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.

 

It probably has to do with the Transmission Control Module (TCM), it is a very common problem with your generation Accord. It is located under the passenger side carpet. Here is a link to read about it:

http://techauto.bravehost.com/

Usually, a resistor or two at is burnt, and/or one or more capacitors is blown/leaking. Sometimes it looks fine; but, still the TCM may still be bad.