5th gear

[jebra]

Have a 2002 SE, standard transmission, with 100K miles on it. Problem just started...won't stay in 5th gear...keeps "popping out". Any idea on what the problem is? Only happening with this one gear..not the others. Do you think it's serious, i.e. big money?
Thanks!

[johnfrisco]

Originally Posted by jebra

Have a 2002 SE, standard transmission, with 100K miles on it. Problem just started...won't stay in 5th gear...keeps "popping out". Any idea on what the problem is? Only happening with this one gear..not the others. Do you think it's serious, i.e. big money?
Thanks!

I had the same problem on my old accord. Needed a rebuild. Drove in 4th gear for a few months to save the money. Not good on gas. Rebuild was too expensive so I got one from the salvage yard and it worked well until I totalled it.

[JohnGD]

I'd first check the shift linkage. If the linkage is good then maybe synchro wear in 5th. Also check your mounts. How often do you change the transmission oil?

Find an ATRA member shop in your area for diagnosis. They also service manuals. If they disassemble it change out all the synchros while at it. Like any franchise chain, some shops are duds however.

http://www.atra.com/shopfinder?transmission

[jebra]

I don't know anything about transmissions, so I will have to find someone to check the things you mentioned (linkages, etc.). I don't think the transmission fluid on this vehicle has ever been changed.

Am I correct in taking from your reply that you feel there is a decent chance that the entire transmission may not have to be changed out? Thanks again!

[Frodo65]

Originally Posted by jebra

I don't know anything about transmissions, so I will have to find someone to check the things you mentioned (linkages, etc.). I don't think the transmission fluid on this vehicle has ever been changed.

Am I correct in taking from your reply that you feel there is a decent chance that the entire transmission may not have to be changed out? Thanks again!

Trans oil isn't going to make a difference with the symptoms you describe.

As odds go, the likely scenarios:

1. Debris in the shifter. You would notice this with shifter not going as far for 5th engagement.
2. Bad/out of adjustment shift linkage. You'd generally notice slop and/or travel issues.
3. Bad 5th gear shift fork. No external symptoms other than what you describe.
4. Bad 5th gear gearset. Ditto 3.

For the last 2, cracking the case is required, which entails removing the trans. That's a fair piece of labor, and it's cost-effective to go through and freshen the synchros and replace the clutch 'while you are in there'. A replacement used tranny or a rebuilt unit may be cost-effective alternatives. Used trannies in good shape may be hard to come by, as the combo is fairly rare.

[BlackG5]

frodo hit the nail on the head... I think its #3, in which case the trans needs to be opened up.. It's not an expensive "part" but the labor will bite you in the rear...

GL