Transmission popping out of drive when taking off at a starting position?

Tiny
BASEBALLMIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Recently my car after driving to Vegas popped out of drive into neutral when just starting out at a light. I was able to make it home two days later without any problems. But once again the next day after driving on the freeway for about 30 miles I was in traffic in the city in stop and go traffic when it popped out of drive into neutral again. This time I changed the fluid and added some Lucas seal reconditioner, but it did not help. Since the problem has become been happening more consistently, also when coming to a stop more quickly than usual it will cause the transmission to stutter and not engage lower gears, almost stalling instead. Just yesterday when at a light I began to step on the gas and the car did nothing even as I went through all the gears not until I put it in park and then back in drive did it perform normally again!
Saturday, September 24th, 2022 AT 3:03 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

What you described sounds like it could be related to a line pressure issue. When it happens, does the gear indicator show it is still in drive?

What I would start with is to check for diagnostic trouble codes via the can-bus. CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, the computers/modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will retrieve codes regardless of the module storing them.

Here is a link explaining how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

I attached the directions from the manual for testing line pressure, but it is somewhat involved. Take a look through them and let me know if it is something you feel comfortable performing. Keep in mind, scanning the CAN is likely the easier thing to do first.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Saturday, September 24th, 2022 AT 11:01 PM
Tiny
BASEBALLMIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hi Joe and thanks for your time and your help. The answer is yes, it does still in drive when it happens but tonight is the first time, I actually got a green flashing D (drive) while driving. I turned the car off and then back on and it did okay the rest of the way home. I've changed the oil a few times and never any pieces or shavings and did not smell burnt but did have a grey or darker color to it. I'll look at the instructions and see if it is something I can do, also can I use an odb2 scanner for what you're describing I perform? Thanks again
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Sunday, September 25th, 2022 AT 4:52 AM
Tiny
BASEBALLMIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, so, I just put the reader on the car and there are two codes and it would appear that you were correct because the codes are 1) pressure control solenoid C stuck off and 2) is shift solenoid stuck on. Thanks again in advance for any help!
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Sunday, September 25th, 2022 AT 10:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

Okay, we can fix this. By chance, could you provide me with the codes that were found? I need to know the possible causes.

Also, I attached a general diagnostic test below related to the pressure solenoid C. Take a look through it and let me know if you are comfortable performing it. I suggest starting with this solenoid because the other code you have could be the result of this failure.

The last two pics are to help locate solenoid C.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, September 25th, 2022 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
BASEBALLMIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
P0767 and p0796. Thanks again.
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Sunday, September 25th, 2022 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
BASEBALLMIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Just want to clarify how to proceed in checking trans codes?
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 4:02 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

Okay. Based on the codes, I still feel the pressure solenoid is where we need to start. I attached the diagnostics below. However, they require a scan tool that can communicate with the different modules on the vehicle. I'm not sure if you have one.

Take a look through the diagnostics and let me know if you are comfortable performing them.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
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Just an update: I changed the transmission fluid tonight and when I strained the old oil it was completely clear no debris or anything did not smell burnt was just a little darker than when new. So, I'm going move on to the solenoid testing and most likely replacing on Friday when I get paid, I will let you know what I find.
Thanks again
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Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 AT 1:22 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Thank you for the update. The idea that the fluid isn't contaminated is a good thing. LOL Let me know how things turn out for you. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 AT 5:03 PM

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