1990 accord problem

silverhatch · #1 03-02-2005, 05:58 PM

ive been doin some searching and i found two answers to my question. my problem is my 1990 accord will not shift. there is also a buzzing coming from left of dash and the "s" light is on, from what ive found by searching it is eithger the transmission control odule (TCM) or the main relay for transmission. are these the same things, or are they seperate parts? Could someone that has experience with this give me some input, thanks.

mpumas · #2 03-03-2005, 12:03 AM

There is no TCU relay and it does not get its power from the main relay. But it does get its power from the same source as the keep alive circuit for the clock and the memory portion of your radio. Also a source of power for the TCU is the same power as that powers the fuel pump. So if your clock is keeping time and the engine runs, the TCU is getting power. "The S light on points to the TCU or a sensor that is hooked to the TCU. Questions that need answers: Does all the gear shift lights on the dash work? Does your speedometer work? Does everything else work in the car except the shifting from, I guess, 1st to another gear? Have you checked the transmission fluid level and also for color? Check and get back to us.

silverhatch · #3 03-03-2005, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpumas

There is no TCU relay and it does not get its power from the main relay. But it does get its power from the same source as the keep alive circuit for the clock and the memory portion of your radio. Also a source of power for the TCU is the same power as that powers the fuel pump. So if your clock is keeping time and the engine runs, the TCU is getting power. "The S light on points to the TCU or a sensor that is hooked to the TCU. Questions that need answers: Does all the gear shift lights on the dash work? Does your speedometer work? Does everything else work in the car except the shifting from, I guess, 1st to another gear? Have you checked the transmission fluid level and also for color? Check and get back to us.

all gear lights works on dash, although the do seem a bit brighter.

speedo works

tranny fluid is good.

everything on car except the car shifting. it wont shift to any gear, to its really sluggish starting off and i can only get it going about 80 km/h and it revs at 3500 rpm.

another thing i noticed is that the red light was on, on the tcm. i dont know if it suppose to be on all the time, but this is.

mpumas · #4 03-05-2005, 03:35 PM

You say it won't shift into any gear? If you can get it moving it is shifting into at least one gear. I think you mean it won't shift in to any other gear other then the first gear. The shifter knob does move through all positions and the lights change on the dash as you move through the positions, correct. I think you have a TCU problem based on your symptoms. A friendly visit to your dealer for a conversation may give you some insight.

Igovert500 · #5 03-05-2005, 09:01 PM

Could be TCU or VSS(vehicle speed sensor), but since your speedo works, I'm leaning towards the TCU.

#1 DO NOT GO TO A DEALERSHIP, they will rape you on this. Find a local junkyard, or buy a used TCU from someone who is parting out there car. A dealer will want $500+, you can get a used one for $10-$50 and installation is VERY easy.

mpumas · #6 03-05-2005, 10:19 PM

I didn't recommend having the work done at the dealer, but sometimes you can talk to the service manager and get some good insight on the problem. If you get a snotty service manager, go to another dealer. I have never had any problem talking to them if you sound somewhat versed in auto mechanics. In my priorities, I would change those items that are easy and cheap that may be the problem first them go to the expensive items.

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