked out? Is the color a normal pink or does it look brown and dirty? Does it smell burnt in any way?
3 - I am presuming through all this it's an automatic, so the next thing to do is take off all the solenoids on the transmission and clean the filters on them, they are often clogged which can possibly cause this:
This will give some guidance, but there are several to pull and clean (I believe 3).
4 - Get under and check the shifter cable connection, it's possible it's come loose and when you put it into reverse it is not really in gear. You can put the car up on jackstands so the front wheel are off the ground, chock the rear, put on emergency brake, climb under, remove the gear cable cover and manual push it into the gear to see if it will go (car will be running, so be careful and don't do this if not confortable). If so, then you would need a new cable or try to adjust it while under there.
That's where I would start. HOpefully, if you have been changing fluid it's the filters, fluid level, or cable. Otherwise you are down to repair, and often it's easier to simply replace it at this point in time because you can pick up a used transmission from the junkyard or ebay for about $500 and put it in. Obviously at that point it's a little more work, but it's very doable at home. Personally I wouldn't try to go to a shop and buy a new one because the cost is prohibitive to me, but that's me and I'm very comfortable taking a car apart. Might be differnt in your case. Try the above and report back.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 173
Re: Transmission issue in 1998 Honda Accord 2.3 4cyl
If it helps to see what the solenoid looks like here's a pic:
Do not order this one, I don't even know if it's the right item, I just wanted you to see the filter/screen area I was talking about above that you will clean off. Also, entirely possible a solenoid is dead, you might also check them while apart to see if they work.
Do not order this one, I don't even know if it's the right item, I just wanted you to see the filter/screen area I was talking about above that you will clean off. Also, entirely possible a solenoid is dead, you might also check them while apart to see if they work.