Re: A/T skipping 1st gear

"Charles" <electrochuckREMOVE@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> 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.

Well, when the problem happened it was pretty hot. Since then I tried to 
limit my driving during the cooler parts of the day and for short 
distances, just in case it was heat related.

>> 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.

Only the solenoid will be replaced.

> 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.

I agree but I am willing to risk the couple hundred dollars for the 
solenoid that will probably give me a good case to have the problem 
fixed for free if it turns out that not the solenoid was the culprit. I 
will also make sure to get the old solenoid from them.

> 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.

You are obviously handier with these thing than I am.
By the way, I wonder if there ever was a Honda service bulletin issued 
on this subject. Is there any place on the Net where one can find all 
Honda SBs?

DB