Difficulty Shifting Gears - Honda Prelude Forum

01sslude · 02-15-2009, 07:35 AM

Ok Guys,
So literally I just got the idle problem fixed (FITV) and drove home, on the way I noticed the car had come increasingly harder to get in gear. Not just one gear but, all 5. It feels like when I hold the shifter to where a normal shift would be made, that it takes a few seconds then it goes in. However, its almost as if i'm having to jerk it in gear.

Now as far as I can tell the clutch doesn't slip and holds rpms back fine but, something definitely isn't right.

Anyone have any ideas what the problem could be?

2001 Prelude Base 114k mi. I'm not sure if clutch has ever been replaced.

01sslude · 02-15-2009, 03:27 PM

It seems like the gears are grinding. Does that mean the transmission is worn out?

boymeetsfence · 02-15-2009, 04:28 PM

You could have a worn out clutch. Try shifting into gear with the car off and without using the clutch. If it will not move, chances are your clutch is worn

01sslude · 02-15-2009, 04:49 PM

I just tried that and it will go in gears when not running without clutch in. I don't know if this is associated w this problem but I have noticed when I start the car the accelerator pedal is kind of hard for a moment, until I depress it really firmly.

boymeetsfence · 02-15-2009, 04:57 PM

Well could just be that you need to adjust your clutch pedal, or as serious as shot synchros

01sslude · 02-15-2009, 05:14 PM

Anyway clear signs of shot syncros? and how expensive of a fix is that?

RomPirate · 02-15-2009, 05:19 PM

Its most likely the clutch. No idea when it was replaced before? Who owned it before? It might still be on the original clutch. Check for leaks with the master and slave cylinders and make sure you got fluid in the reservoir.

01sslude · 02-15-2009, 07:29 PM

More than likely, it is the stock clutch. Am I of risk of it coming out while driving?

tygr20 · 02-16-2009, 06:51 AM

All I can tell you is that being on the road and a clutch going out. Been there, done that. I can tell you I drove a 97 Civic with a shot 3rd gear synchro for about 18 months and it never fully failed. If you let the tach come back down before you shift into 5th, does it go in any easier?

01sslude · 02-16-2009, 06:56 AM

I'm not sure I haven't really tried it. But, it isn't just in 5th its in every gear. and it seems like this problem happened over night. I will pay careful attention to detail today when I drive.

G_Loc · 02-16-2009, 07:09 AM

Have you checked your fluids? Notice any leaks in the clutch's hydraulic system?

01sslude · 02-16-2009, 07:24 AM

Fluids weren't low and I haven't noticed any leaks. It's like when I put it in gear I have to wait a second and keep pushing where the gear should fall, and then its delayed but it goes into gear.

golfradict · 02-16-2009, 07:47 AM

My throwout bearing went out right at 100K miles, might be your problem. Keep us posted.

01sslude · 02-16-2009, 09:38 AM

Will do. What were your symptoms of the throwout bearing?

golfradict · 02-16-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01sslude

Will do. What were your symptoms of the throwout bearing?

It started all of a sudden, it was hard from a stop to get it to engage in to gear. I would have to pump the clutch several times to finally get it to go into first gear, then it would shift ok through the rest of the gears. The dealer told me it was a bad throwout bearing. The car was still under warranty so they replaced it and the clutch at no cost.