Hi,

I've noticed a weird problem in my car during cold season. Car does not get enough power from the engine in D4 gear. And it refuses to move unless I shift to D1 or D2.

This does not happen when I first start the car and put in D4. But this happens every time after that whenever I stop at a light or something. I usually have to switch to lower gears like D1 for the car to move.

I've made sure there is enough tire pressure in cold conditions etc. So that's not the reason.

Again .. this doesn't happen in Summer and other seasons when the weather is not too cold. I'd say only if the temperature falls below 40 - 45 F .

Please help me diagnose this problem.

Thanks
indy49


*********
Honda Accord EX
1999
4 DR/ 4 CYL
101,500 miles

 

Anyone want to call a 6th gen autotragic meltdown with me on this one?

 

The 6th generation Accord (1998-2002) and a few 2003 models have a very weak automatic transmission and have at least a 50% failure rate. This is known by Honda and there was a class action lawsuit filed against them, as a result they extended the warranty on the transmission to 100k and/or 3yrs, whichever was sooner.

The symptoms you described sound an awful lot the transmission is biting the dust. You have a few options a.) trade the car in and buy a new one, b.) get your transmission overhauled and the faulty parts replaced c.) swap in a new transmission (auto or manual).

But, it could be something far easier to fix, but don't expect much.

 

Thanks Finch13 for your response.

I was wondering if the ECU controls transmission operation? Because I see a "Check Engine" light. I got the code checked at AutoZone. It translates to faulty ECU. Will replacing the ECU fix this problem at all?

Also could you please explain further why this problem occurs only during cold weather?

Thanks for your help.

Indy49

 

In 1999 the engine computer & tranny computer are combined together into what Honda calls the PCU = powertrain control unit. So YES, the computer controls the tranny.

Dont automatically believethe Autozone guy about a faulty ECU. Tell us the ACTUAL CODE NUMBERs. Im not much of an auto-tranny guru, but someone around here can probably help. Generally you get a P0170 (tranny problem) along with 1 or more additional codes that narrow it down.

 

Here is the complete information I got from AutoZone ...

P1607

Definition : ECM/PCM Internal Circuit Failure A

Probable Causes
1. Open or short circuit condition
2. Poor electrical connection
3. Failed ECM

 

I was hoping this would be an ECU problem. And not a transmission problem.

I got a quote from AutoZone for a new ECU .. around $110 which is way less than the dealer quote of $895.

I was thinking of going ahead with the ECU replacement. To see if this would fix the problem at all.

Can anyone encourage/discourage me on this gamble?

thanks guys for all your response.

indy49

 

Your problems don't sound like the tranny failure problem. From reading this thread, I'd expect an ECU and/or solenoid problem.

 

Hi,

Thanks to HAF and all the contributors on this post. It was an ECM problem after all. I bought an used one on eBay and my local honda dealer was able to install and program it.

Thanks again

 

Awesome!!!