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Honda Accord (1990-1993) Maintenance and Repair

2104 messages,  Last post on Apr 16, 2013 at 7:09 AM

You are in the Honda Accord Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Accord, Electrical, Engine, Coupe, Sedan

Messages Page 85 of 211

#839 of 2104 car doesn't start; S codes by flipper7

Sep 11, 2007 (8:22 pm)

Hi All,
 
This is my first ever post. I have an automatic 1991 Accord EX w/ 200K miles on it. The car no longer starts and it is stuck in park. I can shift into neutral using the key unlock mechanism on the shift console, but the car won't start in neutral either. All relevant fuses are OK. The engine cranks great but when you let go of the key at the last On position it completely dies. Also of relevance is the fact that my brake lights work and the volt meter shows the battery is plenty good when you're cranking it.
 
The engine light is not on but jumping the service port reveals the S light blinking codes 1, 2 7 and 8. These have to do with the lock-up control solenoid valves and the shift control solenoid valves. Following the trouble shooting guide in my Honda manual indicates all four wires going to the respective solenoids have a short in them between the TCU and the first connector in the engine compartment.
 
Has anyone had a similar problem? I am partly wondering if the TCU is just plain shot. I'm also wondering if I'm missing something. Even if these two solenoids are not working shouldn't the car at least start in neutral?
 
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!

#840 of 2104 HELP!!! my car won't shift by makahagurl

Sep 11, 2007 (9:16 pm)

I have a 1990 accord and my shifter won't shift out of park. It only shifts when I put my key in the shift lock release. Can someone please help me!

#841 of 2104 Re: car doesn't start; S codes [flipper7] by elroy5

Sep 11, 2007 (9:42 pm)

Replying to: flipper7 (Sep 11, 2007 8:22 pm)
I am partly wondering if the TCU is just plain shot.
 
You could open the TCU up and check it out. Usually the capacitors leak and there are easy to see black spots on the circuit boards.

#842 of 2104 Re: HELP!!! my car won't shift [makahagurl] by elroy5

Sep 11, 2007 (9:46 pm)

Replying to: makahagurl (Sep 11, 2007 9:16 pm)
I have a 1990 accord and my shifter won't shift out of park.
 
Do you hear a click when the brake pedal is pushed (you should hear the solenoid in the console release when you push the brake pedal)? Do the brake lights work right? If not, the brake pedal position switch may be out of position or inoperative.

#843 of 2104 Re: HELP!!! my car won't shift [elroy5] by makahagurl

Sep 11, 2007 (10:49 pm)

Replying to: elroy5 (Sep 11, 2007 9:46 pm)
No, I don't hear a click and my brake lights aren't working. I just replaced the bulb and they're still not working.

#844 of 2104 Re: HELP!!! my car won't shift [makahagurl] by mako0201

Sep 12, 2007 (8:32 am)

Replying to: makahagurl (Sep 11, 2007 10:49 pm)
I have the same problem with my '96 Accord. I was told that my brake light switch has gone bad and needs to be replaced. The part costs about 30 bucks. I'm going to try to replace it myself.
If anyone has experience replacing brake light switch on Accords please post instructions.
Thanks

#845 of 2104 Re: HELP!!! my car won't shift [mako0201] by lilengineerboy

Sep 12, 2007 (9:58 am)

Replying to: mako0201 (Sep 12, 2007 8:32 am)
I have the same problem with my '96 Accord. I was told that my brake light switch has gone bad and needs to be replaced. The part costs about 30 bucks. I'm going to try to replace it myself.
If anyone has experience replacing brake light switch on Accords please post instructions.
 
Just out of curiosity, why wouldn't you just blow the $7 and buy the Haynes or Chiltons repair manual that will give you a step by step instruction and some pictures to boot?

#846 of 2104 Re: HELP!!! my car won't shift [makahagurl] by elroy5

Sep 12, 2007 (2:09 pm)

Replying to: makahagurl (Sep 11, 2007 10:49 pm)
The brake position switch is located either above or below the brake pedal arm. You may have to remove the small panel at the bottom of the steering column to see it. Good luck

#847 of 2104 Check Engine Light Diagnostic by lmgrizzle

Sep 14, 2007 (1:08 pm)

The cheapest price I have seen for getting a check engine light diagnostic is $50. For that price I can pick up a diagnostic tool at Advance or wherever. Is there any advantage to going to a mechanic for this? Do they have fancier diagnostics? Are the ones at auto parts stores not good? My light is on!

#848 of 2104 Re: Check Engine Light Diagnostic [lmgrizzle] by thegraduate

Sep 14, 2007 (2:43 pm)

Replying to: lmgrizzle (Sep 14, 2007 1:08 pm)
You can have the diagnostic read for FREE at AutoZone.

Messages Page 85 of 211

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