I have a 1990 honda accord lx, w/ Automatic transmission. When I start my car and shift from P into D4 sometimes I experience a jerk from my car. How do I know if its my transmission or just the TCU unit? I've also noticed that sometimes the little S light blinks but hasn't been doing so lately even when there is a jerk or jolt in the car when i go from park to drive. I checked the transmission fluid level on even ground and according to the manual when the car engine was off and the level is ok. I have put DEX/MERC ATF fluid in there is that what is causing the problem? Sometimes it feels like it is going slower than the car should be when i'm first driving it at the start of the day. I live in an area right now where it is pretty cold, but sometimes i have this same issue even when it is warm. Please help me here I hate going to mechanic shops unless I personally know the mechanic because they always lie and want to charge way too much.

 

by the way all the engine mounts on the vehicle are good I replaced the front engine mount so i don't think that's whats causing the problem with the jerk of the car going from park to drive

 

General consensus is that Honda ATF should be used. Some have noticed improvement in shift quality w/ change. Drain and replace ATF.

However, you should access the code/s stored in TCU. See DIY forum for procedure. It's same as procedure for Check Engine Light, however D4 light will flash the code/s. Sometimes a code is stored even when D4 is not flashing.

good luck

 

do a couple drain and fills (each is partial replacement) of tranny fluid - like Texas^^^ suggests.

 

Awesome guys thank you for your help! i will try this.