1991 Honda Transmission Contorl Unit reset

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frankg - 31 Dec 2003 22:15 GMT

I just had the TCU in my Honda reset by the dealer. He says the auto
trans is wearing out and currently the left / right transmission axle
seals need replacing.

Couple of questions come to mind:

1- I'm guessing the reset is (based on the above) sensing the trans
is wearing out. Is this correct or do these TCU's need to be reset
for other reasons besides wear and tear on the transmission ?? Is it
likely that the TCU will need to be reset again in the near future
based on the fact that it needed it now?

2- How serious is the transmission axle seals leaking? I know it's
not good to allow leakage but if I don't replace them for a few months
and meanwhile keep the fluids up, will that be okay for the moment?

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Charles - 01 Jan 2004 00:38 GMT

Frank -

For what it's worth, my experience is with my 1988 Prelude's transmission.

> I just had the TCU in my Honda reset by the dealer. He says the auto trans is

wearing out...

How many miles on the vehicle? Any slipping in any gears? Any over-revving at
gear changes? The transmission fluid should not be brown and it should not
smell burnt.

> ...currently the left / right transmission axle seals need replacing.

Are you sure he didn't say the constant-velocity (CV) joint boots were leaking?

> 1- I'm guessing the reset is (based on the above) sensing the trans is

wearing out.

You usually get that flashing dashboard transmission indicator when the
transmission control computer senses an internal problem or a bad sensor or an
intermittent sensor. The way to tell what the problem is to count the flashes
of the light-emitting diode on the TCU itself. It's under the carpet under the
passenger's feet. There's usually a little flap in the carpet to fold back to
see the light. If you get a dashboard indication again, count the flashes as
you turn on the ignition. There are tables online that will tell you what the
problem is.

> Is this correct or do these TCU's need to be reset for other reasons besides

wear and tear on the transmission ??

The TCU is usually reset if the problem goes away or if the power is removed
from it. The dealer probably just removed the battery cable momentarily.

> Is it likely that the TCU will need to be reset again in the near future based

on the fact that it needed it now?

Yes. When the intermittent sensor goes bad again.

> 2- How serious is the transmission axle seals leaking? I know it's not good

to allow leakage but if I don't replace them for a few months and meanwhile keep
the fluids up, will that be okay for the moment?

If it was the CV boots, get them replaced if they are cracked or just tighten up
the clamps if they are not. (I can't imagine that the mechanic didn't do that as
long as he was looking at them.) It's not expensive and it prevents dust and
dirt from getting in the joints. Now THAT'S expensive. If you hear clicking
noises all the time while turning, it's too late.

Chuck

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Robert Hancock - 01 Jan 2004 09:04 GMT

Why did it need to be reset?

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Robert Hancock Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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> I just had the TCU in my Honda reset by the dealer. He says the auto
> trans is wearing out and currently the left / right transmission axle
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> not good to allow leakage but if I don't replace them for a few months
> and meanwhile keep the fluids up, will that be okay for the moment?

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frankg - 01 Jan 2004 13:59 GMT

>Why did it need to be reset?

The S light (honda accord) stayed on constantly and the auto
transmission wasn't shifting properly at that time. With the reset,
it behaves normal right now.

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Yeah_right - 04 Jan 2004 09:49 GMT

Have the wiring harness checked for continuity. I guarantee you that there
is a short in the wiring somewhere. Don't fall for the "need a new
transmission" line like I did.

> >Why did it need to be reset?
>
> The S light (honda accord) stayed on constantly and the auto
> transmission wasn't shifting properly at that time. With the reset,
> it behaves normal right now.

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gfretwell@aol.com - 14 Feb 2006 05:14 GMT

>The S light (honda accord) stayed on constantly and the auto
>transmission wasn't shifting properly at that time. With the reset,
>it behaves normal right now.

I had a 91 Accord that did that. I could take the battery cable off
for a few seconds and get another couple months out of it. It was
still that way when I sold it.

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