A/T - Don't Test Drive With The MIL Or D Indicator On

SOURCE:
Honda Service News April 2004

TITLE:
Don't Test-Drive With the MIL or D Indicator On

APPLIES TO:
1998-04 Accords, 1996-04 Civics, 1997-04 CR-Vs, 1999-04 Odysseys, 2003-04 Pilots.

SERVICE TIP:
When the PCM detects a malfunction that turns on the MIL, the D indicator, or both, it can revert to a backup mode or "limp home" mode. This mode differs depending on the A/T design, the cause of the malfunction or DTC, or both.

When you test-drive a vehicle, make sure you clear all A/T DTCs first. You can't evaluate the A/T if the MIL, the D indicator, or both indicators are on.

In backup mode, some A/Ts let you manually shift while others only let you shift to certain gears that apply to its particular backup mode. Here are some common symptoms you get in backup mode:

Harsh upshifting and downshifting

Vehicle starts in 2nd gear and then shifts to 4th gear

Vehicle starts in 2nd gear and then shifts to 3rd gear

When an A/T is in backup mode, customers commonly complain about low power or lousy acceleration because the vehicle starts in 2nd or 4th gear.