I have a 1990 Honda Accord. Driving the other day and the sport mode light went on and the car doesn't shift. It starts off in 3rd gear. If I downshift to 1st, it will start in first but when I upshift it goes right into 3rd bypassing 2nd but not overdrive 4th. Did anyone else have this problem and do I need another transmission? The other thing is during cold weather, I have a hard time getting the key out. If I wait a couple of minutes, I hear what sounds like a click and the key can be removed. I love this old Honda but don't want to pay for a new tranny that would cost more than the car is worth.

 

any info on this topic i am experiencing the same thing . but my tranny is just letting my engine rev really high as it drives off very slow???? help pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

Aloha prettibwoy: welcome to the forum and enjoy your stay, hope we might all be able to assist you with your problem. might be your shift control solenoid. Do you have a repair manual? Helms, Chilton, or factory, it may help to have one, it will give you more info. or go to the local library, they usually have the manuals.

 

I had the same problem in my 92 LX. I replace the entire transmission first...no luck...I replaced the TCU....worked for a bit then stopped. It started throwing codes and I had to replace a solenoid on the front of the transmission. It was clogged as they operate on the pressure from the fluid. It still didnt run 100% in that it shifted really hard though. Trannys are tricky things.

 

Our 1990 Honda Accord LX automatic transmission has shift problems. Starts off in 3rd. I can manually shift in 1st to start off & manual shift to 3rd. No 2nd or 4th speeds on automatic transmission, also sport light not functioning correctly.
So we're looking into getting our mechanic to put on a set of transmission shift solenoids. We found guaranteed solenoid parts on e-bay for about $60 & then one hour labor for mechanic to install should hopefully solve the shifting problem for about $130