Today for the first time the "S" (shift) like started flashing. The car is a 1990 Accord and has an automatic tranny. Everything seems fine, no noises and shifts as always. Fluid level is full and clean but the condition of the filter is unknown. The owner's manual says when this light flashes to bring it to the dealer (which I'm not going to do). Could this flash because it is time to change the filter? There doesn't seem to be any problems at all, other than the warning light.

 

Try resetting the ECU if the light still lights up try changing the filter, i heard those gas filters are a Bitc* to change.

 

How do I reset the ECU?

 

flashing S light can mean internal tranny problem/damage. Might also be your speed sensor... might find another on Ebay.

 

That stands for Sport mode, BTW, not shift. In the owners manual it says that it holds gears a little longer and downshifts a little easier.

I borrowed my boss' 4th gen Accord the other day h:

 

Yes I know the S light is for the Sport mode but, as said in the owner's manual, when it flashes it serves as a warning of a problem. I don't think there is any internal damage as the tranny is not making any noises, shifts smooth and on time as always. Nothing seems to be wrong with the tranny at all. How do I reset the ECU?

 

take out the ECU fuse under the hood, and leave it out for 15 mins, come back let the car run for 10 mins and drive around.

The light can be predicting a future problem... i dunno... but people say it could be a bad speed sensor... so if nothing else works, might want to try.

 

Ok thanks for the advise, I am *hoping* it isn't anything major but it's working too good for me to think it's damaged.

I hope this don't sound stupid but when I return in 15 minutes I do put the fuse back in before I run the car, right?

 

Without the fuse your ecu will have no power and your car will not run. So yes put it back in before you try to start the car.


If I remember correctly that light flashed on my Accord and shortly after that the speed sensor went out.

If it is the speed sensor they are a little pricey.

 

I did the "remove the fuse and reset the ECU" thing and it did not fix it. The light is still flashing. What is this speed sensor located and how can I test it?