First, my standard disclosure: I must warn you that I'm a newbie to the site and restoring/modifying my own vehicle. You don't necessarily have to go easy on me, just know that, although I'm a sponge for learning thing about and what to do with my car, I'm not as knowledgable as most of yall are. Now on to my issue...

3rd gen Prelude, purchased Dec 2009 after it was garaged/not driven for two years. First transmission held out for approx. 6 months before Reverse would stick for a few seconds before engaging. Prelude guy in NY offered tranny for $100, Prelude friend in MD picked it up, Prelude friends in VA installed approx. 6 months ago. The same #$%@! issue is starting; reverse is sticking for a few seconds before engaging. It's not happening often, but enough for me to recognize that it's happening and the same thing as before.

Any Honda and/or Prelude guros out there that have any insight on this? (other than switch it out to manual, which I'm working on)

 

The Prelude automatic uses the 4th gear clutch pack along with a reverse servo valve to engage reverse. The delay is very common on Honda transmissions and could be caused by a sticky valve body or shift solenoid. It can also be caused by a loose shift cable. Check all the solenoid connectors to be sure thay are not loose or corroded and take a look at your shift cable.

 

Thank you. I'll make note of that word for word and get with my two mechanics (and relax in the meantime). I also appreciate the full explanation, since I am trying to learn it as I go. Who knows, maybe I can help out a newbie somewhere form the road. I keep notes of everything.