89 accord issues

Ok so I picked up an 89 accord with 278k miles on it from the original owner for 200$ and it needed an alternator. I replaced the alternator (what a chore that was!), and it seems like a great little car, runs and drives really nice yet. However I do have some issues.
1. How do I check/service the auto tranny? I cannot find a dipstick?
2. I have several wiring issues that may or may not be related, the park/lock switch does not work, I have to use the key override to take it out of park.
3. The radio does not work in the "run" position, only in acc.
4. The heater fan/blower motor does not run at all. The previous owner said it used to work if u jiggled the ignition, so I am suspecting the ignition switch if that's possible? Also the cruise doesn't work intermittently as well.
5. The front blinkers do not work. I doubt that's related.
This car did sit for a year or so under a car cover so it is possible mice have chewed wires as well :(
6. The rear drivers side door does not open. Can I remove the door panel with the door shut?

1. The dipstick is there, it's just a pain to get to or even find. It's on the tranny, does not have a tube, just looks like a little rubber bump sticking up, if I remember those right. Doesn't look like what most people are looking for. If I remember right, you check them cold and not running, unlike most cars checked hot and motor running. Anyway, it's on the front of the tranny case, you'll have to look under some stuff to see it, and usually have to be a contortionist to remove it...

2. Your ignition switch is definitely shot...I'd replace this first before chasing any other electrical demons. My guess, most will go away once this is done. It's not difficult to replace. You will need some small sockets and a driver with extensions. So I'm gonna skip 3,4,5 and hope the switch fixes those things.

6. Damn, stuck rear doors suck. You cannot get the panel off with the door closed, that I am aware of. Maybe if you remove the back seat, but I'm still doubtful. They usually overlap the opening perimeter by a bit. I think you might be able to manipulate the linkage from inside using a lockout set, but I never tried with a rear door. You'd just have to put a wedge in there so you can see, and see if it's possible. Lockout sets are cheap anyway, and you'll need it again, not like a huge waste if it doesn't work.

Thanks. I will replace the ignition switch asap. Found one on rockauto.com for 25 bux.
I'm hoping it fixes at least the radio and blower motor.
Guess I will try the lockout set, I did notice too that the lock mechanism is missing so it may just be locked.
I forgot I have an oil leak too, but it looks to be just a valve cover gasket, oil is seeping down the front of the engine. Is this common?
This is my 2nd pre-90 accord and I know they're old cars but I really like the body style and had very little trouble with the previous one.
Thanks for the reply, I will let u forum'ers know if the ignition switch fixes these problems.

I forgot I have an oil leak too, but it looks to be just a valve cover gasket, oil is seeping down the front of the engine. Is this common?
This is my 2nd pre-90 accord and I know they're old cars but I really like the body style and had very little trouble with the previous one.
Thanks for the reply, I will let u forum'ers know if the ignition switch fixes these problems.

The rubber grommets on the valve cover studs are made to provide the correct amount of "preload" torque on the cover...when they get old they no longer have any crush to them, and so you can tighten them for all you're worth but they won't clamp the cover properly.

Usually if this is happening the o-rings around the spark plug wells are shot too, and the holes are swimming in oil. Pull a plug wire out and you'll see what I mean, most likely. Bet you got and inch oil more of oil standing in there....

ok so ignition switch fixed the blower motor and radio :)
Did not fix the brake/park lock, so now I wonder if I can just disable that? I know its a safety feature bah blah blah but whatever.


Jeffcoslacker
The spark plugs on this engine don't have grommets, they screw directly into the head, not thru the valve cover.

For your door problem, when I was with honda we replaces a ton of latches for that reason. You can get the panel off with the door closed but its tricky. Sometimes with it off you can convince it to open making replacing the latch easier but I have had afew that needed the air chisel to tear the old one apart from the inside to get the door open. Even if you can get the old one out in one piece dont waste your time trying to make it work, we tried that, never works.