Transmission wont shift gears?

Tiny
DFULLER227
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
My car wont shift gears unless I take the battery cables off for about 10 seconds and put it back on then it will shift as I drive it I have to take the cables off every day before I go some where so it would shift I had this for about 2 weeks now
Sunday, May 31st, 2009 AT 2:44 PM

18 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi dfuller227,

Seems the Transmission control Module is failing and causing the problem. Does the D4 or S indicator light blinks while driving? This guide can help us see what is going on.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Monday, June 1st, 2009 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
DFULLER227
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  • 4 POSTS
Yea the d4 be highlighted and when I take the battery cable off for awhile and put it back on the d4 light will go off until I put it in drive thanks for helping me out
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Monday, June 1st, 2009 AT 3:56 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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Let us start by retrieving the trouble code for the D4 blinking and see if it is just sensors or a fault with the TCM.

Bridge the SCS connector and turn ignition switch ON and count the blinking of the D4 light. Note them down and let me know what you have.

Do this after the D4 blinks and do not disconnect the battery, it would clear the codes.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_SCS93Accord_9.jpg

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Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 AT 7:35 AM
Tiny
DFULLER227
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yesterday and today I didnt have any problem with the car I didnt have to take the cables off at all I just got in it and it drove and shift like its suppose to do u still wont me to bridge the box or wait until I have the shifting problem again.
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Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Try bridging and see if you have any codes. If none then you would have to wait till the lights starts blinking.

You should check if the area around the TCM is damp or wet, which could cause problems if moisture is getting to the TCM or its harness.
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Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 AT 3:39 PM
Tiny
DFULLER227
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  • 4 POSTS
Ok ima try to bridge it and see what happens but a SRS light came on this morning and when I just left the light was still on what does the SRS light stand 4
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Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 AT 4:03 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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SRS means Supplemental Restraint System, meaning the Air Bags.

For SRS the connector for diagnostic is different, should be a yellow connector on diver side.
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Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
ROVANTON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 1993 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
When it is going uphill it up shifts and when you are at the top of a hill or leveling off it downshifts. It does this with or without cruise control on. The opposite of what it should do. I bought the car new in '93. Thx.
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Saturday, September 26th, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check your throttle cable it may be stretched or needing adjustment.
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Saturday, September 26th, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ROVANTON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Dear Hmac300, thank you, thank you, thank you. After adjusting the cable it works perfectly. This vehicle holds sentimental value to me. THANKS AGAIN, Larry.
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Saturday, September 26th, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JULIO MARTINEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
  • 1993 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 205,000 MILES
I have a question about my transmission on my honda. I just recently bought it and notice that it does not shift smoothly. Should it? Or is that something normal for a 93 Honda Accord? I had one a few years back but I can't recall if that one shifted rough.

What do you suggest I do? Thanks
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Saturday, September 26th, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,754 POSTS
Take a look again at the miles that thing has taken the vehicle. No, they are not supposed to shift rough but with wear they do get that way. I don't know if you know much about the history of the vehicle. I have gotten improved results by draining the fluid and refilling with Honda tranny fluid and adding an additive such as Lucas to the tranny with the Honda fluid. I have noticed some improvement. The call is yours.
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Saturday, September 26th, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARLOSMOLINA45
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1993 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
D4 indicator light is coninually on. Seems like the tranny does not shift properly. What should I do?
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Saturday, September 26th, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi carlosmolina45,

It could be a faulty TCM. Try to see if you can retrieve any trouble code. Bridge the SCS and turn ignition switch ON. If the D4 light blinks, count the blinks and let me know what it says.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_SCS93Accord_17.jpg

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Saturday, September 26th, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARLOSMOLINA45
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It was one of the resistors on the TCM that had lost its acid. Found a great mechanic that replaced that resistor and not the whole TCM. The reason it got damaged is because it is located right under the drainage of the AC, and that drainage was clogged so all the water was faliing on the TCM and therefore damaged it. That is also the reason why I could hear water dripping when I turned the AC on. Paid $120 for the job and car is like new, thanks for replying.
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Saturday, September 26th, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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Glad to know you have fixed the problem and found yourself a good mechanic.

Have a nice day
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Saturday, September 26th, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEVINTRACY417
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1993 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 192,000 MILES
My 1993 honda has a automatic transmission that I have to manually shift. It will shift on its own if it has a new battery or fully charged one. I know that sounds crazy but I have witnesses to this. I have had this problem for a few months and would like to find out how to fix this. Any information you could give me would be helpful

Thanks
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Saturday, September 26th, 2020 AT 11:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi KevinTracy417,

It really sounds crazy and I am stumped.

Anyway I am interested in knowing the cause so I will provide some suggestions to see if it helps.

I take it that the following is true.

Trans is equipped with S mode.
The S indicator light in meter cluster is not flashing when driving.
Check engine light is not showing.
ATF level is correct and fluid in good condition.
Starter cranks well when starting.

1. Check the charging voltage, should be 13.4 to 14.6 v with engine running.

2. Check the ground strap below thermostat housing, near ECM/TCM.

3. Check gear shift solenoid connectors, lower 2 pcs of solenoid at front of trans.

4. Check trans throttle cable adjustment.

Good luck.
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Saturday, September 26th, 2020 AT 11:52 AM (Merged)

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