1989 Accord has had the engine and trans replaced. The new trans is listed as a five speed but will only access four of them. The shifter will not even move toward 5th. The former owner said that a "pin" needs to be removed or installed to make it a five speed. Any one ever heard of this?

The former owner was told this by the back yard mechanic that installed the motor and trans.

 

So you get reverse, just can't go up to 5th. Enigne off, clutch in and out, can you get it into 5th.

 

fork arms could be bent

 

All other gears are accessible with the motor off clutch in motor running either way. It doesn't even feel like there is a fifth gear. The research I did I couldn't even find a 4 speed for the accord.

 

autos are 4speeds...but no stick sift honda is 4speed only 5speed
also check your shift linkage

 

I'll check the linkage......is it possible for the trans to even function if the spring pin for the 5th gear fork is missing. It seems to me that it would still function just not move the fork. The stick shift doesn't move that direction to even suggest a 5th gear. I let you know after i get a chance to check the linkage.

 

well the fork can cause the shifter not to move towards the gear you want it to go in. Seen it happen allot...kid get a short shifter and start slamming the shifter in gear like its it's the cool thing to do bu you just end up bending forks...not saying you did that but it can also happen from normal ware and tare too.

 

Not a problem. My daughter bought the car this way so I don't know how the car was treated. The former owner did say something to her about a pin needing replaced but her being seventeen she did not listen so I don't know exactly what he meant.

 

Update.....It seems the spring pin for the 5th gear fork is missing. The linkage does allow it to move to 5th gear but the gear itself does not move into position.

Now for the $1000 dollar question. Can I pull the rear trans cover to get to the pin and fork with out removing the trans?

 

Pulling the rear cover of the trans will let you eyeball the gear itself to see if the teeth are gone from lack of lube, but to replace the fork pin you'll need to get the trans on the bench.
Top Tech Tip; as you face the butt of the trans, the right hand shaft nut is LEFT hand thread.
Some manuals don't inform you of that.