Blinking D4 shift indicator

Cameo · 2010-09-11T06:43:13+00:00

Last (and first) time it happened was over a year ago, and now it happened again. I parked my '94 Accord for a short time to pick up a newspaper and when I tried to start the car again, I noticed the D4 shift indicator in the instrument panel was blinking. This time I knew what to expect when trying to shift into a forward gear: the car hardly moved, as if the engine was not engaging the transmission firmly (or the transmission the wheels.) The RPM was there, but the car was hardly moving. Only the reverse seemed to work OK. Having been through this experience before, I suspected that the problem will cure itself by just letting the car park a bit longer before I start it again. Sure enough, that's what happened and I was able to drive on fine.This is one nasty problem, because the Honda dealer supposedly already fixed it after the first occurance by replacing the shift control solenoid valve assembly but now I think that was a wrong and unnecessary fix. The real cause must be somewhere else. I suspect this problem might be related to another similar problem I've had a couple times in the last two years where the car would not even start after some short stops, usually on a hot day. Most of you guys were betting on that one, when I first reported it here last year, that it was caused by a failing main relay. In that case the engine would not even start, but the problem would disappear after waiting with the start for a few minutes.Now I wonder if the failing main relay might be causing both of these problems. I'm afraid to take the car to the same Honda dealer who might try to sell me yet another shift control solenoid that does not really fix the problem.What do you think, guys? Should I try another Honda dealer or an independent Honda shop? I don't really have the tools and know-how to fix it myself. Having some insight from you, however, might help me to judge if the next service technician really knows what he is supposed to.

Sep 11, 2010 21 Replies

Rate this thread:

Cameo 15 years ago

Why, Subaru doesn't have recalls?

Vote

Dave Dodson 15 years ago

I have! I have a 1982 F250 with close to 200k miles and a 1994 F250 with

130k miles and have not had a transmission problem with either. I also own a 1986 Honda Civic with about 185k miles and no tranny problems but it is a manual so I guess that doesn't count, eh!!! DaveD

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required