Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1997 Acura 3.0CLFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Automatic Transmission Gear Position Signal
- Turn ignition on. While observing gear indicator, shift transmission gear selector to each position. If gear indicator does not indicate correct gear position, see the AUTO TRANS DIAGNOSIS article for gear indicator testing. If gear indicator illuminates correctly for all positions, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect gauge assembly Green 16-pin connector located behind gauge assembly. Disconnect Transmission control module (TCM) Gray 26-pin connector located under right front footrest. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage between PCM 32-pin connector terminal No. 9 (Brown/Black wire) and PCM 31-pin connector terminal No. 29 (Light Green wire). See Figure . If voltage is about 5 volts, go to step 4). If voltage is not about 5 volts, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM 31-pin connector. Check for continuity between ground and PCM 31-pin connector terminal No. 29 (Light Green wire). See Figure . If continuity exists, repair short in Light Green wire between PCM and gauge assembly 16-pin connector. See WIRING DIAGRAMS article. If continuity does not exist, substitute a known good PCM, then recheck for voltage. If about 5 volts is now present between PCM connectors, replace original PCM.
- Turn ignition off. Reconnect gauge assemble 16-pin connector and TCM 26-pin connector. Start engine. Set transmission to Neutral and Park positions. Measure voltage at both positions between PCM 32-pin connector terminal No. 9 (Brown/Black wire) and PCM 31-pin connector terminal No. 29 (Light Green wire). See Figure . If voltage is less than one volt, go to next step. If voltage is one volt or more, repair open in Light Green wire between PCM 31-pin connector terminal No. 29 and gauge assembly 16-pin connector terminal No. 15.
- Set transmission in any gear position except Neutral or Park. Measure voltage between PCM 32-pin connector terminal No. 9 (Brown/Black wire) and PCM 31-pin connector terminal No. 29 (Light Green wire). See Figure . If battery voltage is present, A/T gear position signal is functioning properly. If battery voltage is not present, repair open in Light Green wire between PCM 31-pin connector terminal No. 29 gauge assembly 16-pin connector terminal No. 15.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.