My brother has a 90 accord 2 door 2.2L that is having transmission problems. This is an intermittent problem, after you start the car the green sport light comes on in the cluster and while its still in park yo hear something like a relay clicking constantly, until you apply the brake and it stops when you put it in gear. When you take off, it stays in 2nd gear and never shifts. I have been told that this is a TCM problem and to replace it, but I am hesitant to do that without being sure. Is there a way that I can be sure that the TCM is the problem and not some solenoid or something in the tranny? Ive heard that there is a way to pull codes on the TCM without a scanner but I dont know how. Once I get the codes what code would mean I need to replace the TCM? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

There is a service connector under the glove box that you short with a paper clip. on a 90 accord, i think that you have to look at the led on the TCU.

It is brown and has two wires going to it, and it is pugged into a connector with nothing. It should be near the hinge on the glove box.

 

Your symptoms sound very much like a TCM fault that is addressed by a TSB (tech service bulletin). I have hard copy of thebulletin, but no soft copy I can email. The DIY section has a link, but link is apparently non-functional. You might ask DesertHonda, if he has soft copy he can forward.

Basically, if TCU light (S or D4) is on full time and you hear clicks from under the dash (Interlock Control Unit), and trans is stuck in 3rd or 4th gear. Depress brake and interlock control stops buzzing. A reset of TCU by pulling BackUp fuse for 20 secs will temporarily fix problem.

Fix is repaired (google search), or used TCM to replace. Some have repaired by pulling and replacing burnt parts, but used TCM's are cheap < $100.

BTW, the DIY link for this TSB is out-of-service.

good luck

 

where can I get a reman one or get mine repaired?

 

Use google to search for ECU/TCU rebuild shops. There are plenty. Check ebay for rebuilt/used parts. Check car-part.com for used parts near your zip.

good luck

 

where in the car is the TCM located?

 

Under the passenger carpet, and inside a module housing ECU and TCU together. ECU on left and TCU on right.

Suggest you go to Online Manual DIY note and download a manual. I think there's a 91 manual that should work fine.

good luck

 

what would I need a manual for? is there some specefic procedure to change the tcm?

 

So I don't have to tell you where everything is located!

Price is right $0. Try it. I think you'll appreciate the information.

good luck