1998 Accord, 4Cyl, auto trans... 225,000 miles

I was browsing through the Hanyes manual and noticed a section on Transmission Control Solenoids.
When reading this, I started wondering about a transmission shift issue. All other cars I've had always felt like it went into Neutral if I let off the gas going down hill.
This car stays in gear or even downshifts (when around 15 MPH) by 1 gear, when going downhill.

I see the manual shows 3 pairs of solenoids -
1) Lock up Control
2) Shift Control
3) Clutch pressure control - Not sure if I have this- if it is related to manual transmission.

So- is it common for these to go bad? What if I just decided to change these out just to see if it makes a difference, will I hurt anything?
I assume these are the original solenoids and I would thing these might be weak or somewhat worn (after 225,000 miles). Maybe by changing these out, it would make things smoother?

Any suggestions?

 

I think that was one of the first years for their grade-logic system which was supposed to avoid the transmission hunting for a gear in those situations. So I think it's a "feature" not a problem.

Besides, if the solenoids weren't working it should throw an error code. Got a check-engine-light? Or a transmission D light that stays on when you're in other gears?

 

No check engine light- other than P1706 (which I plan to fix this weekend).
No D light on in other gears, and no flashing D light.

I am just the kind of guy that says " Hey, it been 100,000 miles, time to change the alternator and starter."
That way I shouldn't have to worry about them for another 5 years or so...

 

P1706 is the transmission range switch open-circuit. Check the wiring from the switch to the PCM. Then check the switch itself is working. Here's the test for the switch:

 

AH!! Thanks! I will try to disconnect the connection and check for continuity in Neutral on pins 1-3-8.
I was suspecting the neutral switch because the N light will not come on, unless I jiggle the shift from R to N.

Also, when I put it in N, car will not start.

 

replaced gear position indicator... works fine now. just had to adjust the switch a bit to get the proper lights to come on at the right position