neptune_

Hello

I have a 2001 Acura EL (Civic sedan) with about 182k km.
Recently, the manual transmission has been acting up.

Shifter is very stiff, feels like shifting through thick mud.
Doesn't feel like the shifter is fully in the gate.
Pops out of gear anywhere from first to fourth.
Double-clutching helps sometimes.

Just changed transmission fluid but no difference.

Looking for some help in diagnosing and possibly finding a fix.


Thanks!

eviee1973

Before tearing out transaxle for inspection. Check this, you are probably in the salt belt, where the shifter cable meets the transaxle shift linkage there is a rubber bushing in the middle of the round end of the cable. Inside this rubber bushing is a brass sleeve, this brass sleeve mates to a steel stud. Because this was not lubricated at the factory, the disimilar metals rapidly corrode and bond together, causing shift linkage problems. Carefully remove the shift cable, if the rubber bushing does not remove easily it is NFG. Cut away rubber with a knife, use vice grips to seperate brass collar from shift control on transaxle. Clean with every cloth, or sandpaper. Lubricate with something such as Fluidfilm. Install new shifter bushing, Honda Canada service part number 54350-SF1-013, which you can purchase at any Canadian Honda or Acura dealership. Got two winters on my 2004 before having to replace it

neptune_

Thanks for the info.... I'm curious though - if double-clutching helps, would that still point to the corrosion as the problem?
I'm finding a couple of different diagnosis so far... corrosion is a common one and also synchros.

theineffable

Check the simple things before you tear out the transmission. Check you clutch master cylinder for leaks. Also bleed the clutch fluid in case some air made it into the system.

eviee1973

neptune, you have not said what area you live in, to get an idea of your cars exposure to salt. Early 2001 model year manuals did have some fifth gear issues, which were mostly reapired under new vehicle warranty, as these problems appeared within the first two years of use. Cable issues would cause slipping out of most gears, as this is what my car experienced. As per theineffable, inspect your hydraulic clutch components, change your clutch fluid as well if you are at 11 years if it has never been done.

j.bro

I had a similar issue with second gear. I lubricated the bushing ends of the shift cables as above, changed to GM synchromesh fluid and bled the master/slave cylinder with positive result. Gone 1 year now with minimal issues.... still be sure to engage that gear tho.