Okay this problem only happens every know and then. It seems whenever i drive my 97 civic dx hatchback hard in first gear I'll go to shift and the gear won't change. Even though I physically move the shifter from first to second gear the gear itself will remain in first. I believe this is a problem with my shift linkage but i'm not sure. What makes this problem even stranger is that when it happens my car doesn't stop accelerating. I remove my foot from the gas and yet my car keeps on going in first gear until it reaches redline. Then it stays at redline making that "psh" sound for about 5-10 secs. My shiftlinkage and throttlbody cables aren't related to one another so I don't get why both of these keep on hapening at the same time. I'm not sure what to do to fix it either. If someone could please help me and suggest how to fix this problem. I fear that it is putting an extreme amount of strain on my engine too because of the redlining due to the fact that it doesn't change gears but keeps on accelerating. I really need help and any suggestions or comments are welcome. Thank You in advance to all who help me out. THX

 

it take it that your car is automatic?

 

No my car is manual 5spd.

 

1st step is to replace the shifter and linkage bushings, then take it from there.

It also sounds to be a problem with the synchros in the tranny.

 

your car needs an exorcism...

it sounds like 2 separate problems...a possible hanging throttle and maybe a broken shift fork?

post more details if you could.

 

So I went to get check my shift linkage today... And it looks like my bushings somehow got really loose. I'm able to freely move my linkage up and down with no resistance... . Looks like i need new bushings and then who knows what else. I just ordered some online and they should be arriving in a few days. Hopefully this will help. I replaced my shifter today also.

 

If that doesn't fix it, I believe it may be a jammed shift fork. They can get stuck up and come down at their own will sometimes.

edit: mind giving a step-by-step brief commentary on the installation of the bushings? My friend got those and I don't wanna go tearing into the car without a little direction first.

 

Alright i'll put up a how to on installing the bushings some time next week when they arrive. But i'm not sure how to change my shift forks... any notes on how to do that? I checked all my lines cuz I just installed my b&m short throw shifter.