1998 Honda Accord Cold Start and Transmission

1998 HONDA ACCORD
58,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ALBANY_HONDA_DRIVER
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Hi,

I have automatic transmission. During cold start, car idles high (as high as 1,300 rpm) and it settles down after a couple of minutes.

Is there any this wrong or what are the possible causes? Is there anything I can do?

Now, without wait after cold start, i.e. in rpm 1200 to 1300, if I shift transmission from "P" or "N" to "R" more clunk noise & jerk then normal.

There are no issues with shfiting when rpm reaches to 700/800 rpm.

Is that is normal for Honda Accord? or the signal of transmission problem? and what cause the clunk noise and jerk? Its not that significant but yes it is there.

Shift from "P" or "N" to "D" imeditly after cold start there is no clunk noise and no jerk that I think is normal.

Thanks.
Aug 20, 2008 at 2:10 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi Albany_Honda_Driver,

When starting from cold, the cold start system would increase the rpm and what you are experiencing is normal.

The clunk noise is from a bad rear and front engine mount. Replacing them should solve the problem.
Aug 23, 2008 at 9:42 AM
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ALBANY_HONDA_DRIVER
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Thanks KHLow2008,

If there is play in engine mount then it should causevibrations at high rpm. But there are hardly any vibrations st 3000 rpm.

So can you please let me know how I can check engine mount?

Thanks.
Aug 24, 2008 at 3:19 AM
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KHLOW2008
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If the engine mounts are worn or faulty, you would not feel any vibrations at high speed.

Why should there be any?
Aug 24, 2008 at 7:09 AM
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ALBANY_HONDA_DRIVER
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Hi KHLow2008,

Can you please suggest, how to check for engine mount.
I tried to check using following method.
Open hood
start car
no engine vibrations observed

Thanks.
Aug 24, 2008 at 10:05 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi,

Apply handbrake.
Start Engine.
Engage gear with brakes depressed.
If engine jerks forward badly when engaging reverse, the rear mount should be bad.
You can feel the mounting rubber, it most probalby has detached from its base or broken off.
Aug 25, 2008 at 8:37 AM
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ALBANY_HONDA_DRIVER
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You are great KHLow2008,

I tried above and yes engine moved forward. not badly just a little bit say few milimeters.
I also checked for mounts all in place and intact but are old as I never changed them before.

Thanks for your help in this issue. I will try to replace mounts with in next three to four months.

Regards.
Aug 25, 2008 at 4:56 PM