Some 2005 Honda Accords and CR-V sport/utility vehicles may illuminate the check engine light and log trouble code P0973 in the powertrain control module.
One likely cause, Honda said, are metal particles bridging the contacts of shift solenoid A in the transaxle. Replacing the shift solenoid with an updated design, Part No. 28400-PRP-004, H/C 6734792, should eliminate further trouble.
Start the fix by putting the vehicle on a lift. Next, disconnect the transmission fluid cooler line from the shift solenoid cover. Remove the cover bolts followed by the shift solenoid cover.
Referring to the illustration above, disconnect the harness connector from shift solenoid A. Now remove the one retaining bolt and pull the shift solenoid from the transaxle.
Continue the repair by installing the updated shift solenoid A into the transaxle. Secure it with the retaining bolt. Using a new gasket, Part No. 28451-PRP-010, H/C 7623077, install the shift solenoid cover and retaining bolts. Now reconnect the ATF cooler line to the cover using two new sealing washers.
To complete the fix, lower the vehicle, clear the trouble code and go on a road test to confirm that it doesn't reset.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].