I really dont know what to do after talking to a few people. I drive a 89 2.0si auto b20a5. Recently I had to replace my header because it cracked. I only use it as a DD so i picked up a cheap pace setter and sealed up my rotted out exhaust with a larger pipe. Now to the problems. My car starts fine, runs fine only thing is once it warms up after about 2-3 mins my check engine light comes on about 30 seconds after my S3 mode begins flashing regardless if im in P R N D etc… the S4 does not work once it begins flashing. I can drive in S4 until S3 comes on and then it no longer works. Any ideas?
So…What is S3 and S4 mode?
seriously.
?
i’ve never heard of this “s3 and s4 mode” either.
info please.
Are you local/is this a white prelude with blue pin striping? Question has purpose if it really is.
S3/S4
The “S” shift selector range changes the shift points under part throttle acceleration, allowing the transmission to stay in each lower gear for a longer period before automatically upshifting. With the shift selector in the “S” range, the “S3” indicator light in the dash panel will come on the and the transmission will shift from 1st to 2nd and 3rd but not 4th. This is especially useful when climbing or descending grades. While driving in the “S” range, the car’s performance is improved but fuel economy is reduced.
While driving in the “S” range, you can select 4th gear by pushing the “S4” switch. Depending upon vehicle speed and throttle pedal position; the “S4” indicator light in the instrument panel will come on. Pushing the “S4” switch again will cause the transmission to downshift to 3rd gear in the “S3” mode. The “S4” indicator light in the instrument panel will go out, and the “S3” light on the instrument panel will come on.
If the shift lever is moved to any other driving range, the “S4” switch will be canceled automatically.
According to the manual it is considered “sport” mode or gear, S3 is gears 1-3 S4 is gears 1-4. Like Jon said it holds gears longer. I know the purpose behind the mode but i don’t know what is causing it to blink once the engine warms up.
http://ww1.honda.co.uk/car/owner/workshop.html
Go to:
Parts -> Workshop manuals -> Look for automatic transmission troubleshooting in the transmission section. -> Pull codes for the transmission -> Go from there.
slow day at work for bacon…
You ignored my question… but, when I had my white 89 prelude with blue pin striping, it had the same problem and my transmission needed to be replaced after it blew to pieces when pulling away from a green light from a stop, at normal speed.
If that is my old car, it is on it’s 4th tranny… LOL
and if this is my old car, I am sad… you started my car on fire 
Was the old header still the DC Sports one? (Assuming this is my old car…)
you should have bought a 5 speed honda
auto trannys are prob the one and only thing that honda sucks at
i would have loved a 5 speed but its still a honda so it is still better than most:carnut
truer words were never spoken dougiefresh
my 89 prelude s, 5sp saw 3 transmissions in the 7k miles I owned it.
My 95 civic 5 sp saw 2, in maybe 3k miles. I bought it thinking it was just the pilot and throwout bearing that were shot, which they were but it was also the input shaft.