01 Civic Manual Tranny Question

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.

 

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

 

TL

I believe so.

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

 

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

 

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

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'

 

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.

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

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

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

They're almost certainly right.