Hi,

I''ve noticed a weird problem in my car during cold season. Car does not get enough power from the engine in D4 gear. And it refuses to move unless I shift to D1 or D2.

This does not happen when I first start the car and put in D4. But this happens every time after that whenever I stop at a light or something. I usually have to switch to lower gears like D1 for the car to move.

I''ve made sure there is enough tire pressure in cold conditions etc. So that''s not the reason.

Again .. this doesn''t happen in Summer and other seasons when the weather is not too cold. I''d say only if the temperature falls below 40 - 45 F .

Please help me diagnose this problem.

Thanks
indy49


*********
Honda Accord EX
1999
4 DR/ 4 CYL
101,500 miles

oh, i think its time for a new car :banana:

:bawling:

would a transmission rebuild/change help? :confused:

I was wondering if the ECU controls transmission operation? Because I see the "Check Engine" light on the dashboard. I got the code checked at AutoZone. It translates to faulty ECU. Will replacing the ECU fix this problem at all? :paranoid:


thanks

Sounds like the ECU is not telling the trans to shift down to first when taking off. What exact code are you getting?

Here is the complete information I got from AutoZone ...

P1607

Definition : ECM/PCM Internal Circuit Failure A

Probable Causes
1. Open or short circuit condition
2. Poor electrical connection
3. Failed ECM

Hopefully you have a good dealer in the area that can help you. With such low miles you may be a good candiate for good will consideration from Honda if you need a new trans.

I was hoping this would be an ECU problem. And not a transmission problem. :dunno:

I got a quote from AutoZone for a new ECU .. around $110 which is way less than the dealer quote of $895.

I was thinking of going ahead with the ECU replacement. To see if this would fix the problem at all.

Can anyone encourage/discourage me on this gamble? :)

thanks guys for all your response.

indy49

Hi,

It turned out to be an ECM problem after all. I was able to buy a used one on eBay. My local honda dealer installed and programmed it.

thanks guys for all your responses.

indy49

I'm having this exact same problem with a 1999 Honda Accord EX. It only occurs on cold mornings. Throws a P1607 code as well and seems to go into Limp Mode - i.e. sluggish to drive etc.

Odd that it only happens when it's cold out. I'll have to locate a used ECM to replace. How did you determine which ECM you needed from Ebay?

Picked up a matching ECM from a salvage yard today for $40. Dropped by my favorite local dealer, I installed the ECM in their garage to avoid the labor, and they programmed it for me. $90 for the 5 minutes it took to program seems a little steep, but I guess we don't have a choice on this one.

I inquired about just buying a programmer, but when I heard the price was $3K I said, nah go ahead and do it for me :yes:

I should know tomorrow if this fixed my issue. It's gonna be 18 degrees tonight.

I'm amazed that a dealer would allow you to work on your car in their garage. Hope it works out.

I'm amazed that a dealer would allow you to work on your car in their garage. Hope it works out.

They're a really good dealer. Very fair and helpful. This wasn't in the garage area with all the techs, this was in the customer garage where you drop your car off. Still, the guy even got me the tools to remove it. Pretty cool of them actually.

Ok, fired up the 99' Accord this morning and the $40 salvage yard ECM has resolved my problem. It was 17 degrees this morning and no problems what so ever.

Problem fixed for $140 ($40 ECM and $100 to program it at the dealer). Saved over $1000 from just dropping it off at the dealer for the repair.