What Does Acura’s Flashing D4 Light Tell You?
by schearerswpadmin April 30, 2020There are a few rules of thumb each driver should know. One of these rules is this: A flashing light on your car’s dash means something is wrong and needs attention. Some lights are simple, such as a brake system alert or a low oil warning light, but what does it mean when your Acura’s D4 light is blinking?
Broadly speaking, this warning light indicates that there is an issue with your vehicle’s transmission. The specifics may vary from case to case, so this article will cover some of these specifics in more detail.
Specific Causes of Flashing D4 Light
A flashing D4 light in your Acura is indicative of a fourth gear transmission problem. You may notice that your Acura is having a hard time shifting gears and accelerating rough. These are also signs indicative of transmission problems.
When the D4 light is flashing, it’s likely that the check engine light will also be illuminated. Determining what transmission problem caused the D4 light to flash may be difficult and require the use of a tool that can read the diagnostic codes from your Acura’s computer. When this is done, one of a few codes will be found. The codes represent are listed here:
Transmission Control System Malfunction
The P0700 code represents an issue with the transmission control system. The powertrain computer has detected different RPM values at the input RPM sensor and the transmission output RPM sensor. This usually means that the transmission is slipping.
Incorrect Gear Ratio
When the sensors in your Acura’s transmission find that the vehicle’s gear ratio is incorrect, it will send a P0730 code to the car’s computer. If a problem with any of the gears within an automatic transmission isn’t functioning properly, the gear ratio is incorrect.
Torque Converter Lockup Clutch Issues
In cars with an automatic transmission, the torque converter lockup clutch serves to establish a sort of mechanical lock between the rotation of the engine and transmission. Problems with the torque converter lockup clutch can result from numerous other issues.
Transmission Shift Malfunction
The D4 light can start to flash because your Acura’s automatic transmission is having problems making the right choice on which gear to change into while physically shifting gears. This implies that the transmission may be slipping.
How to Avoid Transmission Problems
Many of the issues listed above are avoidable. Regular tune-ups and common-sense maintenance go a long way in keeping your car running smoothly for many years to come.
First, make sure your Acura has enough transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is absolutely crucial to your car’s functions by helping to keep things lubricated and cool. In addition, make sure that your transmission fluid is changed and replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, as dirty transmission fluid can cause some of the issues listed above.
The next thing that is easy to control to avoid problems with your transmission is to prevent overheating. If your temperature gauge is reading high, let your Acura cool off for a minute and consider checking on coolant levels so you don’t cause damage to your transmission or other parts of your car.
Go to Schearer’s Sales and Service to Resolve a Flashing D4 Light
A flashing D4 light needs to be taken seriously by any driver that encounters it. The D4 flashing light implies that there are potentially-serious problems with the transmission, so action should be taken quickly, either by inspecting the problem yourself or visiting a trusted mechanic. This will not only save you money in the long run, but it will also keep your car running for longer.
A flashing D4 light is a sign of a bigger problem that may take the expertise and technology of a quality repair shop like Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. to be fixed. We know that you hold your Acura to a high standard for performance, and we hold ourselves to high standards of quality in terms of repairs, turnaround time, cost, and customer service.
We are located at 5530 Crackersport Road in Allentown, Pennsylvania. We proudly serve customers from Allentown, Bethlehem, and Macungie. Our commitment to expertise and attention to detail make us the premier auto repair shop for drivers of Acura, as well as other European imports. The next time you have any issues with your Acura, like flashing D4 lights, stop by and see why we are the leading specialists in the Lehigh Valley.