Today on my way home from work my clutch was acting funny.

Actually it wasn't as much my clutch as it was my shifter. It was becoming very resistant to shifting gears. Especially 1st gear.
I stopped at a stop sign and couldn't get it to go into 1st gear. So I gave it some gas and shoved it into first. The interesting thing was it didnt go (I had my clutch in). I thought the clutch was preventing the gear to initiate because it wasnt working correctly. But it was evidently working because my car was in neutral when the clutch was in. The rest of the ride home I never came to a complete stop but shifting the gears still gave more resistance then normal (but didnt always give resistance, sometimes it went in normally)

So is my clutch going bad or is it my master cylinder?

'97 Acura CL

I need some experienced opinions. Also can this be tackled inside of a garage (air tools and jacks available)?

If you need to ask questions to diagnose my issue please do.

your synchros are going out time to double clutch yo.

explain

this

So what do I need to do to fix this?

Is that the only problem that can cause these issues?

pressure plate probably went bad. does the clutch feel any different? does it come back up normally when you push it down?

Only remedy is to take apart the transmission and replace the synchronizers, not for the faint of heart or inexperienced so I'd advise against it.

yep, pretty much

Why has no one asked about any fluid levels?


It does sound like a Synchro to first problem, but definitely make sure you aren't leaking transmission fluid. Or hydraulic fluid leading from the master to the slave cylinders. Or your clutch could be out of adjustment. Or.....or.....

You need to be much more specific, as there could be a couple possible reasons to shifting hard.

You haven't really given us much information.

Hows the pedal feel?

Does it shift normally in other gears?

It is unlikely that ALL the synchros gave out...So if its shifting hard in all gears, you're probably low on fluid.

Clutch felt like it didnt retract with as much tension as before (came back with more ease) but nothing too noticeable



Thanks, that kinda sucks. Sounds like a large problem





I thought it would be fluid levels as well.. But both brake fluid levels were 'acceptable' not really empty. And yes, it was happening to ALL gears. Normally it wouldnt allow me to throw it in a lower gear at certain speeds but when it wouldnt go in first I tried to throw it in all 5 gears (not reverse) and it wouldnt allow me. But like I said sometimes it would shift as smooth as a normal day. Really odd if you ask me.

I'ma gonna sit it this week for finals and then my brother and I will check it out and see what we cant do this weekend. Really cant afford to take it anywhere right now

How do you check transmission fluid levels on a manual?

There's no real way to tell other than picking the vehicle up and inspecting the transmission.

On most vehicles there is a fill plug and a drain plug.

As you can imagine, the drain plug is on the bottom. The fill plug, is usually somewhere higher on the transmission case.

Pull the FILL plug and stick your finger in there.

If you can't feel any gear oil. (fluid levels should be almost even with the lowest part of the fill plug's hole)

That's most likely your problem.

This post was edited by OldAndyAndTheSea on Dec 10 2012 08:08pm