My transmission is shifting late and hard. I was going to adjust the throttle control cable (kickdown cable) but when looking at the manual it shows three clamps (which mine does have) and two clipped bands that I do not have(they look like it is just to hold it in place right below the two top clamps). The cable right now is just freely swinging around in the engine bay.

Where is the cable suppose to run? Does is really matter that it is not clipped to anything? Also does loosening the cable make it shift sooner or does a tighter cable shift sooner? Right now the cable is pretty tight.

Thank you

 

I'd secure the cable some how. The before trying to "tune" the shifts, set it to factory spec's.

When was the last time the fluid was changed? Was Honda fluid used? Are the mounts good?

 

I just did one flush, still have to do at least one more. I just bought it but the fluid was gross on the first flush and judging by the bootleg things I've found I really doubt it was Honda fluid.

The mount is good though.

 

There are four mounts.

I'll inspect how mine is secured (95 EX 4 cyl auto), I've seen it a 100 times just never paid that much attention, to see if I can give more idea's on how to get yours secured.

If the fluid was that bad, I'd do two more cycles with Honda fluid. Adjust/inspect the movement of the cable and see what you have from there.

 

From a very informative Honda transmission page:

There's more. Search using the text above and you'll find it.

 

Thank you Poorman and Roader. It's all fixed.

I drained and filled the transmission for the second time with Dexron III and lubegard (I know everyone says use Honda fluid only but the guy at the Honda dealership basically turned me away and said save your money. It really needed new fluid so if the problem comes back I'll do it again with Honda fluid... but I digress).

I also tightened the cable, the lever isn't sitting at it's lowest point anymore but it shifts perfect now, I can barely feel it.

The mounts looked alright, not in the best shape but not cracked or anything either.

Now I just need to figure out some other bootleg stuff that I don't know what it was stock and the manual doesn't give a good description. I'll post that later though, in the appropriate section, when I get pictures.