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I have a 1988 prelude. The transmission shifter feels ...

Sent to Car Experts March 09, 2006 5:08 p.m.

I have a 1988 prelude. The transmission shifter feels like I am pulling it thru frozen molasses to get it in gear. Can you suggest a possible problem?

Optional Information:
1988 Honda Prelude 4 cyl

Already Tried:
Nothing yet

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Answer
March 09, 2006 8:24 p.m. (3 hours and 15 minutes later)

REPLIED

i had the same thing happen to me in my crx. my differential detonated while i was shifting and it was like a stick in mud to shift.

1st and most obvious thing to check is your transmission fluid. low tranny fluid can cause sluggish shifts. if your transmission fluid level is ok, try draining it and inspecting for chunks and shavings of metal. some metal shavings will be present due to the age of the car, but if you see excessive or large pieces, your transmission may be going bad.

your clutch may need replacing, or your throwout bearing may have gone bad. 88 models have a cable clutch, so also check for tension on the cable. if your clutch pedal isn't pulling it out from the flywheel far enough, it may be causing it to stick .

another simple thing to check would be the shift lever itself. make sure the ball is seated properly and make sure the gear selector fork is intact.

Edited by jamesneathery on March 9 2006 at 8:26pm

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james neathery -- former grease monkey -- 100% Positive Feedback on 6 Car Accepts
i used to work for sears, goodyear, and a private mechanic

Reply to james neathery
Sent March 10, 2006 1:33 p.m. (17 hours and 8 minutes later)

Good answer but I guess I forgot to tell you it is an automatic

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
March 10, 2006 1:42 p.m. (9 minutes and 13 seconds later)

REPLIED

hahahahahahahaha... well, you got me there. i've never had to work on an automatic transmission, and i don't know much about their inner workings, nor have i ever owned a car with one.

i'm terribly sorry. you don't have to accept my answer.

__________________
"the feeling's mutual"
- Frank Drebin

james neathery -- former grease monkey -- 100% Positive Feedback on 6 Car Accepts
i used to work for sears, goodyear, and a private mechanic

Reply to james neathery
Sent March 10, 2006 10:10 p.m. (8 hours and 28 minutes later)

James,
If you haen't worked on auto tranies do you know anyone who does? I would really like an answer if possible.
Thanks
Jerry

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
March 11, 2006 1:19 a.m. (3 hours and 8 minutes later)

REPLIED

i don't know anyone personally. the mechanic i used to work for wouldn't touch an automatic transmission; he only worked on manual ones. if you want, you can repost your question after this one expires and let another expert take it. i wouldn't have answered it if i had known it was an auto trans, sorry about that.

__________________
"the feeling's mutual"
- Frank Drebin

james neathery -- former grease monkey -- 100% Positive Feedback on 6 Car Accepts
i used to work for sears, goodyear, and a private mechanic

Reply
Sent March 13, 2006 4:24 p.m. (2 days and 15 hours later)

Relist: No answer yet.
I have a 1988 honda prelude, auto transmission. When I try to put the car into drive it is like pulling the shifter thru molassas on a winters day. Can anyone suggest an answer?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Reply to james neathery
Sent March 13, 2006 4:27 p.m. (3 minutes and 10 seconds later)

I need someone who has worked on auto transmissons, hondas,1988 prelude. shifting into drive is like pulling the gear shift leaver thru thick cold honey. Any suggestions?
Jerry

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Reply
Sent March 14, 2006 10:28 p.m. (1 day and 6 hours later)

Relist: I still need help.
question has not been answered! Yes I want help.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
March 15, 2006 4:27 a.m. (5 hours and 58 minutes later)

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Kyle Northrop -- ASE certified Auto Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 332 Car Accepts
ASE certified tech,L1 cert, Ca. Smog License, CNG and Hybrid certified

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