I have a 98 accord coupe 5speed MT w/ 177k rebuilt tranny about 50k ago. The problem i'm having is that I can't find first, third and fifth gear. Move the shifter around and its like as if they're not even there. I can get into second, forth and reverse with no problem. I'm thinking its the shift cable that may be giving me the issue with shifting in those top gears.
With the hood up I can reach down to the tranny and shift into every gear. I got it into first, hopped inside the car pressed the clutch in and the car started. But I could not get the car out of gear until I turned it off.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!

 

Pull center console(shifter) and see if one of the cables came off shifter arm

 

I have already pulled the center council to inspect the shifter. Both cables are attached and everything seems to be intact. When i push the shifter forward, to find first, I don't feel any resistance or it sliding into the gear. I can have the shifter all the up and move it side to side and it just feels empty.

 

One of the shift cables is probably broken inside the sheath. Replace the affected cable.

 

Replacing the shifter cable is my next step. The dealership wants 180 bucks with no returns. gotta save up a bit for that--- thanks for your help

 

You can probably save a few bucks ordering through Majestic Honda:

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...y5=SHIFT+LEVER