i have a 97 prelude base model. everytime when i shift into first gear it grinds in. the only way it wont grind is if im at a very slow roll while putting it into first. anything faster, it will go in, but not without that horrible sound. does anyone know what could be the problem?

thanks,

nick

 

It'd be a good idea only to put your car in first at a dead stop. Prelude's can take off from 2nd with ease.

 

neither first or reverse are syncronized. so if you're moving faster than a few mph it will usually grind

 

yea, stock clutch and flywheel can move from 2nd with ease but not with a lighten'd fly wheel i use to could do it in 3rd but can't anymore

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr.Luder &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">yea, stock clutch and flywheel can move from 2nd with ease but not with a lighten'd fly wheel i use to could do it in 3rd but can't anymore</TD></TR></TABLE>

this doesnt make any sense

 

thanks Matt. its just weird because it never use to do that. i guess the clutch is getting older or something?

 

Your clutch is not completely dissengaging when you push in the clutch pedal. Try pumping the pedal a few times before shifting into 1st. If that helps there is a problem in the clutch hydraulic system.

A worn out clutch does NOT have a problem dissengaging...it will have a problem engaging.

Oh yeah... reverse is not syncronized but 1st certainly is unless you have a 1952 Ford or something like that.

 

your clutch isn't completely disengaging. I suggest you check your clutch fluid level.

If it's low, add more fluid while SLOWLY pumping the clutch pedal about 1/2-way in. Make sure you pump the pedal REALLY SLOWLY or you'll either squirt the fluid out into your engine bay, or you'll suck air into your lines. if that doesn't work, consider bleeding your clutch hose.

 

clutch fluid level is the same as tranny fluid level right?

 

Nooooo. The clutch fluid reservoir is located near the brake fluid reservoir and it uses brake fluid.

 

o, thanks. i found the reservoir. it seems to be full. its about an inch or so from the top. i cant read the MIN and MAX levels though, its too small. now, what does "bleeding" the clutch hose mean. and, where is the hose located?

thanks,

nick

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nickolas388 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> what does "bleeding" the clutch hose mean. and, where is the hose located?
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if you don't know what bleeding a hydraulic line involves, then you need to take your car to a mechanic, or find a buddy who knows about cars. no offense, but it's a fairly entry-level bit of maintenance. If you don't know what you're doing you'll **** the car up worse than it is.

 

I'm assuming that you took my advice and tried pumping the clutch pedal a few times and that helped shifting.

The clutch hydraulic system is bled at the Slave Cylinder that is located in the front (bumper side) of the transmission housing. This should be easy to do because it's such a small hydraulic system, but getting all the air out of the line can be difficult for some reason. If you are unsure, take it someplace where they are familiar with clutch hydraulic systems.

If bleeding does not help and pumping the pedal works, you may have a weak clutch master or slave cylinder.