Acura TSX / Honda Accord CL. Manual — part 940

The shift lever has five positions; the P , R , N , D , and D

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positions. The D position has two modes; automatic

shift mode and sequential sportshift mode with the shift lever moved to the M position. The shift lever
movement and position is indicated by the A/T gear position indicator panel. The shift lever can be shifted out
of the P position and into the R position without pressing the shift lever. The shift lock/reverse lock mechanism
is an additional shift lever lockout mechanism. The shift lever is engaged with the shift lever link in the P , R ,
N , D , and D

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positions. This unit shifts the transmission using the shift cable connected between the shift cable

link and the transmission control shaft.

In the M position, the shift lever is disengaged from the shift lever link, and the shift lever can be used to shift
gears manually between 1st through 5th, much like a manual transmission.

Fig. 77: Identifying Shift Lever Mechanism Components

SHIFT LEVER MECHANISM IN M POSITION

When the shift lever shifts to the M position, the shift lever is disengaged from the shift lever link/shift lever

2004 Acura TSX

2004 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Diagnosis - MCTA 5-Speed

pivot, and the shift lever link lock pops up to engage with the shift lever bracket base; the shift lever link/shift
lever pivot and shifting position in the transmission are held in the D position.

The shift lever link lock is spring loaded, it pops up in the M position, and does not engage the shift lever
link/shift lever pivot in any position except M .

Fig. 78: Shift Lever Mechanism in M Position

The shift lever fits into the M position by using a detent plunger with a spring. When shifting to upshift and
downshift positions, the detent plunger is depressed by the detent bracket inner wall, and detent plunger spring
puts the shift lever back into the neutral position. The detent plunger also works in the P position.

2004 Acura TSX

2004 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Diagnosis - MCTA 5-Speed

Fig. 79: Shifting To Upshift & Downshift Positions

SHIFT LOCK/REVERSE LOCK MECHANISM

The shift lock system reduces the risk of unintentional engine starting. Starting the engine is possible only in the
P and N positions. The shift lock mechanism consists of the shift lock solenoid, shift lock stop/reverse lock
stop, shift lock release, and related parts. The reverse lock mechanism shares the shift lock mechanism. The
shift lock solenoid is electronically controlled by the shift lock/reverse lock control system signals. If the shift
lock solenoid does not operate, the shift lock/reverse lock mechanism can be released by pressing the shift lock
release.

In the P position while pressing the brake pedal and releasing the accelerator, the shift lock solenoid is turned
ON, and the shift lock solenoid plunger is retracted, releasing the shift lock stop. This allows the shift lever to
be moved.

2004 Acura TSX

2004 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Diagnosis - MCTA 5-Speed

Fig. 80: Shift Lock/Reverse Lock Mechanism

When the brake pedal is released or the accelerator is pressed, the shift lock solenoid stays OFF, and the shift
lock stop locks the shift lever in the P position.

2004 Acura TSX

2004 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Diagnosis - MCTA 5-Speed