Honda Accord Stuck in Park

Thanks for all the input. I can tell you this much from the top that your Accord needs three new sensors, the BARO (barometric) the CKP (Crankshaft Position Sensor) and the HO2 sensor (Heated Oxygen sensor). As I looked at the information I have on Honda error codes, it also struck me that with each sensor description there was the cryptic ECM or Engine Control Module. The ECM is the big kahuna of engine modules, it is the microcomputer that provides the software to each sensor or module in the engine and it also takes the information, puts it all together and then makes decisions about emissions setting, accelerator settings (we haven’t honestly had accelerator control for nearly 30 years, it has all been done by computer). The other three sensors report to the ECM. All of them deal with emissions and fuel economy.

From what you have told me it could be that one or more of the sensors has gone intermittent and could be shorting out the ECM, causing your transmission problems. I think the primary candidate in this one is the CKP as it sits in that chain of engine software, the one dealing directly with the engine and transmission — the powertrain. If this sensor is gone, then it is quite possible your Accord is acting the way it is acting. I’d suggest swapping out the three sensors I mentioned and the engine control module. I believe that if you do most of the problems you have discussed with me will go away.

One other area to check — you have already started with the first solenoid — is the solenoid packs. There are two in your Accord, one should be on the outside of the valve body and the other should be on the inside. I don’t know which one could be going or gone, but I have to suspect it could be either. I’d suggest replacing both and that should pretty much fix your Accord’s problems.

All told — between the sensors, engine control module and solenoids — you are looking at an investment of about $1,500 for parts and labor. If you think that it’s worth it in a vehicle that is, after all, 23 years old, then I would say go for it. If not, then why not turn the old Accord in on a slightly newer model. One of my closest friends just put the third transmission in his 2002 Accord EX 2.2 that has close to 350,000 miles on the odometer. He’s happy with the decision he made and his Accord seems quite happy, too.