1996 Honda EX Auto trans issues
 

Hi! I have a 96 Accord with 356km (226km). My brother was driving it when after about 5 blocks from his house (car had been parked overnight) while driving it the transmission suddenly dropped out of gear into neutral while still showing in drive and would not move forward manually shifting in any forward gears. He did have reverse and was able to limp home that way. I went and checked it out several days later, starts fine, no check engine light, If you put it in reverse it will take approx. 5-10 seconds to go into gear. Before I got there he had swapped out the top solenoid from a wreck thinking this could be the problem and this did nothing. Fluid levels are fine and red and changed about a year ago. Wondering if this could be ECM or any other thoughts on the matter. Car was running fine up until this point. Thanks in advance.

Does the D4 light flash on the dashboard? Have you tried to scan for any codes on the OBD2 port? The connector is behind the ash tray on the 96 accord.

Hi PAhonda! Thanks for your reply. There is no D4 code, We have a cheap elm327 obd2 reader to a Torque App and it did not show any codes. Honestly, I am not sure if can read tranny codes? Maybe need a more sophisticated unit for this. Thoughts?

Is this a 4-cylinder or V6?

The transmission codes are part of the obd2 standard, so any reader should be able to get those codes. Sounds like you have no codes.

It is a tough call on what to do next, because I'm not an auto transmission expert. I don't know how reverse is geared in the transmission.

I'd look at the CV joint just to be sure that one didn't break. That may give you the symptoms you are experiencing.

I would consider a drain/refill on the fluid. Look closely at the drained fluid for signs of metal shavings.

I'd probably try to find a PCM that matches your vehicle exactly from a u-pull-it yard. You need a PCM from a 96 or 97 EX automatic with the same engine (4 or 6 cylinder). The PCM is much easier to replace than a transmission.

It is a 4 cylinder. CV's are fine. Have been considering pulling the ecm off a wreck as this would be the cheapest route to go. I think we will go this route and cross our fingers. Thanks again PAhonda,