mrgadfly

. . . I've replaced the 5th gear synchronizer sleeve set (#9 in 1st link below: hub, sleeve, both springs and both synchronizers) as well as the 5th shift fork on this ’02 civic. The car ran good for several days, then when you shifted into 5th gear, then applied the accelerator, it would immediately pop into neutral again. You can actually hold the shift lever in 5th and drive, but as soon as you take your hand off the shift lever, it pops back into neutral.

I took the center console off, and then straightened the cotter pins in the pins holding the change lever to the shift cables (#16 in 2nd link below). As I drove down the road (I live a little ways out in the country so, other than hitting a tree, I think I was fairly safe!) and shifted into 5th gear, I slid the shift cable off of the change lever (the right most cable in the 2nd link below), and the cable would pop into neutral again as soon as I applied the accelerator. I tried this with 2nd and 3rd as well, but they both stayed in gear, even without the change lever attached.

This leads me to believe that possibly the shift cable or shift lever assembly is not working properly (see 3rd link below)—at least that’s what it seems like.

Any suggestions or comments from anyone?

Just in case anyone was wondering, I purchased the sleeve set and shift fork online from Majestic Honda.


http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...5=MT+MAINSHAFT

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...y5=SHIFT+LEVER

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...+-+SHIFT+LEVER

02civicsi02

Everything looks good on the mainshaft and inputshaft. Looks like its not from the tranni. It is probably either the shifter cable or shifter box assembly.

In my ep3 this would happen to me but it was in 3rd gear and it would just pop out sometimes and have to put it back into gear. My problem was the shifter, I went and bout the buddy club short shifter for my ep3 and it didnt do it again so my problem was the shifter so it might be yours.

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

Maybe you have a penny lodged somewhere in your shifter
Believe me, i've seen many weird things hidden while taking apart my friend's MX5

(Including a crushed can and cup inside the soft top hood, penny in the shifter, screwdriver inside the dash, and many other things)

When i took apart that MX5, it was like a treasure chest full of goodies

mrgadfly

I really appreciate the replies 02civicsi02 and Kennykid2002!

I took the center console off, and you're right, Kenny! I thought I had found a penny mine! However, I checked on, over, under and around it, and it didn't seem like anything was jamming or holding the shifter.

I think I'll try 02civicsi02 suggestion and get another shifter. I was considering another Honda shifter ($48.33 + s/h from hondaauttomotiveparts.com), but when I think the original Honda shifter only lasted 120k miles, I think I’m going to get the Buddy Club short shifter that 02civicsi02 suggested. Hopefully, I’ll get it and have it installed this weekend and that will solve the problem.

Thanks again for the replies, guys. I’ll keep y’all posted.

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

Aww, so no goodies in there?
Was worth a shot though :P

02civicsi02

Not sure if they make the buddy club shifter for your car. There are probably other companies that make it. Or you can just get the oem one at honda.

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

Just to show you my "treasure chest"


Fun...Right?

m3mo15

What's up everyone, my fifth gear also pops out, at first I was able to hold it in but not anymore, I wanted to know if the crossmember has to come off to remove the tranny, first ima check the shifter and its related parts then move to the fork. Thanks.

kc8ktq

The Buddy Club short shifter for the 5-speed base RSX works with 7th gen civics. Model#: BC08-RSS-H003. The RSX Type-S shifter also works Model#: BC08-RSS-H004

02civicsi02

Lucky for the rsx cause the ep3 buddy club short shifter is discontinued and they do not make them anymore. I am just glad I got my short shifter a long time ago.

mrgadfly

Thanks for the info, guys!

Yep, I couldn't figure out the Buddy Club, so I just ordered the OEM base from Majestic Honda.

m3mo15, to take out the transmission, ya, you're gonna have to take drop the subframe if that's what you're asking. Unless you've done this before, be sure you have a shop manual before you start. I've seen 'em on eBay for $50 or so. The shop manuals aren't perfect and leave a lot to be desired, but they're invaluable for stuff like this, and just as invaluable as the shop manual are websites like this one!!!

By the way, a one guy does an awesome tutorial with pics as to how to tear down one B-series transmission. Here's the link:

http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread...th+gear+sleeve