AutoCodes – Honda – P1890 1997 Honda Civic

P1890 1997 Honda Civic Code - Shift Control System

Quick Answer

The P1890 Honda code refers to a shift control system malfunction in the vehicle. Common causes include Faulty Transmission Valve Body, Transmission Valve Body harness is open or shorted, Transmission Valve Body circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P1890 1997 Honda Civic indicates Shift Control System.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Transmission Valve Body, Transmission Valve Body harness is open or shorted, Transmission Valve Body circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 2,863
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 02, 2025
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Code P1890 1997 Honda Civic Description

The P1890 Honda code refers to a shift control system malfunction in the vehicle. This code is specifically related to the transmission system and indicates that there is an issue with the shift control mechanism. The shift control system is responsible for managing the shifting of gears in the transmission, ensuring smooth and accurate transitions between gears while driving. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various performance issues and potentially cause long-term damage if not addressed promptly.
OBDII Code P1890 1997 Honda Civic - Shift Control System - AutoCodes.com
P1890 1997 Honda Civic Code - Shift Control System

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1890 1997 Honda Civic?

  • Faulty Transmission Valve Body
  • Transmission Valve Body harness is open or shorted
  • Transmission Valve Body circuit poor electrical connection
  • Transmission mechanical problems

How to Fix the DTC P1890 1997 Honda Civic?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1890 1997 Honda Civic code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1890 1997 Honda Civic code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1890 1997 Honda Civic code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1890 1997 Honda Civic code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1890 1997 Honda Civic Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1890 on a 1997 Honda Civic related to the Shift Control System?

The common symptoms include harsh shifting, delayed gear engagement, and the transmission may go into limp mode.

2. What could be causing the OBDII code P1890 Shift Control System error on a 1997 Honda Civic?

Possible causes of this code include a faulty shift control solenoid, low transmission fluid level, or issues with the transmission control module.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P1890 on my 1997 Honda Civic?

To diagnose this code, you can use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the error code and further investigate the shift control solenoid, wiring connections, and transmission fluid levels.

4. What are some DIY repair tips for addressing the OBDII code P1890 on a 1997 Honda Civic?

DIY repair tips may include checking and replacing the shift control solenoid, inspecting and topping up transmission fluid, and verifying the wiring connections for any damage.

5. Can driving with the OBDII code P1890 Shift Control System error harm my 1997 Honda Civic?

Continued driving with this error can potentially cause further damage to the transmission system, leading to more expensive repairs down the line. It is recommended to address the issue promptly.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code P1890 on a 1997 Honda Civic?

Repair costs for this code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 for parts and labor.

7. Is it safe to continue driving my 1997 Honda Civic with the OBDII code P1890 Shift Control System error?

It is not recommended to continue driving the vehicle with this error, as it can lead to transmission damage and potential safety hazards. It is best to address the issue as soon as possible.

8. Can resetting the OBDII code P1890 on a 1997 Honda Civic make it go away permanently?

Resetting the code may temporarily remove the warning light, but if the underlying issue causing the code is not addressed, it is likely to reappear. It is important to diagnose and repair the root cause of the problem.

9. How long does it take to repair the OBDII code P1890 Shift Control System error on a 1997 Honda Civic?

The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the availability of parts. In general, it may take a few hours to a full day to diagnose and repair the problem.

10. Can a mechanic easily fix the OBDII code P1890 on a 1997 Honda Civic, or is it a complex repair?

A skilled mechanic should be able to diagnose and repair the OBDII code P1890 Shift Control System error on a 1997 Honda Civic. However, the complexity of the repair will depend on the specific cause of the issue.

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