Notchy Gearbox/Trouble shifting - Honda Prelude Forum

ludedewd · 12-16-2007, 09:50 AM

Sup guys, recently Ive been having troubles with my 97 SH. For whatever reason my car upon a cold start up is a pain in the ass to get into gear. It gradually gets better but still remains a bit notchy. This is a recent phenomenon and I've never had a problem with my gearbox before. I live in ohio and the weather is a bit cold at the moment. Any ideas as to what could be wrong? I should mention that my clutch/flywheel were replaced at like 90k and I have about 120k on it now.

ludehawk · 12-16-2007, 10:09 AM

replace the tranny fluid with new honda stuff, bleed the clutch all the way out.

lude4lifeh22 · 12-16-2007, 11:11 AM

+1

And its normal for it to be a little more notchy in the winter. I had the same issue. I replaced my fluid and its better now, still a little harder in winter but not as bad.

JBlude01 · 12-16-2007, 11:31 AM

While your there change you ATTS unit fluid too

Solid · 12-16-2007, 12:30 PM

I would check the hydraulics, then adjust the pedal closer to the driver. Sounds like the cold is making your fluid contract, so it doesn't expand enough until the engine bay and fluid gets warm enough.

That notchy feeling is most likely from the clutch not becoming fully depressed, but it could also be caused by low transmission fluid. So check the levels, get to bleeding/flushing, then adjust the master cylinder rod on the pedal. Let us know if none of that helps.

thepreludedude · 12-16-2007, 12:47 PM

i agree about the fluid change. i have been running gm synchromesh or pennzoil synchromesh tranny fluid for a very long time. it seems much better in the cold.

vinuneuro · 12-16-2007, 01:41 PM

I recently switched from the old dino Honda MTF formula to the new synthetic mtf. The difference in cold is very substantial.

And to the OP: if you plan on replacing your ATTS fluid, it requires ATF.

ludedewd · 12-18-2007, 07:17 AM

Thanks gents, Ill be taking in to the mechanics this friday. I work too often to really do it myself.

ark86 · 12-18-2007, 10:51 AM

I agree try changing your fluid. I tried synchromesh and then the new honda MTF (with the green label) and I like the new honda MTF better. I would recommend that as a personal opinion. It's really easy to do yourself, but if you don't have time you don't have time

.

This is the second winter with my car and my gearbox always gets notchy when it is cold out. It was 19 degrees out this morning, and I just have to baby it until it is up to temperature. 2nd is the worst but with a little learned shifting technique it gets easier. 2nd will grind lightly on my car if I try to shift regular-fast in cold weather when the car is cold.