I have an irregular issue when attempting to shift into first gear or reverse, where the shifter can only move slightly into those positions before running into a hard stop. It happens at random, and once it does nothing allows me to shift into either gear apart from shutting down and restarting the engine (Which fixes the problem instantly). Returning to neutral/shifting into other gears has no discernable effect.
What could be causing this to happen, and how could I fix it?

The vehicle is a 2004 Honda Civic EX Coupe, 5-speed manual.

 

Is there gear oil in the tranny ? Sounds like an internal problem .

 

First you should start a new thread . Second it's not "new " if it's lower milage , Sounds like the replacement also has problems . Don't know what code you have or if it's even tranny related , it's usually best to go with what the vehicle was designed for . Or perhaps your replacement should have been inspected or rebuilt . Live and learn , none of us were born a mechanic .