The transmission in a Honda Accord is responsible for translating the energy created by the engine to the drive of the wheels as efficiently as possible. Energy is routed through different size gears in the transaxle housing.
The most obvious sign that a transmission is failing is when the gears slip. The cab of the vehicle will shake palpably as the transmission moves from one gear to the next as you drive faster. This creates a lot of heat in the transmission and will be accompanied by a burning smell. The transmission must be rebuilt or replaced as the gears are compromised.
When the Accord will not drive very fast and the engine sounds like it is working harder, the transmission is stuck in low gear. The electronic control module (ECM), inside the engine compartment has most likely failed and put the car into Limp Mode. The ECM is a computer that controls the vehicle and has sensed an emergency and has stuck the transmission in low gear so you can limp it to a garage. Get the ECM checked by a professional if you feel the car is stuck in Limp Mode.
The speed sensor is a small electronic component sitting on top of the transmission that relays information to the ECM to regulate the transmission. If the sensor fails and sends faulty information to the ECM, the transmission may slip. If there is no burning smell from the heat generated by faulty gears, it is most likely a faulty speed sensor.
