Okay so if i drive in D4 the trans shifts fine on the way up. On the way down, however it shifts kind of hard. If in D3 the car upshifts just as in D4, but downshifts much smoother. Is there a reason for this? Can it be fixed? Do the solenoids on the tranny have anything to do with this? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

Any Check Engine Light activity? Any work on throttle body that might have changed the trans throttle linkage adjustment?

I would start w/ adjusting the throttle linkage per the manual. It's easy and can have a dramatic effect if it's off.

Solenoids do affect lockup of the trans and might affect shift quality, particularly if they are intermittent or hunting on/off too rapdily. There should be a code set if problem is electrical. If problem is hydraulic, then a code is also set if the lockup is not engaging and torque converter slip is present.

good luck

 

I have already adjusted the throttle body and trans shift cables with no change in behavior. No check engine light or D4 light is on. Maybe I just have a quirky trans, but it is kind of annoying. Any other thought or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

You might start by disabling the lockup solenoids A&Bto see if 1) CEL comes on and 2) does this smooth out the downshifts. I'm unclear whether you mean D4-D3 downshift or simply dropping out of trans lockup. Just pull the connector on the trans by the trans fill point. The solenoids are 2-paired units mounted on a common base.

If you've never replaced the hydraulic pump inlet screen, this is a relatively easy task and some have reported dramatic improvement in shift quality afterwards.

If you don't have a manual download the 91 Accord manual from hondahookup.com. This has a diagnostic chart that is helpful.

good luck

 

When i refer to D4 and D3 i mean as if im driving normally in D4 and accelerating and then slowing down, and the same for D3. There is no manual shifting. Where is this inlet screen? I have already downloaded a manual but i will get the one you are referring to. Any other suggestions would be great. Thanks.

 

Ok i disconnected the solenoid as specified. The car seemed to be taking off out of second gear and shifting was smoother on the way down. Thanks.

 

Check TCU for a code. Some trans codes don't set the S or D4 light flashing.

good luck

 

Where is the inlet screen? I am unable to find it in the manual. Thanks

 

Inlet screen doesn't show in the 90 Accord manual I have either. It is mentioned in the hydraulic faults page as a potential problem, but I couldn't find it in any of the picture assys. I have changed on my 94 Accord, but never had any problems w/ the 90 Accord I had so I can't be absolutely sure it's there. I would hate for you to remove the trans pan to find it doesn't have an inlet screen. Perhaps someone else can confirm.

Does it take off in 2nd and shift to 4th? You would see a big drop in rpms when upshift occurs. This indicates a problem in the shift position console switch or switch circuit. Did you check for any codes, as this fault does not set the D4 light flashing in some circumstances?

good luck

 

My car does not have a trans pan. As far as the tcu codes i have not checked, but will. Thanks for your input. Any other suggestions are appreciated.