I have been on here before in regards to my 1998 Accord lx 4 cylinder vtec with a/c and auto transmission. Had car since new, used as a backup vehicle in household. Car has developed a very disturbing trait. When you put in park or reverse it pauses then slams into gear like it’s hung up on something during the downshift. PWhole car thuds forward or reverse. After that everything is fine trans works great. Goes thru all 4 gears perfectly. Then when you come to a full stop it downshifts flawlessly to second. When you stop it pauses for a second then slams into first gear. It’s crazy. I’m thinking rebuild transmission but that’s a major cost and hassle. So I investigated possible cures for this hanging up gear downshift. I found the transmission has 4 solenoids which control different aspects of shifting. I have previously changed trans fluid with OEM fluid, changed internal filter and gasket seal. When that didn’t work I tried Lucas trans fix. Still no good. So now I started pulling off and cleaning/replacing solenoids. The A or one solenoid is made up of 2 small cans on front of engine with one plug. Was within specs so I cleaned it, replaced screen and rubber gasket. Didn’t work. I then removed B or 2 and C or 3(books use All these different names) B was in spec so I cleaned C was out of spec so I replaced with OEM(116 bucks) still no good. So now I’m left with the clutch solenoid which mechanics call the linear solenoid. Its located under battery box. It’s 546 bucks from Honda. I bought a 50 buck one from Amazon. It solved the second to first gear problem but had issues above that. I might be in to something. It appears this might be it. I sent it back to Amazon for my 62 dollar credit. Now I tracked down a junkyard in south jersey 65



mile ride where you remove your own parts. First 2 accords I found the linear solenoid was removed, hmm maybe this is common. Bought 2 used solenoids for 50 bucks. Thoroughly cleaned them. Specked the ohms out and worked the solenoid plungers. I threw in used solenoid and it drives like brand new. It was a hastle but worth the time to have the hoopty with 157,000 miles back on the road and running fine. Hope this helps someone.

 

I believe that model year has a BX7A transmission. It has an internal ATF filter that isn't serviceable. Do yourself and the transmission on that car a solid: Install an external transmission filter, then plan to replace it as part of your replace-three-quarts-of-ATF scheduled maintenance routine. A handful of YouTube videos exist that demonstrate the installation process.