I know there are alot of tech guys on here, maybe they have experienced this problem before.

Problem:

The check engine light comes on followed later by the D4 blinking consistently, while driving the car seems very sluggish, it seems as though the transmission is not catching.

Replaced:

I had replaced the VSS already and the Idle COntrol Valve.

Anyone know what the problem may be with teh D4 blinking and the check engine light coming on??????

I NEE HELP ASAP

 

Model? Year?

 

1993 Acura Legend L, Type I, Automatic...

 

the light is a "transmission check light". the number of consecutive blinks is the code for the problem. i don't know what the codes are for legends, they are different from an integra. have the dealer hook it up to their computer and run a diagnostics. it sounds like if it is slipping, the fluid might need changing. it may even be low on fluid. check the level while the motor is running. honda transmissions need to have their fluids changed every 25k miles. and it is the most likely cause of tranmission failure...well it leads to heat, which is the most likely cause of failure. also, you can pick up a chilton's guide for 90-93 acura sedans/coupes at the auto parts store for about 15bucks. should have the codes and how to run your own diagnostics and even changing the fluids. a helms manual is much more detailed and that is what i have for my integra.

 

or do a search of a legend forum that show's all the codes. I know that prelude has one. If you take it to the dealer, they'll charge you like 70 dollars just to see the code, then they'll prolly convince you to fix it there. And we all know how "cheap" honda service is.

-but to the topic, i think its the tranny. My car did the same thing. YOu'll lose your 4th and 3rd gear first. Well not lose.. it'll slip off.. and not grab.. then you'll be drivin around with 2nd and 1st. If you leave it in Park. And listen to the engine, does it have a "weed whacker" sound? like zZzzz. Also, if you dont' hear it then, try revving the car a little. IF you do hear something like i described, i'd say its the tranny.

 

Jump the service connector - it is located on the passenger side under the glove box. it is a blue two pin connect wrapped around a blue elec. tape. Once you have jumped the two pin connector turn on the key engine off and count the D4 blinking light. A long blink = 10 and short blink = 1. so if you have on long and one short that's code 11 - one long and 3 short code 13 and so on.

But check your ATF level after you turn off the motor (engine most be warm)
smell the fluid to check if is burn't - a burn't ATF smells like a burn't pop corn.

AFT color should clean or a dark red - if it is black like oil change the fluid.

 

My parents 94 legend has the constant blinking d4 problem. The lights for the seat memory blink as well. Either way the transmission is definitely gonna die soon, the transmission bangs hard on the 1st to 2nd gear shift, it chirps the tires if you got it floored and it'll do it on turns with about 1/2 throttle. It's been through 3 teenage drivers in my family that don't exactly take it easy with cars, actually it's still being driven by one, though he's no longer a teenager but still drives that way. I heard that a blinking light while in drive in accords means the tranny is going out on you, i'd assume its the same for legends. Anyway to sum it up, it blinks on mine and the tranny is dying so hope that helps. Though it hasn't been driving sluggish, like not catching the gear, it doesn't really have that problem, sometimes it won't wanna go into 4th though, but just go from d4 > d3> d4

 

An blinking D4 light does not always mean that it going to die.
A shifting problem it is usally be cause fo fluid failure or ower uses Dexron AFT fluid other Honda ATF.

This week I had a 92 civic EX 2 door with the D4 flashing and a problem shifting.
The customer had his civic service at jeffy lube. They had replaced used dextron3. Anyways, I recommend to the customer that Dextron ATF will cuase problem.
He had told me that the his tranns had been having this problem before the tranns service from jeffy lube and it just got worst. And also, that jeffy lube told him that he needed a tranny.

The customer rather try what I recommend rather spending more money to rebuild or replace is tranns. I flushed the Dextron AFT and replaced with a Honda ATF and the shifting problem was gone.

So, my point is servicing your tranny may fix your problem specially if it's been a while since it has been serviced. I recommend ONLY USING HONDA ATF NOTHING ELSE.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HONDADNA &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ONLY USING HONDA ATF NOTHING ELSE.

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can't agree more. hell, i use only honda fluids(mobil oil in a pinch), filters and replacement parts in my 13 year old honda. never had a major problem with it. and i have fun in my integra.