1995 Honda Accord jerky shifting and locking shifter

KSCAN

MEMBER
1995 HONDA ACCORD

Transmission problem
1995 Honda Accord 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 140k miles

I inherited this car from my grandmother, so it is very well maintained. Here's my problem: sometimes when I am accelerating anywhere from 10 to 30 miles an hour, the automatic transmission will shift very poorly. It feels like I'm hitting the brake in the middle of it shifting, except I'm not breaking at all. I push the gas pedal, it accelerates, and when it shifts up, there is a sharp jerk (like I'm braking), then it continues to accelerate. It does this sometimes while I'm in D3 and sometimes while I'm in D4, and I've found that it often happens after I yield (but don't completely stop) and make a turn.

I also have another problem: I've found that if I put my car in park, keep in running, and then try to put it back into drive, the button on the shift stick won't push in (it won't let me change gears); I always make sure to push the brake all the way, but it still doesn't work. I usually have to turn the car off and turn it back on to be able to shift out of park. Sometimes it will let me shift out of park if I press REALLY hard on the brake.

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi kscan,

When you are not able to shift out of park, the problem is caused by a malfunctioning interlock system. Check if the brake lights are working when the problem occurs. It could be caused by a faulty brake switch.

If the harsh shifting occurs intermittently, the cause should be from within the trans. Check if the trans throttle cable is moving smoothly and in good condition.

If the vehicle is seldom used and have been parked for some time, give it a good drive around to get the parts working and get the trans fluid replaced.