it may be corrected by adding a bottle of lubeguard, but that doesnt mean its recommended by HONDA. Consumerguide != honda.
the 94 and 95 accords were notorious for their harsh shifting, in 96 they reprogrammed the TCU to shift smoother.
i especially wouldnt trust a site that claims there is a "DC" model of the accord.

personally I wouldnt put lubeguard in my transmission even if it shifted hard. Im very skeptical of just about every additive out there. If honda wanted you to add something to the transmission they would make their own additive. Not tell you to use some other additive.

 

That's very sloppy logic right there. Honda doesn't actually make any of the Honda brand fluids. They are made by third parties...some to stipulated specifications. Consumerguide was merely quoting an offocial honda SB....which I have actually seen myself. But, as I've said, I'm not going to quarrel with anyone. I would suggest that everyone does his or her research and not rely on so called "experts". At the end of the day it's your car....do with it as you please

 

I only use Genuine Honda Products. More expensive, but never caused problems either. Honda "sells" great fluid, whether it is for dirt bikes or cars.

 

Sorry man, but I cant find that TSB anywhere. Mind linking it?

 

I called the local Honda dealer and requested to speak with the chief mechanic. That guy said the fluid change would not do much to improve the shifting quality, but will improve the transmission life.

So, the 95 Accord does shift harsh as a 'design', without causing damage to the transmission?

 

Throttle control cable adjustment can have great impact on shift quality. There's a very detailed procedure, but not difficult, to adjust the throttle control cable at the trans throttle control lever end.

My 94 EX has 225K miles and shifts very smooth, IMO.

good luck

 

This is significant info. Thank you. I found this on the net : http://techauto.te.funpic.org/transmission.php
Any links/hints/tips on where I should look for the adjusting the cable?

I think this is my problem, because with warmed up engine and at higher rpms it does shift smoother. Of course, I will be doing a fluid change as well.

 

See the DIY tip for Online Manuals and download the 94-97 Accord manual from hondahookup.com. It should have the procedure in the transmission section.

Let us know how it goes.

good luck

 

Great advise!

I removed the slack on throttle cable (just a bit) and the shifting improved. Not dramatically, but enough to make me feel better. I also noticed that the shift-points have changed and the car behaves a bit 'smarter', i.e., quicker response to accelerator.

I'll change the fluid and see if that removes the rest of the harshness...

 

OK, so I changed the fluid earlier today. Looks like the fluid was never changed before this. It was dark and a lot of particles on the magnetic lug. Wiped it clean, reinstalled and poured in fresh Honda fluid. The car already shifts better, when warmed up, I can hardly feel the 2-3 shift, even the 1-2 has improved.

I'll change fluid 4 times over the next one month. And then wait for about a 1000 miles to see where it is. I'll update on the news. I do not expect it to be 'like-new' but do expect a reasonable improvement.

Thanks everyone here...!