I bought a 93 Prelude with a swapped JDM h22a, it popped out of 2nd gear but only at low rpm when I release the throttle. It usually stays in at higher rpms, the car has solid motor mounts so there is a lot of vibrations at low rpm. I have changed the tranny fluid and it still does it. Every other gear is fine and smooth, is there a way to adjust the shifter cables/linkage? and could the vibrations with solid mounts cause it to pop out of gear when I release the throttle be the issue?

I sure hope its not internal, I really dont want to take the tranny out.

 

Oh, and if it helps, the tranny fluid looked fine, with no metal shavings or anything. Also, the clutch + Flywheel was replaced back in 08'

 

Bump?

 

sounds like a bad cable or bad shifter (worn bushings). hopefully you did not stretch or bend that particular cable. also, i would take a look at the cables and make sure they are not twisted around eachother

 

Anything in particular to look for? and should I look at the tranny side or the shifter side? Owner before me said it only happened when he hit a bad bump.

 

well if they're twisted they would most likely be twisted right around the subframe/fire wall area (under the intake manifold). if you take off the center cover above the shifter take a look at the bushings in the shifter. also pay attention to where there is a lot of play. when you put the car in second gear does it feel like its pushing back or has some resistance? have you ever shifted hard into second gear (over forced it) while racing or driving hard? do you remember when the car started doing this?

 

Well I bought it the car about 2 weeks ago and the past owner said it did it only when he hit a bad bump, but for me it only does it when I release the throttle and let the engine shake and decelerate. I have never slammed it into any gears, and i babied it besides a couple interstate 3rd gear rolls. As for driving it, it feels as if it doesnt have to much resistance but when I shift from 2nd to 3rd its quick on pushing the gear out.

 

hm maybe the pilot bearing needs to be replaced?

 

You would figure if it were a shift cable, you might have a same problem with 4th gear. I suspect the 1-2 slider/hub assy in the trans is failing.

 

sounds like shift cable

 

that is more of an in-depth observation (and a good one) and i also gave it a thought. but usually when that is the case the transmission is hard to get into gear. you would think his first would also pop out of gear. OP, you should try driving the car up to 4-5k in first gear and letting the engine de-accelerate the car, if it pops out of first too then i would definitely suspect the slider/ hub to be worn out. i honestly think something is pulling on the cable or it is slightly bent. check the rear transmission mount bushing to make sure (its not worn out) the engine is not rocking forward when you shift into second.

 

BUMP. Did you get this car fixed?

 

If the tranny keeps in gear under load but jumps out on overrun, chances are that the gears are worn and not engaging completely

I have this problem too and the 2nd gear sleeve needs replacement........the cogs are worn, most likely from poor shifting/grinding @ high RPM into 2nd