I have these unusual issues with the automatic transmission:

Approx. 3-5 second delay when shifted from P to D4 for the drivetrain to completely engage, engine warm or cold.

RPM surges (Approx 500 - 700 RPM) while upshifting from 2nd to 3rd and to 4th gears while accelerating in a highway situation (at operating temperature, A/C on or off)

Also, this trans also does a 'sloppy' shift when accelerating after making a turn
(2nd to 3rd, I believe) (Also noticed this on my three 91 Accords as well)

What do you guys think could be going on here???

Thanks............................

97 Accord SE
4 Cyl engine (16 Valve)
4 Spd Auto Trans

 

have you changed the fluid lately or had any service done on the tranny

 

Sorry for the delay in the reply.

It acted strange when I bought it last summer so I did do several fluid changes in the transmission with Castrol Import ATF and Lucas Transmission Additive.

No help.

Should I try using the Honda ATF?

 

Mine also does the 3 or 4 second full P to D4 shift. My transmission only has 71K on it. I don't have any other issues though, it shifts through the gears fine, a little hard from what I am used to(2000 Tacoma 4x4 AT 4spd), but I read this is just the way they shift normally. I am going to change my fluid this week, with Honda fluid.

 

I only use Honda ATF in my 97 Accord, which has 162,000 miles on it. When the engine is cold I do notice a slight slip from going from 1st to 2nd gear, but it goes away when the engine warms up.

A tranny mechanic mentioned that the seals wear and when the engine/tranny is cold the seals are brittle and leak by causing the slip.

How many miles are on your car?