1989 Honda Accord DX from North America - Comments

Radiator top cracked at 264,000 miles.

Needed struts when purchased.

Needed upper and lower ball joints when purchased.

Carb idle adjust likes to change on it's own. Set idle, then applied Lok-Tite to screw threads. No more problem!

Transmission grinds a little when going into 3rd gear with clutch all the way in.

I have a 1989 Honda Accord DX, 5 speed transmission with about 150,000 miles. As I was going down the NJ turnpike my 5th gear went out. I dropped it into 4th and continued on to my destination. I still drive the car daily without using 5th gear. Does this mean my transmission needs to be replaced or is there some other way to fix it without removing and replacing the transmission?

James.

Recently had the same problem occur in my 1989 Accord. What did you find out? Is it a shift linkage issue, the syncro, or something else in the tranny. Best solution; is there a way to fix or is a rebuild or replacement necessary?

I suspected that the seal on the tranny was leaking a little bit. I checked the oil in the tranny and found it to be low. I topped off the level and noticed right away that the grinding into 3rd had stopped. I suggest you check the tranny oil level or even change it and check for metal shavings and bits of metal. The comment about their 5th gear going out suggests a tranny rebuild or replacement. I've found trannys and engines on e bay. Of the 2nd comment I would check the oil level. If that's alright then look into having it rebuilt or replaced.