1992 Honda Accord S-sport sensor light on auto gearbox stic

Tiny
ESTIY
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 HONDA ACCORD
Electrical problem
1992 Honda Accord 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

The fault happens when the weather is hot and the car has been standing in the sun.I turn on the ignition and when the other warning lights on the dashboard go out (e.G SRS)the green S(sport)light stays on.I can get reverse ok, but when I select D1, 2, 3 or 4 I only get 3rd gear. Happens sometimes on cooler days, when you first start up, but, after a couple of miles the S-light goes out and the gearbox performs normally(on hot days I have to do journeys in 3rd, but, sometimes if I turn the igniton on and off a few times it clears).I assume it must be a relay, sensor or solenoid.I have a wiring diagram but no troubleshoot section or chart with location of relays, etc in the car. Gearbox fluid level is good.
Sunday, August 10th, 2008 AT 11:58 AM

7 Replies

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

Your problem should be caused by a malfunctioning TCM or its wiring circuits.

At passenger side besides the ECM and TCM you would find a SCS which you can bridge to find possible freeze frame codes for the transmission. Turn ignition switch on and count the number of blinks.

You might need to replace the TCM.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 11th, 2008 AT 9:54 AM
Tiny
ESTIY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thanks KHLow2008.I have tried what you suggested and I get blinks from the top left hand light(picture of an engine), which I presume is the warning light for combustion problems. Without the scs bridge this light goes out, but, with the scs bridged I get qne long blink and four short, so, working on standard test logic, this probably stands for fourteen. Please advise me on the next move.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 AT 3:11 AM
Tiny
ESTIY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
OK KHLow2008 I've realised that the blinks were for the air idle control. Also have located the TCM/TCU in the passenger footwell.I have disconnected it and can now manually chamge gear with no problem. As the car is old I don't see the point in buying another TCM (I live in Spain, Europe so the car is a bit of a rarity, no chance of buying recon units, etc and if I buy off the internet I could have problems). So now my question is, if I drive the car without the TCM (I realise I won't have kick-down or Sport mode) by selecting the gears myself, as long as I treat it with respect, are there any other problems this can cause.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 AT 7:50 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi estiy,

Yes, it is code 14 for EACV but if the Check Engine light (the diagram that you described) was not showing and blinks only when you bridge the SCS, it was just a recorded data and not causing any problem.

Does the "S" light blink at initial ignition switch turned on with SCS bridged?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 AT 7:54 AM
Tiny
ESTIY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No the S light was on permanently and the only forward gear was 3rd. And I must say that changing gear without the TCM makes a much more satisfying feel to the cars handling and response.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 AT 8:05 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi estiy,

So far nobody has done such a thing so I am unable to provide any confirmed answers.

Logically, the vehicle is now a semi auto which means you have to manually shift.

You have also lost the lock-up clutch functions which will be higher fuel consumption.

If you wish to order from anywhere, make sure the part number printed on the TCM is exactly the same as the original.

Any junk yards around you can source the parts?

Know anybody who is good with electronical repairs? Send him the unit and he might be able to get it repaired.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 AT 8:06 AM
Tiny
ESTIY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No chance of any scrapyards here being of help.I'll let you know how it works out(maybe my feel for the revs can help compensate a little with the fuel consumption((as we all know automatic gearboxes suffer with premature changing when following slower vehicles)), and, most of my driving is motorway in 4th). You have been a great help KHLow2008, I would recommend this site to anybody. Thanks a million.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 AT 8:21 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links