88 Prelude - the S2 shift light is blinking on dash, the check engine light comes on at first start. no lights come on when I start the car the second time even after a few hours and it starts easily.. takes several seconds of cranking the engine to turn over on first try. Have replaced battery. Please help, single working mom needs car for work.

First things first. Check the fluid level and condition. (Honda's are always checked engine off, sitting level.) If the fluid is burnt/stinky and dark, you may have internal a/t issues. Next step would be pull the codes. You're gonna have a P0700 code under the engine list. That is the generic trans system failure code. Your scan tool will need to be able to read all powertrain systems, not just engine data. If it has a specific code for, say one of the shift solenoids, or the linear solenoid, you may be able to replace parts/fluid and be ok. If it has a P0730, or P0740 code, then you're looking at internal clutch pack failure, and a reman. or good used trans. Good luck.

3s, humm...... what is that, google shows ZERO for that.
can i know what object shows that? dash, ECU, trans shift.? what?
where are your eyes looking,?
is this the ECU flash code>? LED? at ECU?

"1985-91 Prelude models, there is only one LED display."
ECU code 3 is bad MAP (or bad vacuum to it)

Carb engine or EFI engine./ and which engine?> "options"

here is the FSM , look it up , gen 2 to 5
http://hondatech.info/downloads/Auto/Manuals/Prelude/

pedal pressure? the throttle sticks< OPEN?
ive never ever seen a post ever for pedal pressure,
what does that mean? im clueless here, and sounds very scary.
to any mech. after all, throttle valves failures, can be man killers.
so.....???
when failed does the engine crank over full speed with the starter?
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr fail to start.
that normal sound of a good starter, yes?

is this an intermittent problem only?

NO start, ? (cranks robustly)
no, lets start at step one.
1: check all fuses. in both fuse boxes.
2: are the Headlamps working at full brightness.
3: does all the normal dash cluster lamps glow , key on.
Charge, Brake , Check engine lamp> all glow, if not, stop.
4: spark got spark at all cylinders, (a test)
my guess is engine is flooding, (smells) and is due to
lost spark.
ever do the 60k mile tuneup this decade?


this very old car has relic, warnings, back then.
non standard.

the PGM-FI is early name for CEL, check engine
on this engine you must find the ECU (PGM-FI box)
and see the LEDs on the side.
they can be made to blink secret codes. errrors
these errors will be key to diagnosis, i bet.

here is the clue
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c9084_ds477362

the cars FSM book covers how to diagnose no starts
or no cranks.

You need to check the tcm for codes too. The s3 light is like the check engine light for the tcm. The VSS code might be your problem.

I have a similar problem with the S3 light flashing and the check engine light coming on as well as surging issues. On '88-'91 Preludes the ECU is located under the carpet on the right passenger floorboard. There will be a small flap in the carpet you pull up to see the ECU LED. Turn the key to ACC(radio on, but not started) and follow the directions on the link below. http://mustardcat.brinkster.net/p3g/Documentation/ECUerrorcodes/ECUcodes.htm

check for a blown ignition fuse in the fusebox. more info would help....Do the dash lights come on in the KEY-ON position?
Will it crank over? while its cranking is the engine light on?

change the tempature sensor,it sounds stupid but it fixed my car

my 93 prelude was doing the exact same thing and for me it was my alternator was working properly.
go to a parts store and have them test it.

hmmm u should check the wires going to the coil to see if there is power, if so its mostlikey the coil, and if the coil seems fine you gotta track father back, do u know about the prelude board? http://www.preludeonline.com/ they probably know something about your issue, sorry for the long responce time, was out on my summer vaction !!

Try to find the speedo-cable from the firewall down the the transmission. Usually on auto trannys the speedo head (the signal generator which is a gear basicly) is located on the top of the tranny, of course attached to the speedo cable. If it's a 'drive by wire' car and there's no cable - it will require more investigation.