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Honda Accord check engine light is on due to sensors inside transmission.

2000 Honda Accord check engine light on. Two sensors inside transmission are triggering the light, and it won't pass the smog check. My car failed the smog check due to the check engine light being on. This is being triggered by a transmission sensor and a a gear shift sensor 700 and 780. Ok so 2 separate mechanics have run complete diagnostics w/the same results. Both have informed me the only way to clear the trouble codes are by replacing my transmission. $2500-$3500!! I have qualified for the CAP and have my letter of eligibility for up to $500 in repairs. How do I make this work for me when I obviously need more than $500 in work? I cannot begin to afford a new car OR the transmission! I would have to try to get a line of credit from the bank. This seems soo excessive especially since the emissions pass with no problem. Any and all advice is welcome and a million times appreciated! Thanks in advance for your time and help! Have a great day.
Answer:

We have two suggestions... 1. (most important) Find out through 3 or 4 different transmission shops whether the sensors can be replaced, instead replacing the entire transmission. Most transmission sensors can be replaced with only removing the transmission in order to pull it apart. In some fortunate cases the defective sensors are on the exterior of the trans and require no trans removal. 2. Start the required work with the $500 CAP money. Then apply for VRRRM.org (an additional $800.00), then apply for a 2 year financial hardship extension. You will not need a smog check for 2 more years. But after that there's no getting out of the smog check. You can apply for CAP again, but one way or another you'll need to get your Nissan Maxima to pass the smog check. Good luck. Alec - SmogTips Support posted by SmogTips Support

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