90 Accord tranny

I have a 1990 Honda Accord. Driving the other day and the sport mode light went on and it doesn't shift. It starts off in 3rd gear. If I downshift to 1st, it will start in first but when I upshift it goes right into 3rd bypassing 2nd but not overdrive 4th. Did anyone else have this problem and do I need another transmission? The other thing is during cold weather, I have a hard time getting the key out. If I wait a couple of minutes, I hear what sounds like a click and the key can be removed. I love this old Honda but don't want to pay for a new tranny that would cost more than the car is worth.

It sounds very much like the typical fried TCU issue the older ones had.

They have a capacitor or two in them that are prone to blowing. Then it will skip gears and refuse to downshift, etc...

The issue with the key sounds like the shift lock detent is having sticking issues in the cold. Not sure how it works as far as the column ignition switch relates on the Accord, but I'd bet it has a cable that connects the detent at the shifter to the column switch. Pull the console cover off, watch how the mechanism works, clean it up and lube it. Should work right unless the problem is in the column.

i am having that prob too but my vss isnt working so my trans wont shift to 4th gear well it will but will not stay in 4th i have a 93 lx

I was reading a bit more about the TCU on your car, it says that shift detent interlock problems are common with a failing TCU as well...further covincing me this is probably your problem, may solve both issues...

It's your TCM - Transmission Control Module, or called TCU. There are 2 resistors that got burnt and causes the tranny to malfunction. The TCM is under the passenger's carpet. I replaced mine about 3 years ago. Got it from a junk yard for $35. A new one from dealer is around $600.

I heard the cause of the burnt resistors is a dried capacitor. But I never got time to find out if it's true. If it is, then replacing the capacitor is a cheap fix.

Good luck. Let us know the outcome.