Just as of yesterday, lost reverse on this Automatic transmission. D3, D4 are OK,

also noticed engine idle is lower at park, then shifting into reverse, engine idle goes up, but no reverse gear. seems strange to me.

Last week, notice D4 making a "whizzing" sound when de-accellerating , or slowing down to a red light. I wouldn't say it was a grinding noise, but it could be thought of as that too. only slightly. No such problems on D3.

I am thinking shift solenoid or similar...

Any ideas are appreciated

 

The helms manual has a troubleshooting section that lists the following possible causes of your symptoms:
#1 shift cable broken or out of adjustment
#11 4th clutch defective
#12 Governor valve stuck
#22 Reverse control valve stuck
#39 Shift fork bent
#40 Reverse gears worn damaged
#41 Reverse selector worn

It aslo notes that if the "trans makes clicking, grinding, or whiring noise, replace mainshaft 4th gear and reverse idler gear and counter 4th gear in addition to items 1, 2, 3, 4, (governor shaft woodruf key, reverse selector gear, countershaft 4th and reverse, shift fork.)

Hopefully its just the shift cable, although when this is the issue its typicaly hard to get fully into park.

Sorry I dont know much about AT trannys so all I can do is regurgitate from the manual.

 

Thanks so much. All are helpful. I degreased the engine compartment last week (gunk) made me also think this is related. Perhaps electrical, sensors, solenoid etc. affected by moisture. I am going to evaluate on saturday. I will report results. Gotta keep it on the road.

 

Most likely either a stuck valve or bad 4th gear clutch. Honda never did make a good AT.

 

I'm having a similar issue. I was told many things, from saying it just needs to have a transmission flush and filter changed. I was also told that that could make it worse. I was told to check the shift solenoid and I havent taken it appart yet which is why im on here to figure out what to do. and doing so I keep seeing all the transmissions having 2 solenoids with a wire and plug on it. I simply only have one and I have no idea why. It had 2 previous owners and the last was trying to do some work on it.
I can see the bolt holes to fit the other. I have a 90 crx HF with a d15b2 engine and auto tranny. i know enough about cars to take things apart and put them back together or retrofit something but i lack the general knowledge. if anyone can help with this it would be grateful.