Hello all,
First, I know this is probably one of a dozen of threads of Honda owners complaining about problems regarding their manual transmission's reverse gear not working, but I would like a place where I can at least go back to once instead of having to keep looking at multiple posts. I own a 1993 Honda Civic EX with a D15 engine and 5-speed manual transmission. Went out for a Sunday drive and about an hour into it my shifter felt very strange. Shifting into second, third, and fourth gear is completely normal. I feel the usual "pop" into place, but I have noticed that while the stick is in gear, I can slide it side to side as if it is in neutral. First gear works as well, but instead of the "pop", it does something like a sliding feeling into gear. I just have to push it into the direction first gear usually is and it will still work, and the stick can also slide around while in this gear, too. The only real issues I have are fifth and reverse. Fifth gets annoying, as it may or may not work, and I have had to really push it into the fifth gear position and "find" it. When I do, no issues there, and what's strange with fifth is I cannot slide the stick around like the other gears (it actually stays still). Reverse gear is the only non-functioning gear: I can put the stick in the reverse position, and I can even hear the "pop" or "click" sound when you know the shifter is in place, but instead of going backwards, my car actually lunges forward.
I have tried all of the shifting tricks mentioned in other threads, none of them have worked. I also have not really taken my Honda apart, so I do not know what specific issue I'm dealing with. Any ideas and advice?

 

How long have you owned the Civic? How many miles on the odometer?

How you ever replaced the transmission fluid? If so, what fluid did you add?

 

I've owned my Civic for almost a year (September 2019), and there's about 181,000 mi on the chassis, with an engine that supposedly has 156,000 mi on it. Since owning it, I've put 6,000 mi on the engine. As for fluids, I have not checked/replaced the transmission fluid yet.

 

I would think that would be one of the 1st things to do when taking ownership, change fluids.

 

That floating around at the gear shift is caused by worn bushings. In my experience, it's these O-rings in the red circle here:

 

Thanks for the tip. This is the first car I've owned, but I'll remember that if there is a next time I purchase a used car.

 

Is this a make or break for the transmission? I know that worn bushings do need to be replaced, but if changing fluid is the main issue, would I be able just change my fluids now (and hopefully fix my problem) and then be able to replace the bushings later? I'm a broke college student, so I don't want to spend too much on the car at once.

 

We don't know your problem. But, fresh fluid is a must, regardless. And if it's not going into gear due to worn bushings, then that's a problem too. But, I'm not familiar with the worn bushings preventing actually getting it into gear, but if they're really worn (including the ones marked "extension end bushing" in the parts pic above), then I suppose it could happen? Your 1993 manual trans takes a few litres of common off the shelf oil so your broke college student budget will be able to afford it; no need for special Honda fluid.

 

Good to know I won't need special fluid. I'll get to work on replacing it and if the bushings are the issue, I'll look in to that as well. I appreciate the guidance.

 

Think it was just 5w30 you can use in the tranny...

 

Buy Honda MTF to fill transmission. The higher viscosity of motor oil will cause oiling issues in the longterm.

 

Update: working on replacing the fluid, does anyone have any trick on getting the transmission fill plug to come off? I’m going to tear a damn pectoral if I go at it again.

 

25" breaker bar from above or impact wrench through the wheel well. You can also soak bolt with a penetrating oil before trying to break it loose.

 

Weekend Update:
Replaced the transmission fluid, the shifter is back to being stiff and I no longer need to "find" the gears to shift into them. However, when I go into reverse, I still lurch forward and cannot reverse at all. What do I need to be looking at next?

 

You could try another MTF drain-refill.

Otherwise, you're likely looking at a transmission rebuild or transmission replacement.

 

By the way, there are many YouTube videos (some better than others) on rebuilding Honda Civic manual transmissions, and you can purchase or download Honda Civic service manuals.

 

Appreciate the help! I tried the drain refill, no luck. A bit sad that I'm looking at a transmission rebuild/replacement, unfortunately I don't have the tools, money, or time to really invest into that. Again, thank you!!

 

Actually, now that I've been thinking about it, maybe it is possible to save my Honda. I'm gonna take it to a mechanic so it can be properly diagnosed (so I can narrow down the issue), but if it does come down to a transmission rebuild, what tools would I need to get? I already have the basics like ratchet sets and wrenches, but what about stuff like jacks (I know that there are special transmission jacks) and other tools?

 

I'd recommend the rebuild as said above, but I understand if one doesn't have the time or capability. Another option is to go down and get another used one at the pick n pull boneyard. Where I live, you can get a used one if you pull it yourself for $100 for a Civic manual transmission. Then at least you are only doing a swap, not a rebuild.

 

Tools - feeler gauge set, shop press (12 ton will work fine) bearing puller, vice, Honda mains haft holder tool, collar and base (work arounds available for the collar and base), micrometer set.

These are the tools used to do a proper rebuild. Many people skip certain aspects like the thrust shim and just reuse the one in the transmission. This cuts out the expensive Honda specific tools (main shaft holder, collar and base).

The tools mentioned are over and above what you already stated having, sockets, wrenches etc.

 

You should watch the first video posted in my video list. Apparently, concrete substitutes for most of the muscle tools.

 

I'd even go so far as to say get a replacement manual trans, swap it in so you can now drive the car around, THEN do the transmission rebuild at your leisure. Find your Zen whilst doing it.

 

Yeah I've heard on the D's you can get away with blocks of wood. Maybe even hammer and big enough wrench...

It is one reason I made sure to throw this statement in there