We're borrowing or possibly buying a 1999 Accord LX automatic 2.3L for the winter. I just swapped out the starter and it needs a few other items right off the bat. Right now, I'm trying to figure out the CV shafts. I'm stuck. I called around to local shops to see if any have them in stock and, after they are all out, checked RockAuto and Amazon. Each vendor wanted to know a different piece of info: whether it has ABS, an engine code from the timing cover, what as the VIN (which ultimately ended up not helpful), or a transaxle code (I can't find it, looks like it would be B7XA, BAXA, or MAXA).

I have no ABS light when I turn on the key, so I assume I don't have ABS (seriously, in 1999?!)
The code form the side of the motor is F23A4

Ideally I'd order these now and have them shipped since the next couple days are going to be nuts for me and I want to get this done mid-week. I searched this and a couple other forums and cannot tell how to verify I am ordering the correct axles. Anyone know how to figure that out?


Also, this car shift hard between first and second. It's like it slips and then catches. It's worse at higher revs and I've noticed it shifts badly back from 2nd to 1st as well. I haven't researched this yet, but if this is a known issue and someone can point me to a thread about that, I'd appreciate it.

 

Just get the CV shafts for ABS, because they will have the teeth on the outboard shaft for the abs pickup. If your car doesn't have abs, then there will be no harm using the abs cv joints.

The shifting sounds like a transmission problem. Definitely have the codes read to hopefully give you some direction.

 

• APWI HO8201A -- $41.79 -- Front Right (regardless of transmission)
• APWI HO8200A -- $42.89 -- Front Left (Automatic transmission)

 

thanks. I’m going to do a little more looking into that trans before I mess with the axels. This car is pretty rough. I’d do the cvs and the rear shocks, but I can’t justify a trans, I don’t think.

 

Relative to the transmission, drain the ATF from it, refill with Honda DW-1, repeat, and then repeat one more time. If this doesn't cure your shifting issues, then a new transmission is most likely your only remedy.

 

My 99 Accord sedan doesn't have ABS either, but my wife's 00 Accord sedan does. My 99 is a 5 speed MT car though, while my wife's is an AT car.

 

Pretty certain the trans will need replaced. OR.... how hard will it be for me reprogram it to skip first and always start in second? Doing that manually works very well.

 

Any trans codes? It could be the 1-2 shift solenoid.

 

No codes. It goes to shift, revs high/slips, then catches violently. Seems like clutches to me. If solenoids do that, great. Otherwise, is it possible to just program out 1st?

edit: I should add it also shifts rough back into first, even when coming to a stop. If the odds are decent that could be a solenoid, great. I don’t want to spend money and time on a filter and fluid if it’s almost certainly clutches. I’m no trans expert and appreciate your help.