01 Civic Manual Tranny Question

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t - 30 Aug 2005 17:35 GMT

I have a 2001 Civic EX and noticed that shifting into reverse is getting
more tricky (didn't noticed this when car was new). For instance, when the
civic is rolling backwards, most times shifting it to reverse, stops the car
rolling abrupt with a "dud" sound.

Secondly, when the car is standing still, shifting it to reverse doesn't
always catch, I have to do it twice.

Is this normal? This is my first civic with a manual tranny so I'm not sure.

Also, after 4 years, I'm still having a tough time (when engine is cold)
shifting from first to second, smoothly. I'm also a motorcycle rider (Honda
CBR600) and I never had a problem doing this with my bike (also manual). I
mentioned this to the dealer, and they're telling me this is fine.

Please give your thoughts.

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T L - 30 Aug 2005 19:37 GMT

Shifting from 1st to 2nd should not be difficult. Are you pushing the clutch
in all the way?

You may want to check your trannie fluid. Many people on this group would
recommend draining your trannie fluid and replacing it with Honda Manual
Transmission fluid. Its about $7 bucks a liter, and your trannie takes 2
liters.

There is a big difference between nonOEM and OEM fluids, especially where
hondas are concerned.

The reverse problem may also be helped by this, but I also have similar
issues with the reverse on my 98 civic. I've gotten used to it, but the
effort required is not excessive.

t

>I have a 2001 Civic EX and noticed that shifting into reverse is getting
>more tricky (didn't noticed this when car was new). For instance, when the
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
>Please give your thoughts.

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t - 30 Aug 2005 20:44 GMT

> Shifting from 1st to 2nd should not be difficult. Are you pushing the
> clutch
> in all the way?

I believe so.

> recommend draining your trannie fluid and replacing it with Honda Manual
> Transmission fluid.

Is this procedure mentioned in the manual? I don't recall seeing this. Also,
is this procedure difficult to do?

> Shifting from 1st to 2nd should not be difficult. Are you pushing the
> clutch
[quoted text clipped - 33 lines]
>>
>>Please give your thoughts.

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T L - 30 Aug 2005 21:52 GMT

not difficult at all. There is a drain bolt on the bottom of the trannie, on
mine its a fits a 3/8" ratchet (its a square hole you put the ratchet into).

Drain the oil. Use a 17mm wrench or socket from the top to open the filler
hole. Use a funnel with a hose to get the trannie fluid into the trannie.
Any Haynes manual has this procedure.

t

>TL
>> Shifting from 1st to 2nd should not be difficult. Are you pushing the
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>>>
>>>Please give your thoughts.

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'Curly Q. Links' - 30 Aug 2005 22:41 GMT

> I have a 2001 Civic EX and noticed that shifting into reverse is getting
> more tricky (didn't noticed this when car was new). For instance, when the
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Please give your thoughts.

==============================

Check the level of the brake fluid in your clutch reservoir. It should
have been flushed when you had your brakes done last. See your OWNERS
manual for schedule.

'Curly'

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TeGGeR® - 30 Aug 2005 23:28 GMT

> I have a 2001 Civic EX and noticed that shifting into reverse is
> getting more tricky (didn't noticed this when car was new). For
> instance, when the civic is rolling backwards, most times shifting it
> to reverse, stops the car rolling abrupt with a "dud" sound.

Normal. But the car should not be rolling when you put it in reverse.

Come to a complete stop, then wait a second or two, or put it in second or
third, then into reverse. This will stop the input shaft from spinning.

> Secondly, when the car is standing still, shifting it to reverse
> doesn't always catch, I have to do it twice.

Try shifting into another gear (2nd, 3rd, 4th), then into reverse. That
realigns the dogs a bit.

> Is this normal? This is my first civic with a manual tranny so I'm not
> sure.
>
> Also, after 4 years, I'm still having a tough time (when engine is
> cold) shifting from first to second, smoothly.

There's a big rpm gap between 1st and 2nd. Takes some getting used to the
timing.

> I'm also a motorcycle
> rider (Honda CBR600) and I never had a problem doing this with my bike
> (also manual).

Sequential tranny. Totally different design. Automobile trannies are
selective.

> I mentioned this to the dealer, and they're telling me
> this is fine.

They're almost certainly right.

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TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

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