just got an 89 Accord LXi 5 sp - trans is smooth in 1st thru 4th and reverse but it is like 5th gear does not exist--shift into the 5th gear position, let out clutch--nothing, as if it is neutral. I can freely shift from neutral to fifth without touching the clutch at 60mph. No noise, grinding, no sign that anythiing is engaging. I have peeked at the linkage underneath and it seems in order going into the trans. Sound familiar to anybody?

 

drain your trans fluid and see if any metal chips are in it, 5th will wear out if fluid is low.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bill-71SS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">drain your trans fluid and see if any metal chips are in it, 5th will wear out if fluid is low.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yep... that's exactly right. 5th is the last gear to get oil, so if it's just a little bit low 5th will burn up. Luckily it can be replaced by itself fairly easily without removing the tranny.

 

whoa--tell me more--I am replacing CV's, timing belts,etc, so the car is up on stands--I was going to pull the trans and have a look--not required? best news I have heard all day

 

Yea I can't give any technical details as I've never done it myself, but you can access it by taking the cover off from the side of the tranny (at the very end of it, by the pass. side frame). Drop that down and you can access and replace the gear through there. Like I said I haven't done it myself so I can't tell you exactly what to do from there, but you should be able to see what you need to replace once you get a look. Be sure and have a service manual handy!

 

You got it right- removed the cover and both gears are worn smooth. Trans was low on fluid-might have a leak at the case seam. Maybe been messed with before.

 

i have a complete set of 5th gear assy if your interested.

 

wish I had checked the board earlier--got new gears from Honda today-less than I expected, under $200 for both gears, bearings, nuts, etc. Thanks anyway.