Honda Repair: 92 Accord Automatic Transmission Making Grinding Noise When Trying to Shift into Reverse, transmission control unit, worst case scenario

Question
Back in November '07, I replaced my '92 Accord Transmission Control Unit with a refurbished one because it sometimes got stuck in one of the gears and I had to try to change the speed to make it shift again or stop the car and restart.  Sometimes it got stuck in the 4th gear and I would drive with it for a while by manually shifting at low gears.  Removing the battery connection would reset the control unit and the transmission would work properly for a while.  Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, it started making grinding noise when shifting into the REVERSE gear.  Once it got in, the transmission worked all right.  Gradually it got worse and now I had to try a few times shifting with the grinding noise before it would go in.  Is this an indication that the shifter cable needs to be replaced or the transmission is going bad or what? Please help.

Thanks

Answer
Shyyjong, grinding noises is an indication that either an adjustment needs to be made or there is a mechanical failure. Grinding noise = metal-on-metal. I know that the shift linkage can be adjusted and/or needs to be replaced. I would also suspect the Refurbished part you installed. Is there a warranty? If not, replace with a brand new unit or a used one with low miles on the vehicle it came out of. Other than that you might be looking at replacing the entire Transmission. Which is common when these Accord's reach 150K - 200K, depending on driver wear and tear and maintenance. But, that is worst case scenario. Try the cheaper route first!