Hello everyone, I just bought a 97 Accord LX (86K) and after driving it for no more than 20 miles the transmission seems to defective. The vehicle drove perfect when it was test driven.The problem now is that it seems to stay in 1st and also wont go into reverse. The puzzling thing is after the car sits for about 5 mins. it drives like normal.It does have enough fluid and I bel. it was changed once before by the previous owner.I bel. I'll try replacing the fluid, any recommendations ( brand names types etc)

Any insight would be appreciated.Thanks.

My advice is:- don't bother trying to fix anything, just take the car back, demand a full refund, and go shopping for a better deal. :yes:
.

My advice is:- don't bother trying to fix anything, just take the car back, demand a full refund, and go shopping for a better deal. :yes:
.

Lol quite easy but not possible.If a car is purchased from a private owner there is no recourse here in NYC. Funny thing is I parked up my Maxima because of transmission problems and decided to get an Accord because I've had them before and know they are trouble free. I have a 92 EX with 185K original engine trans shocks and it drives very good.

Back to the subject: The speedometer also stopped working this morning on my way home. I spoke to a friend of mine and he said if the speedometer stopped working and the car isnt shifting then it's the speed sensor,claims it's a sickness with these cars. He's gonna scan it sometime tomorrow and obtain a definite result. Apparently if the speedometer stops working,the ECU throws the car into a failsafe mode. I want to bel. hes correct since he asked about speedometer before I mentioned it wasnt. Plus if the car is shut off for 5 mins or so and driven again you wont even know there's a problem.

My advice is:- don't bother trying to fix anything, just take the car back, demand a full refund, and go shopping for a better deal. :yes:
.

Lol quite easy but not possible.If a car is purchased from a private owner there is no recourse here in NYC. Funny thing is I parked up my Maxima because of transmission problems and decided to get an Accord because I've had them before and know they are trouble free. I have a 92 EX with 185K original engine trans shocks and it drives very good.

Back to the subject: The speedometer also stopped working this morning on my way home. I spoke to a friend of mine and he said if the speedometer stopped working and the car isnt shifting then it's the speed sensor,claims it's a sickness with these cars. He's gonna scan it sometime tomorrow and obtain a definite result. Apparently if the speedometer stops working,the ECU throws the car into a failsafe mode. I want to bel. hes correct since he asked about speedometer before I mentioned it wasnt. Plus if the car is shut off for 5 mins or so and driven again you wont even know there's a problem.

Also, does anyone know where I can obtain the FSB for this vehicle (97 Accord LX) besides the dealer?

Thanks.

If you want to try to replace it yourself...... :dunno:

If the speed sensor is brokem then you'd have then Check Engine Light on. If the transmission has a serious issue then the selected gear will light on the dash and flash.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but being that the car is a 97 with only 87k miles, the extended emissions warranty should cover the speed sensor if it has failed. It was listed as a covered item...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but being that the car is a 97 with only 87k miles, the extended emissions warranty should cover the speed sensor if it has failed. It was listed as a covered item...

Gentlemen, thanks for the information. I'll investigate each suggestion. Hopefully, I'll have it scanned tomorrow and post the result.

I'm new to the site and I do know that newbies are frowned upon for asking questions WITHOUT searching. Usually I prefer to search since I can read all the related replies and make an informed decision, however I'm pressed for time so I do apologise in advance.

If anyone can point me to TSB's for the Honda, FSM and some inexpensive, reputable online dealers it would be much appreciated.

Thanks again.

we have no problem looking the things up for you here... we know that the search function with the forum software isn't the greatest....

here is a link to all the factory bulletins we have. if needed, ask princess if you need any others in the future... http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22

hope this helps.... :wave: :yes:

we have no problem looking the things up for you here... we know that the search function with the forum software isn't the greatest....

here is a link to all the factory bulletins we have. if needed, ask princess if you need any others in the future... http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22

hope this helps.... :wave: :yes:

Thanks Stillen. The tranny is shot on my car so I'm in the process of locating a replacement. I sill have tons of faith in Hondas since I've owned about 4 (Acuras and Hondas) and they have all been extremely reliable.I guess this particular vehicle was abused by the previous owner.

I also located the FSM in CD format on Ebay and bought the Haynes manual from Autozone.

Once I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone that assisted me.

Brudda Bob

good luck finding a transition :thmsup:
and asking questions is always ok :yes:
if people don't like people asking questions they can just not read it, and go on with there own business.

good luck finding a transition :thmsup:
and asking questions is always ok :yes:
if people don't like people asking questions they can just not read it, and go on with there own business.

Thanks bro.1st forum I've visited where everyone seems to be easgoing.Would anyone happen to know what tranny can be swapped into my 97 Accord LX. Not a 5 speed swap but maybe from the EX or the V6model. Also, is it recommeded to install a tranny cooler, if so any brands etc?. Thanks again

Correct me if I'm wrong, but being that the car is a 97 with only 87k miles, the extended emissions warranty should cover the speed sensor if it has failed. It was listed as a covered item...

You're correct, but if he has no CEL lit, even if codes are stored, they'll probably shun him away unless he wants to donate to the "dealer wants $90.00 to check for codes fund".

You should make an appointment anyways though, you're due for the free 'tune up' which includes spark plug wires, distributor cap, oil change, and a complete scan of the OBD II system. That might help you get the speed sensor thing taken care of if it comes up at all. All of that is free to you. In the mean time you could do a reset by disconnecting the battery for 24hours (maybe less).

OP - You'll be needing this.

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3182

Thanks bro.1st forum I've visited where everyone seems to be easgoing.Would anyone happen to know what tranny can be swapped into my 97 Accord LX. Not a 5 speed swap but maybe from the EX or the V6model. Also, is it recommeded to install a tranny cooler, if so any brands etc?. Thanks again

Let me give you the lowdown on 5th gen Transmissions. First, all 1994-1996 Accord AT's were essentailly the same, however they were electronically geared differently (TCM's) model to model due to engine variations (V6 vs. VTEC 4cyl vs. non VTEC 4 cyl etc.) In 1997 the transmissions were redesigned on 4 cylinder models for a smoother ride, quicker gear change, and more pleasurable driving. I've driven both a 1996 and 1997 Accord LX 4cyl and I couldn't tell a difference, and felt the 97' to almost be a bit more sluggish when sifting compared to mine. However, I'm used to the Honda trannies that give you hard firm shifts, a characteristic of late 80's through mid 90's Honda Auto's.

These cars have built in transmission coolers, an additional one is a waste unless you tow things with your Accord, and the suspension can't even handle that.

In other words, changing the transmission is going to restrict you to the 1997 model year 4cyl AT's, which there would be no difference.

Now, I'm hoping you're not loosing 'faith' in your Accord. If you are, maybe this will bring you to realize something ese that maybe you didn't think of before. Unless the previous owner provided you with receipts of every single thing done to your car over it's life span you don't know if the fluid was ever changed (60k for those cars is about right, 30k to be safe), what kind of fluid they put in there (Honda ATF is recommended in the book, I believe it says only) etc.

Hope you can get this resolved! Good luck.

EDIT - If the previous owner ever had the tranny flushed, that was a death sentence right there.

Let me give you the lowdown on 5th gen Transmissions. First, all 1994-1996 Accord AT's were essentailly the same, however they were electronically geared differently (TCM's) model to model due to engine variations (V6 vs. VTEC 4cyl vs. non VTEC 4 cyl etc.) In 1997 the transmissions were redesigned on 4 cylinder models for a smoother ride, quicker gear change, and more pleasurable driving. I've driven both a 1996 and 1997 Accord LX 4cyl and I couldn't tell a difference, and felt the 97' to almost be a bit more sluggish when sifting compared to mine. However, I'm used to the Honda trannies that give you hard firm shifts, a characteristic of late 80's through mid 90's Honda Auto's.

These cars have built in transmission coolers, an additional one is a waste unless you tow things with your Accord, and the suspension can't even handle that.

In other words, changing the transmission is going to restrict you to the 1997 model year 4cyl AT's, which there would be no difference.

Now, I'm hoping you're not loosing 'faith' in your Accord. If you are, maybe this will bring you to realize something ese that maybe you didn't think of before. Unless the previous owner provided you with receipts of every single thing done to your car over it's life span you don't know if the fluid was ever changed (60k for those cars is about right, 30k to be safe), what kind of fluid they put in there (Honda ATF is recommended in the book, I believe it says only) etc.

Hope you can get this resolved! Good luck.

EDIT - If the previous owner ever had the tranny flushed, that was a death sentence right there.

Thanks for the info. but I'm unsure whether I totally comphrehend what youre saying. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Trannies are mechanically identical however the TCM's are NOT.Therefore I can swap any EX,LX or V6 model tranny and reuse MY 97 LX TCM? The shifting would remain the same since I havent switched the TCM's.

I'm not losing faith in Hondas since I've owned several before and they were all faithful. I currently own 3 Maximas (97 SE AT,92VE5,93VE5 (92 is for sale,93 is in storage), a Mazda 97 626 V6 AT (needs a tranny and is up for sale) and a 2000 Infiniti I30. Of all these vehicles my 92 Accord EX has been the most faithful,trouble and expense free car. I've spent less than 1500.00 hundred in the 5 yrs and its the longest owned vehicle of mine.Almost everything is original (engine, tranny, suspension) and I've only done tune up's,axle, brake,timing belt and water pump replacement.I just bought this 97 LX because I want something trouble free with excellent gas mileage and I'm still confident that it will give me that.Nissans are powerful but they have more codes than Da Vinci,burn more gas and seem to need more frequent maintenance.At the time I purchased the Nissans I was looking for Integras and Accords but didnt find anything I really liked so I took what was avail.

I bel. the tranny was flushed about 50K ago at the dealer.

I have sourced a JDM tranny with about 50K or less for $450.00 and installation will be another 350.00 which isnt so bad. Are there any additional parts which should be replaced with the tranny change? Seals, etc.

After the car is done I'll visit the dealership for the ext. emissions warranty.

Thanks again.

Transmission update:
Installed tranny JDM tranny with under 50K on Saturday and the car shifts really smooth. No jerking bouncing, hesitation in gears etc so I'm pleased and hopes it continues to stay this way. The speedometer seems to acting up so I'll monitor it for another week and see what's the result.

I visited the dealer today and they told me the car isnt under warranty so I'm not eligible for the emissions related replacement parts. I dont have any check engine lights so I'll contact Honda and see what the result is gonna be. hopefully I can get this done in a timely manner since I would like to tune the car up before any major driving.

The mechanic told me the car's engine is in excellent condition and sounds really healthy, the only thing that needs to be done is readjusting the lifters or vales (something like that) and of course it needs a tuneup.

Any thoughts, comments advice or constructive criticism is welcome since I know you guys are more experienced.

Thanks again one and all.

When the Accord won't shift from first to second, has reverse and there are no warning indicatators (flashing D4 or Check Engine) it is the shift solenoids. There are two sets of them. They cost 120 per set. Each set of two is held on with three 10mm bolts.

Any more details on that LXaccord.

Top selenoid pack does the 4th gear lock up
Bottom selenoid pack does the shifting.

I am in process of doing a master rebuild on mine (1996) right now. It made it 197,643 miles and then began slipping/not shifting. With it being not reliable now, i ma doing the full rebuild (bearings, clutch pack, torque convertor, etc..)

I tried lots of differnt things to get my trans working without pulling it out, I cannot wait to see the internal filter and insides.

Ah, such fun!:D

My prince used to rebuilt trannies all the time... but most dealers stopped rebuilding & started just replacing. Time-wise it's about the same, but since so many don't understand what they're doing.... there's less chance of messing it up.

You really want some fun, try an old 4WD Honda! :lmao:

pictures would be much appreciated

Herer are some pics of the solenoid packs: