So, about 50% of the time I can shift right into reverse, and the other 50% I have to shift through some of the other gears before I can get it into reverse. All of the other gears are fine. Is it just age that does this or is there something I can do to get it shifting better into Reverse?

Thanks!

 

It's because Civics don't have a synchro on the reverse gear, so almost all of them do it. Mine's done it since I bought it with 7000 miles, and still does it after an engine/transmission swap. It's actually safer that way, because it makes it much harder to shift into reverse when the car is moving forward, thus saving your transmission.

If it's REALLY bad, it could be a bent shift linkage or transmission fork, but I doubt it.

 

you have to pump the clutch a few times and mine pops in everytime

 

hmm interesting. though it does seem to have gotten worse over the past year and a half i've owned the car.

as for pumping the clutch, have not tried that yet! i usually just shift through the gears how ever many times it takes for it to finally pop into reverse. will try the pumping. thanks!

 

Yes, that also works, just like you used to have to double-clutch in old, synchroless trucks, and for the same reasons.

I actually have to do it on my 5th gear too because my sychro's going out on that one.

 

As usual, Vindicator has given great helpful information. Like him I have always had some issues getting into reverse. It did it with my old D16Z6 and now with my GSR tranny.

Usually when I go to back out of my garage I can't easily get into reverse the first time. What I have found works is just to let the park break down with your foot off the break pedal, usually my car will rock slightly when I let it down and usually it will go right into reverse then..on rare occasions she has been really stubborn and wouldn't go into reverse and I actually put it in 1st and let the clutch out just enough to let it grab..then went back over and into reverse, its not that stubborn often though.