[Sokool]

Hi there guys,

So I've had some troubles with my car.... To say the least.

It's an 89 four door.

The problem I'm having is that when it's in Drive it's stuck in third gear.
The S3 light is flashing, so I was told to replace the Transmission Control Unit.
I also just bought another 89 four door L version for parts recently, and I've taken the Transmission Control Unit out, and put it in mine. This did not fix the problem. The S3 is still flashing! To verify that it's not the TCU I put my old one into the parts car... And the parts car is running the same as with it's original TCU in it (No flashing S3 or anything...).

Do you guys have any suggestions? I'm really bummed out right now. I want my baby to be fixed!!!

 

[baycoupe]

Have you tried to clean the solenoids? There is information on this site that can help you out.

 

[Evbrad2002]

Have you tried to clean the solenoids? There is information on this site that can help you out.

Definitely, first step, clean your solenoids.

 

[murderotica]

Put the TCU from the parts car back into your car, then disconnect the battery for a few moments. Still flashing S3?

You should also check the TCU after installing it (with your key in position 'I') to see if it flashes any codes.

 

[Sokool]

TCU Codes

I checked the TCU and it flashes:

8 Shift Solenoid 'B' circuit open or shorted.
&
9 Counter shaft or transmission speed pulse generator open or shorted.

I've tried to research it on the site here but I can't find specifics.
Any thoughts?

 

[murderotica]

First I'd clean and check your solenoids to make sure they are functioning properly (apparently one isn't, so be prepared to replace it... wrecking yard is the cheapest place and you can usually find a working one).

No idea on the Code 9 though... Anyone?

 

[Sokool]

Complications

Aparently,

When the car was bought (By my dad), he took it to someone and had the solenoids checked and cleaned.
This guy is also the one who originally said that the problem was with the TCU... Obviously the TCU thing was a hoax... But I don't know about the solenoids (Until I check them again). Aparently to you guys it sounds like one of 'em is out.

Now I have another complicating issue.
I phoned my acura dealership and talked to a grease monkey there. He said that he didn't know what the two problems the TCU was showing were, and said that he figured that it was an electrical problem. He said that because two different things were lighting up on the TCU that it wasn't likely to do that, and that they would probably go through all the fuses and electrical components unplugging them and plugging them in, to make sure they were all working.

What do you guys think?
And does anyone know about the TCU flashing 9 and what it means?

Thanks!

 

[89redcoupe]

Ok the codes mean your shift solenoids are bad/ unplugged second code means the tcu cannot see how fast you are going in other words your vss is bad.

 

[pnoye2]

Another possibility: faulty/bad speedo cable.

 

[murderotica]

Another possibility: faulty/bad speedo cable.

Which is much easier to replace/lube than deal with VSS, correct? Might wanna try this 'un first... After dealing with teh solenoids.

 

[Sokool]

Thanks for all the info guys.
I'm going to check as much of this as I can myself, and then have my mechanic do the rest.

Keep any more tips you got coming, I'm all ears!

 

[89redcoupe]

Hey Sokool does your spedo work? If not thats where your code 9 is comming from i had this problem when i put my transmission in.

 

[Sokool]

Speedometer

More info guys,

My speedometer is not working properly.
It is usually bouncing all over the place, however it does work on the occasion... And sometimes it will be a be bouncing more vigorously than others...
Does this tell you anything?

 

[murderotica]

It may very well be your speedo cable.

 

[pnoye2]

More info guys,

My speedometer is not working properly.
It is usually bouncing all over the place, however it does work on the occasion... And sometimes it will be a be bouncing more vigorously than others...
Does this tell you anything?

I believe we have a DIY (G1 specific) for the speedometer cable... very detailed I might add, try searching the archive.