Symptom Troubleshooting Index

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX

Symptom	Probable cause(s)	Notes
When you turn the ignition switch ON (II), the D indicator comes on and stays on in all shift lever positions, or it never comes on at all	Communication line between multiplex control unit and gauge assembly defective	Check if the MIL indicates the code for the communication line between the multiplex control unit and gauge assembly (see TROUBLESHOOTING ).
D3 or M indicator does not work	Communication line between multiplex control unit and gauge assembly defective	Check if the MIL indicates the code for the communication line between the multiplex control unit and gauge assembly (see TROUBLESHOOTING ).
Shift lever cannot be moved from P while you're pressing on the brake pedal	A problem in the shift lock system (interlock system)	Check the interlock system-shift lock system circuit (see SHIFT LOCK SYSTEM CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
Shift lever cannot pass through R from N	A problem in the reverse lock system (interlock system)	Check the interlock system-reverse lock system circuit (see REVERSE LOCK SYSTEM CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
Ignition switch cannot be moved from ACC (I) to LOCK (0) (key is pushed in, shift lever in P)	A problem in the key interlock system (interlock system)	Check the interlock system-key interlock system circuit (see KEY INTERLOCK SYSTEM CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
Engine runs, but vehicle does not move in any gear	Low ATF level Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Connection between the shift cable and transmission or body is worn ATF pump worn or binding Regulator valve stuck or spring worn ATF strainer clogged Mainshaft worn or damaged Final gears worn or damaged Transmission-to-engine assembly error Axle disengaged	Check the ATF level, and check the ATF cooler lines for leakage and loose connections. If necessary, clean the ATF cooler lines. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Improper alignment of ATF pump and torque converter housing may cause ATF pump seizure. The symptoms are mostly an RPM related ticking noise or a high pitched squeak. Check the line pressure. Be careful not to damage the torque converter housing when replacing the main ball bearing. You may also damage the ATF pump when you torque down the main valve body. This will result in ATF pump seizure if not detected. Use the proper tools. Install the main seal flush with the torque converter housing. If you push it into the torque converter housing until it tops out, it will block the fluid return passage and result in damage. Check the ATF strainer for debris. If the ATF strainer is clogged with particles of steel or aluminum, inspect the ATF pump. If the ATF pump is OK, find the damaged components that caused debris. If no cause for contamination is found, replace the torque converter. Inspect the differential pinion shaft for wear under the pinion gears. If the differential pinion shaft is worn, overhaul the differential assembly, replace the ATF strainer, thoroughly clean the transmission, and clean the torque converter, cooler, and lines.
Vehicle moves in R, but not in D, D3, or 1st in M	1st accumulator defective 1st gears worn or damaged 1st clutch defective	Check the 1st clutch pressure. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch and plate. Inspect the 1st clutch feed pipe. If the 1st clutch feed pipe is scored, replace the end cover. Replace the secondary shaft if the bushing for the 1st clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.
Vehicle moves in D, D3, and R, but not in 2nd in M	2nd accumulator defective 2nd gears worn or damaged 2nd clutch defective	Check the 2nd clutch pressure. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate.
Vehicle moves in D, D3, and M, but not in R	Shift solenoid valve E defective Shift fork shaft stuck Shift valve E defective 4th/reverse accumulator defective 4th clutch defective Reverse gears worn or damaged	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the shift solenoid valve E for seizure, and O-rings for wear and damage. Check for a missing shift fork bolt on the shift fork shaft. Check the 4th clutch pressure. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the reverse selector gear teeth chambers, and inspect engagement teeth chambers of the countershaft 4th gear and reverse gear. Replace the reverse gears and the reverse selector if they are worn or damaged. If the transmission makes a clicking, grinding, or whirring noise, also replace the mainshaft 4th gear, reverse idler gear, and countershaft 4th gear.
Poor acceleration; flares when starting off in D, D3, R, and M; stall speed high in D, D3, and M in 1st and 2nd	Low ATF level Shift cable broken or out of adjustment ATF pump worn or binding Regulator valve stuck or spring worn ATF strainer clogged Torque converter check valve defective	Check the ATF level, and check the ATF cooler lines for leakage and loose connections. If necessary, clean the ATF cooler lines. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Improper alignment of ATF pump and torque converter housing may cause ATF pump seizure. The symptoms are mostly an RPM related ticking noise or a high pitched squeak. Check the ATF strainer for clogging. If the ATF strainer is clogged with particles of steel or aluminum, inspect the ATF pump. If the ATF pump is OK, find the damaged components that caused debris, and no cause for contamination is found, replace the torque converter.
Poor acceleration; flares when starting off in D, D3, R, and M; stall speed high when starting off in M in 2nd	2nd clutch defective	Check the 2nd clutch pressure. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate.
Poor acceleration; flares when starting off in D, D3, R, and M; stall speed high in R	Shift cable broken or out of adjustment 4th clutch defective	Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Check the 4th clutch pressure in the D and R positions. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate.
Poor acceleration; flares when starting off in D, D3, R, and M; stall speed low in D, D3, and M in 1st and 2nd	Shift solenoid valve E defective Torque converter one-way clutch defective Engine output low Torque converter clutch piston defective Lock up shift valve defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the shift solenoid valve E for seizure, and O-ring for wear and damage. Replace the torque converter.
Poor acceleration; flares when starting off in D, D3, R, and M; stall speed low in R	Torque converter one-way clutch defective Engine output low Torque converter clutch piston defective Lock up shift valve defective	Replace the torque converter.
Engine idle vibration	Low ATF level Shift solenoid valve E defective Drive plate defective or transmission misassembled Engine output low Torque converter clutch piston defective ATF pump worn or binding Lock up shift valve defective Misadjusted engine and transmission mounts	Check the ATF level, and check the ATF cooler lines for leakage and loose connections. If necessary, clean the ATF cooler lines. Improper alignment of ATF pump and torque converter housing may cause ATF pump seizure. The symptoms are mostly an RPM related ticking noise or a high pitched squeak. Inspect the ATF strainer for clogged with particles of steel or aluminum. If the ATF strainer is clogged, replace it, and clean the torque converter, cooler, and lines. Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the shift solenoid valve E for seizure, and O-rings for wear and damage. Check for a misinstalled/damaged drive plate. Set idle RPM in gear to the specified idle speed. If still no good, adjust the engine and transmission mount. Replace the torque converter.
Vehicle moves in N	Excessive ATF Foreign material in separator plate orifice Relief valve defective 1st clutch defective 2nd clutch defective 3rd clutch defective 4th clutch defective 5th clutch defective Clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance incorrect Needle bearing seized, worn, or damaged Thrust washer seized up, worn, or damaged	Check the ATF level, and drain any excess. Check if the ATF strainer is clogged. If the ATF strainer is clogged with particles of steel or aluminum, inspect the ATF pump. If the ATF pump is OK, find the damaged components that caused debris, and if no cause for contamination is found, replace the torque converter. Check the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th clutch pressures. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 1st clutch feed pipe. If the 1st clutch feed pipe is scored, replace the end cover. Inspect the 3rd clutch feed pipe. If the 3rd clutch feed pipe is scored, replace it and O-ring under the feed pipe guide. Replace the secondary shaft if the bushing for the 1st or 3rd clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged. Inspect the 5th clutch feed pipe. If the 5th clutch feed pipe is scored, replace it and O-ring under the feed pipe guide. Replace the mainshaft if the bushing for the 5th clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.
Late shift after shifting from N to D or D3, or excessive shock when shifting	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Connection between the shift cable and transmission or body is worn Input shaft (mainshaft) speed sensor defective Output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor defective ATF temperature sensor defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice Servo control valve defective 1st accumulator defective 1st check ball stuck Lock up shift valve defective 1st clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the input shaft (mainshaft) speed sensor and output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor installation. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Check the 1st clutch pressure. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 1st clutch feed pipe. If the 1st clutch feed pipe is scored, replace the end cover.
Late shift after shifting from N to R, or excessive shock when shifting	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Connection between the shift cable and transmission or body is worn Input shaft (mainshaft) speed sensor defective Output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor defective ATF temperature sensor defective Shift fork shaft stuck Foreign material in separator plate orifice Shift valve E defective 4th/reverse accumulator defective Lock up shift valve defective 4th clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the input shaft (mainshaft) speed sensor and output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor installation. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Check for a missing shift fork bolt on the shift fork shaft. Check the 4th clutch pressure. Inspect the servo valve and O-ring.
The transmission does not shift	Input shaft (mainshaft) speed sensor defective Output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Check the input shaft (mainshaft) and output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor installation.
Excessive shock or flares on all upshifts and downshifts	A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective Input shaft (mainshaft) speed sensor defective Output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor defective ATF temperature sensor defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the input shaft (mainshaft) speed sensor and output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor installation.
Excessive shock or flares on 1-2 upshift or 2-1 downshift	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective 2nd clutch transmission fluid pressure switch defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice 1st accumulator defective 2nd accumulator defective 1st check ball stuck 2nd check ball stuck Lock up shift valve defective 1st clutch defective 2nd clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the 1st and 2nd clutch pressures. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 1st clutch feed pipe. If the 1st clutch feed pipe is scored, replace the end cover. Replace the secondary shaft if the bushing for the 3rd clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.
Excessive shock or flares on 2-3 upshift or 3-2 downshift	A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective 3rd clutch transmission fluid pressure switch defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice 2nd accumulator defective 3rd accumulator defective 2nd check ball stuck 2nd clutch defective 3rd clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the 2nd and 3rd clutch pressures. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 3rd clutch feed pipe. If the 3rd clutch feed pipe is scored, replace it and O-ring under the feed pipe guide. Replace the secondary shaft if the bushing for the 3rd clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.
Excessive shock or flares on 3-4 upshift or 4-3 downshift	A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice 3rd accumulator defective 4th accumulator defective 3rd clutch defective 4th clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the 3rd and 4th clutch pressures. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 3rd clutch feed pipe. If the 3rd clutch feed pipe is scored, replace it and O-ring under the feed pipe guide. Replace the secondary shaft if the bushing for the 3rd clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.
Excessive shock or flares on 4-5 upshift or 5-4 downshift	A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve B defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C defective Foreign material in separator plate orifice 4th accumulator defective 5th accumulator defective 4th clutch defective 5th clutch defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Check the 4th and 5th clutch pressures. Inspect the clutch piston, clutch piston check valve, and O-rings. Check the spring retainer and retainer seal for wear and damage. Inspect the clutch-end-plate-to-top-disc clearance. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the clutch discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs are worn or damaged, replace the discs as a set. Inspect the clutch waved-plate height. If the height is out of tolerance, replace the waved-plate. If the discs and plates are OK, adjust the clearance with the clutch end plate. Inspect the 5th clutch feed pipe. If the 5th clutch feed pipe is scored, replace it and O-ring under the feed pipe guide. Replace the mainshaft if the bushing for the 5th clutch feed pipe is loose or damaged.
Noise from transmission in all shift lever positions	ATF pump worn or binding Mainshaft bearing, countershaft bearing or secondary shaft bearing defective	Improper alignment of ATF pump and torque converter housing may cause ATF pump seizure. The symptoms are mostly an rpm-related ticking noise or a high pitched squeak. Be careful not to damage the torque converter housing when replacing the main ball bearing. You may also damage the ATF pump when you torque down the main valve body. This will result in ATF pump seizure if not detected. Use the proper tools. Install the main seal flush with the torque converter housing. If you push it into the torque converter housing until it tops out, it will block the fluid return passage and result in damage. Inspect the ATF strainer is clogged with particles of steel or aluminum. If the ATF strainer is clogged, replace it, and clean the torque converter, cooler, and lines. Inspect the mainshaft and countershaft for wear or damage.
Vehicle does not accelerate above 31 mph (50 km/h)	Torque converter one-way clutch defective	Replace the torque converter.
Vibration in all shift lever positions	Drive plate defective or transmission misassembled	Check for a misinstalled/damaged drive plate. Set idle RPM in gear to the specified idle speed. If still no good, adjust the engine and transmission mounts.
Shift lever does not operate smoothly	Transmission range switch defective or out of adjustment Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Connection between the shift cable and transmission or body is worn	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the transmission range switch for operation. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft.
Transmission does not shift into P	Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Connection between the shift cable and transmission or body is worn Park mechanism defective	Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft. Check the park pawl spring installation and the park lever spring installation. If installation is incorrect, install the spring correctly. Make sure that the park lever stop is not installed upside down. Check the distance between the park pawl shaft and park lever roller pin. If the distance is out of tolerance, adjust the distance with the park lever stop.
Torque converter clutch does not disengage	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective Torque converter clutch piston defective Lock up shift valve defective Lock up control valve defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Replace the torque converter.
Torque converter clutch does not operate smoothly	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective Torque converter clutch piston defective Torque converter check valve defective Lock up shift valve defective Lock up control valve defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-Rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Replace the torque converter.
Torque converter clutch does not engage	Shift solenoid valve E defective A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A defective Input shaft (mainshaft) speed sensor defective Output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor defective Torque converter clutch piston defective Torque converter check valve defective Lock-upshift valve defective Lock up control valve defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the solenoid valve filter/gasket and O-rings for wear and damage, and inspect the solenoid valves for seizure. Replace the torque converter. Check the input shaft (mainshaft) speed sensor and output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor installation.
A/T gear position indicator does not indicate shift lever positions	Transmission range switch defective or out of adjustment Shift cable broken or out of adjustment Connection between the shift cable and transmission or body is worn	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the transmission range switch operation. Check for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control shaft.
Speedometer and odometer do not work	Output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor defective	Check the D indicator, and check for loose connectors. Inspect the transmission range switch operation. Check the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor installation.
The engine does not rev to high RPM, and the transmission upshifts at low RPM	VTEC rocker arms defective	Check the engine rocker arms.