Hi all,my sister gave my son an 88 Civic DL and it takes real effort to shift. Shifter very stiff. Very tough to drive.Any ideas?

Thanks,
oak

 

Was the shifter at all messed with (short shifter, etc)?

If so, check the bolt at the bottom of the shifter. It will be under the car so get your jack out.. It could be too tight. Another probable solution would be to get new shifter bushings

 

Thanks red,The shifter is stock and in good shape.I'm guessing I have to pull the tranny tp repair bushing? Tough job?

Thanks again
oak

 

Can someone tel me what's involved when replacing shifter bushings in an 88 Civic DL.

Thanks,
oak

 

Has the fluid ever been changed? That can cause hard shifting as well.

 

http://www.hondaautomotivepart...LEVER

here's a diagram of the shifter assy. its pretty easy to replace the bushings. also as mentioned above if the tranny's oil hasn't been changed it can cause a notchy shift.

 

Is it har to shift when the engine is not running? If it's not then try adjusting the clutch, it may be slightly engaged even when the pedal is all the way down.

Like the others said, I'd drain the tranny fluid and refill.

 

Thanks guys,I will change fluid and see what happens.Yes.It's just as hard shifting with engine off.

OAK

 

ive changed the bushing before on my ride(poly.urathane) and it did not make a difference the shifter still gets stuck u can say but i think its something else. The shifting is stiffer and i dont likey i should of stayed with new oem bushings.

 

Thanks for your ideas.I'm not sure what I'll do with this thing.It has no rust and seems to be in good shape.Do you think this (88 DL 2 door HB) will ever have any collector value?