I've owned a auto 1997 VTI-R for just over a year now. There was always a problem with the reverse gear, a rather serious one that I haven't had checked out because it will probably cost about >$3k australian dollars to take apart and look at. Basically after I start the car in the morning and put it into reverse, there is a pause and the gear doesn't engage for about 3-4 seconds and then when it does the car lunges violently, shaking the whole car. This happens about...maybe 80-90% of the time and it's always after the car has been sitting parked for several hours. During driving when the car warms up this doesn't happen. I found a way to reduce the lunge and that is to put it in drive for a few seconds (3-5) before putting it in reverse, this seems to reduce it and even make it not lunge. The thing is I have to make sure I shift smoothly.

Eventually I'll have to get it checked out but I was wondering if anybody has experienced this or anybody can shed some light on this? My engine number is H22aXXXXXXXX. Mechanics have tried to put transmission conditioner in it as well as transmission flushes but it doesn't seem to be the fluid itself as the problem remains.

This is my first post and as you have gathered I know little to nothing about mechanics

 

I had the same problem man i just swapped for a 5 speed

 

unfortunately for you, the SS trannies in the Preludes are known notoriously for sucking. They fail many times. ANd it is clear that yours is failing.

 

I think I'm gonna cry :'( I know the 5 speed is better but I actually like the auto. I think I might have to bite the bullet and get it looked at. I'll take a whole lot of valium so that when they tell me how much it will cost I will just stare blankly at them.

 

after i saw how much they wanted to replace my ss tranny i said F that im gettin it swaped to a 5speed and im payin about the same to replace it with another one

 

If you have kept up to the service schedeule get it covered by a used car warranty that covers the auto tranny from failing Your doing nothing wrong as it hasn't failed yet and you don't know for sure it will. But if the worst should happen and it starts to fail in a Months time, take it to your garage and get them to tell the warranty company, follow my drift ? It's what's known as edging your bets.