I have an 88 RX7 auto/non turbo and have lost second gear. When it shifts it goes from first to third. Has anyone experienced this? I was told that the trans needs to be rebuilt and it would costs around $1,000. Does this sound correct?

 

deleted - I didn't read your post very well.

 

Do you define a couple minutes as "a long time"? Or have you had good luck with filling automatic trannies with gear oil?

I'd check the TPS adjustment first. I THINK (not sure) the electronic controls go off of the TPS to judge engine load. There might be a MAP sensor, I don't know if N/As used them or not. (Turbos did, they called it the "boost sensor") At any rate, if the transmission seems to be shifting fine otherwise, it is most likely a control problem, so the controls should be checked first before pronouncing the transmission bad. It could be as simple as the controller not seeing load on the engine so it shifts to 3rd gear early, bypassing 2nd.