Re: A/T skipping 1st gear

Dabbler wrote:
> The error code
> that was stored was "8" and the cause was said to be ****ft control
> solenoid B failure. Because the solenoid works now, my earlier problem
> was deemed to be an indication that the solenoid started to fail and
> needed to be replaced.

I had that same problem on my '88 Prelude. When hot the resistance of 
solenoids A and B both went to nearly 1,000 ohms. Normally they're at 24 
ohms. I noticed the problem first as a "flare" in the ****fting between 
second and third. After a while the solenoids exhibited high resistance
even 
when cold and the computer started to complain.

> The Service Manual includes quite an involved troubleshooting
> procedure for code "8" to determine whether the cause was indeed the
> solenoid or some short in the wires connected to the solenoid. I just
> hope the mechanic took the time to go through that procedure instead
> of taking the easy (and expensive) way out by prescribing a new
> solenoid.

Not likely and not profitable for the shop. Be sure you get the "bad" 
computer module if they replace it. Better yet measure the resistance 
yourself before giving them the car again. How many hundreds of dollars is
a 
new computer? How much will you spend if you just have a bad connector or 
completely different problem? Some symptoms overlap and you may be seeing
a 
false positive.

> Otherwise I might end up with the same problem later on,
> plus an unnecessary expense.

I had a bad connector at the computer the last time I saw the #8 error
code. 
I substituted a known good computer. (A rare $5 find on eBay.) Problem 
remained. Cleaned the connector at the transmission. Problem remained.
Fixed 
a poorly seated contact at the computer end of the cable. Problem fixed.

-- 
Chuck