Transmission not shifting properly?

Tiny
MICHAEL1966
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
My transmission shifts fine first gear second gear sometimes third and fourth when it's cold, then every once in a while, it'll just have hard time shifting in the third and fourth and then when I do shift into fourth every 5-10 seconds it shifts back the third. Sometimes it's just back the second then after a few seconds it'll shift back in the fourth. What could be causing this problem? Is it the shift solenoids? Please help.
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 AT 6:34 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

It could be a few things, and a shift solenoid, in and of itself, isn't likely. However, based on your description, it sounds like an electrical issue or even a speed sensor issue.

Have you checked the transmission fluid to make sure it is clean and full?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

Next, does the check engine light stay on while the engine is running? If so, have the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes.

Here is a link that shows how to scan all modules on the vehicle:

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

If you don't have access to a scan tool, oftentimes a parts store will do it for you free of charge.

Let me know.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL1966
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes, I just put a brand-new speed sensor in it works good the transmission fluid was changed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 9:53 AM
Tiny
MICHAEL1966
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay, I had codes scanned and it says input shaft speed sensor. That's not the VSS I replaced that. So, are there other sensors in the transmission? Ans how many? Could they be causing the problem? Someone else said maybe the TCM transmission control module?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

There are two, a main speed sensor and a countershaft speed sensor. I attached pics below showing them and their locations.

Which of these was replaced? Also, do you have the code?

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL1966
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
The codes were p0501 and p0715. I replaced the bad.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 8:44 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL1966
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I think the one code was for the has sensor I sent picture of. It probably just wasn't ever erased.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That is very possible. Is everything working correctly now?

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 26th, 2023 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL1966
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No, I put that sensor in a week ago prom seems worse the last few days tomorrow is going to put the two shift solenoids in do you think I need to get the input and output shaft speed sensors also? And what about the TCM under the dashboard? Somebody else told me what if your what if the throttle linkage or something isn't correct, I don't know how that could have gotten changed. What do you think?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 26th, 2023 AT 10:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

I don't feel the throttle linkage itself would cause this to happen. It could be a solenoid issue. Since you are getting a code for a speed sensor, I would likely replace the other one.

Let me know.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 28th, 2023 AT 1:24 AM
Tiny
MICHAEL1966
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I put a set of used shift solenoids on and now it only has first and second gear pretty much, but the other speed sensors on the input shafts I haven't done yet. I'm not sure how much further they got us it cost me a lot of money and I don't have money like that, I'm on disability.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 28th, 2023 AT 10:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I totally understand. I'm not on disability but can't seem to afford much of anything anymore.

As far as the issue, since the code is specific to the sensor, that is where I would start. The only other thing I can think of would be if there is a line pressure issue, but that shouldn't set a speed sensor code.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 28th, 2023 AT 8:22 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Transmission Not Shifting Content

VIEW MORE