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Acceleration Problems

Tiny
WILDCAT2013
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
My Honda Accord is having problems accelerating. Starting from the park position, it backs out just fine. But then when I change the gear to drive, it stalls and takes a couple seconds to start moving forward.

Later when applying gas, occasionally the car just does not accelerate. Then periodically the car will start increasing speed. Then, after I stop on a red light and start trying to move again, the acceleration again stalls and then flares up. The rpm goes to 4000 to 5000 and the car starts making a lot of noise. Despite only going 20 mph. Again, periodically the car will pick up speed and the rpm will settle down. But it is getting worse.

The check engine light came on and the code was P0715.

What should I do?
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Saturday, November 30th, 2013 AT 3:25 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Your problem is related to the transmission. The PO715 indicates a main shaft speed sensor / circuit problem. It could be disconnected, open or shorted main shaft speed sensor circuit, or a faulty main shaft speed sensor. It is located on transmission end case below battery. Check to make sure everything is plugged in properly, clean and tight. If it appears okay, then the sensor is most likely the problem.
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Saturday, November 30th, 2013 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
WILDCAT2013
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I took it to a mechanic and he claims that there is a transmission problem and the transmission needs to be replaced. However the car sometimes picks up speed to 40-45 mph. Maybe even faster if I tried.

Is it likely that the transmission needs to be replaced given the nature of the problem? This seems like a worst case and very expensive scenario for a car.
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Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013 AT 6:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Not being there to drive the vehicle makes it tough for me. I have to say, according to the code you got, it sounds like a sensor issue. You said it works properly in reverse; however, when you place it in drive, it doesn't want to go. That is odd because the same clutch pack is used for reverse and low gear. Since it doesn't slip in reverse, I feel the clutches are good, and the sensor may be the issue.

To be honest, a new transmission is the WORST case. Perhaps you should get an opinion from a different tech before replacing the transmission.

Can you tell me the condition of the transmission fluid? Is it clean and full or is it dirty? Is it low?
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Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
BNBTG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have the same issue as described by wildcat. Same exact acceleration issue with my Honda Accord 94. I changed transmission twice, problem still. I have now installed a new engine including transmission that comes with it. Problem still.
When in gear 2 car picks up almost well but not quite. In other gear, only rpm raises but car makes noise and barely move.
Any recommendations are welcome
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Thursday, November 23rd, 2017 AT 12:52 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi BNBTG,

First of all I would recommend a scan to check for trouble codes. A fault with the wiring, sensor, control unit or the transmission could be bad internally are possible causes. Even Engine control sensors such as Throttle Position Sensor or a fault in the charging system can affect this.

Let us know if you have any trouble codes present. For 1994 model, you can manually retrieve the trouble code with the aid of a jumper wire bridging the 2-pin diagnostic connector located just in front of the blower motor behind the glove-box.
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Saturday, November 25th, 2017 AT 1:06 AM
Tiny
BNBTG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks! For now TPS is what we targeting the most after checking symptoms of tps failure online. Also, after replacing the engine the only part of the old engine we kept was the throttle body. Will replace the throttle body and see what changes. Then manually scan for codes.
Keep in touch!
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Saturday, November 25th, 2017 AT 4:35 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
TPS needs calibration if it is dismounted and you can test the TPS functionality of the TPS to know if is bad
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Sunday, November 26th, 2017 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
BNBTG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Just replaced the throttle body itself. Problem still. Could we calibrate tps even after replacing the throttle body?
Time to do that scan I believe.
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 AT 12:16 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like you have a plugged catalytic converter to me can you please run this test from the guides below?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken

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Thursday, December 7th, 2017 AT 6:46 PM

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