green s on instrument display, won't shift past 2nd
disconnected a solenoid on top of tranny now it shifts 2nd and 3rd no 1st or 4th, reverse is fine, what am I missing? sport norm button on shifter grip has no affect.

 

First, re-connect the solenoid.

Can you manually start in 1st and shift all the way to 4th? If so, sounds like a bad tcu.

 

The S light staying on means that the transmission computer detected a problem.

I think that the 1990 accord has a service connector that you can short and count the S light flashes. Read How to get CEL codes in the DIY section.

 

On my old '92 the connector was located on the pass side kick panel. It was a blue plug. Try there....

 

Do-It-Yourself. It is a different forum than gen tech help. Go back to the list of forums and it right after the gen tech help forum.

 

I merged your two threads to help keep things organized.

I would suggest to diagnose the problem before blindly replacing the TCU.

I am not sure if the 1990 accord has a service connector. If it has one, it is behind the passenger kick panel like in the 91-93. If not, then turn the key to the II position and count the flashes from the window on the TCU.

 

do you think it is harmful at all to operate with solenoid disconnected till I can afford the shop, I can get around town pretty good starting in second since I don't have hills of any size.

 

checked the red flashes in tcu window, 5 flashes or perhaps 4 and then one quick one however my manual doesn't have a code 45 so I'm guessing it's 5? and manual refers 5 to a map sensor, does this relate to shifting?

 

TCU has a different list of errors vs the check-engine light. (not that I actually know the list, because my cars have 3 pedals)

 

I personally wouldn't for a long period of time.

I would plug in the solenoid, clear the ECU and TCU by removing the 7.5 amp backup/radio fuse in the engine bay fuse box for a minute.

If the S light problem returns, I would then try to get the TCU codes to see if this is a sensor problem on the transmission.