Ok I had the car scanned and it popped out the following codes:

P0420 Catalyst
P0700 transaxle
P0700 A/T failure

 

scanned with a better scanner today, came out with these codes:

P0420
P1738
P1739
P0730

anyone have a link where I can read what these mean?

 

*****UPDATE************

today, I disconnected the shift solenoids and had a friend put it in 1 and 2 to see if there was any DC volts going to the solenoids. I had the negative lead of my multimeter on the battery - Didn't read any volts on either one. HOWEVER, the D4 light started flashing, so I plugged the solenoids back in and took it for a drive. with the selector in D4, it started off in 3rd gear and stayed in 3rd. BUT if I put it in first gear, it would start in 2nd, and when I shifted to 3rd it would shift to 3rd. but no 4th gear in D4. disconnected the battery and it went back to having first gear, no second gear, 3rd and 4th work fine. its gotta be a sensor or the computer is whacked out. How many sensors are on this trans? I am going to start with those unless you all have a better idea

 

no one has any ideas for me?

 

while driving the car today, I noticed when it warms up, the trans will shift into 2nd gear, I don't have to manually do it and skip 2nd. but when you come to a stop, it downshifts into 1st pretty hard. any more ideas?

 

P0730 is "shift control system" fault. This is usually a hydraulic problem. There is a diagnostic in one of my manuals (Acura 2.5TL) for P0730 which should be similar to yours. First step is to check hydraulic clutch pressures; 1-2-3-4 clutches. If one is out of spec, then "hydraulic repair" is indicated. My take on this one is the hydraulic logic control system has an internal fault. This is basically a signal for overhaul or replacement.

If pressures are OK, the next step in procedure is "replace shift control solenoid valve assembly and linear solenoid /throttle valve body assembly and recheck". Both of these are major trans surgery (removal of lower valve body, removal of transmission, etc) and again it will be simpler to replace trans w/ a used or rebuilt unit.

I didn't have any explanation of P1738, 1739 in my manual. A google search found the following:
"This code means there is a problem in the 3rd clutch pressure switch circuit. This code usually is generated when the switch or its connecting wiring goes bad. The switch is round, and is located on the tray right under the battery."

Have you drained and replaced trans fluid? Sometimes this can help, but it's a long shot.

A shop manual for your car would be a great asset. Check w/ helminc.com and ebay for used manuals.

Sorry I didn't respond earlier. I think I somehow stopped the email notification to myself.

good luck

 

thanks I will try to check those.

I have been replacing stuff on the outside randomly, hoping to fix it. so far I have changed the B shift solenoid, and one of the shaft speed sensors. next is the other sensor, then who knows.

 

98-02 Accords were notorious for having horrible automatic transmissions. I hate to say it but I doubt you are going to get anywhere on it. There was a warranty extension and I think it is estimated that Honda paid to replace somewhere in the ballpark of 50% of the transmissions. The warranty period is over now though. Many of the transmissions that were replaced by Honda gave out in a short time as well. it was a major design flaw in that generation accord.