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Got a '04 EX with 55k on it, bought it used about a month ago. I noticed that SOMETIMES it has a hard time getting into first and reverse even though I have the clutch depressed to the floor. Its as though the shifter doesn't go into gear all the way. It only happens every so often, but I was wondering if this is normal. It does eventually go into gear, but sometimes I gotta cycle through another gear or "pump" the clutch. The trans has always been flushed, but recently, I took it to Jiffy Lube to get it flushed. First time taking the car there, so I was wondering if they might have put in the wrong fluid or not enough. Is there a way to check the level? I checked the clutch fluid reservoir a couple weeks after the flush, and it was on the LOW line. I added to it (used break fluid as recommended), and it has held steady ever since. Any ideas? Thanks guys.

 
Rep Power: 216

To check manual tranny fluid, you gotta pop off the fill hole bolt and stick your finger into the transmission. The fluid level should be RIGHT below the threads. As a rule of thumb, you should replace that washer after doing so. Are you having a hard time getting into 1st and reverse while stationary(just for 1st)? If so, I may mess this wording up, but I believe that the input shaft may still be spinning and that might be why. I know plenty of people who have had this happen to them. Myself included. I would keep an eye on your clutch fluid as well.

 
Rep Power: 192

I have an '05 Civic and have no problems getting in any forward gear (1st-5th). However reverse has always been a pain, I bought the car new too and it was like this from the get go. I also had a friend with an '01 who had the same probs getting into reverse.

I've found that if I go from 1st to reverse it helps a bit but it can still take up to 5 times before it gets in gear. It's worse when cold.

JiffyLube doesn't use Honda MTF, or any MTF for that matter, they use 10w30 motor oil. If you have a place other than the dealer flush your tranny bring your own fluid.

Or you could do it yourself, easier than a oil change IMO. There's a couple DIY's out there. I'd change back to Honda MTF ASAP.

I'm not positive but the clutch fluid may drop as the clutch wears? Like the brake fluid does. I have 120k on the original clutch and have never messed with the fluid, it's sitting between min and max.

 
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Thanks guys for the inf0!

MelJ: I always wait till the car is at a stop before putting it into first.

anibis: I was hesitant to bring it to Jiffylube because I just didn't trust them. The receipt says they used Honda Trans fluid, but I don't remember having this issue with the shifter BEFORE I went there to change fluids. If they did use motor oil, I know it can be used temporarily. I'm gonna get under there and check to see what color the fluid is when I pop-off the filler bolt. What color is Honda MTF? Is it red? If they used motor oil I'm gonna change the fluid this weekend. I can't afford to have my trans die on me now.

 
Rep Power: 192

Honda MTF is clear. They would have to use genuine Honda MTF because there are no replica's. There are a couple other brands of MTF that people use and do fine with but Honda MTF is best for daily driving IMO.

I had Jiffy Lube change my tranny fluid about 3 years ago and they used good old 10w30. I had no problems but the fluid was only in the car for about 20 miles. Then I did some research and saw how easy it was to change MTF, what a waste of $50.

Maybe people started suing them and they changed their ways, I'm not sure.

I hope you get the 1st gear issue fixed but the reverse is just how that transmission is, every 5 speed 7th gen I've ever been in has had probs getting in reverse. Never have issues with forward gears though.

 
Rep Power: 216

You can opt to go with synthetic tranny fluid(better for colder weather here). Mine is red, but yeah. I would never trust Jiffy Lube to do anything to my car personally. Hopefully you can get your problem sorted out. Honda MTF is pretty cheap, even at the dealer. My Honda MTF was like a cream soda color. I know it wasn't clear. I think the fresh fluid from the factory, right when the car is being built is though, at least for some manufacturers(I know Chrysler did this for a while).

 
Rep Power: 192

When was the last time you used Honda MTF Mel? They started making a new Honda MTF about 4 years ago, maybe they changed it again. I just remember it looking clear when I changed my fluid a couple months ago.

 
Rep Power: 216

A few months ago when I switched back over to Redline. When I changed my axles last winter, I couldn't get the Redline shipped fast enough so I just used OEM fluid. It wasn't clear. Lol.

 
Rep Power: 192

Ahh very strange, I remember thinking how weird it was that it was clear.

Maybe it just looked like that in the funnel, who knows.

 
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Well, come to find upon inspection, they DID NOT put motor oil. Its something else. Not really a specific color, looked sorta like brake fluid but more grey. I called Jiffylube and asked if they use Genuine Honda MTF, to which he replied yes after asking me all the info on my car, so I guess they did use the right fluid. Level was good too. I guess I just need to adjust my clutch or maybe even change it. The bite point is pretty high as I mentioned in an earlier thread, and I'm used to driving Powerstroke Diesel Fords where the bite point is much lower. Thanks again guys for the help.

 
Rep Power: 192

Ahh I guess they learned their lesson, I'm sure they got sick of paying for ruined trannies. I had my experience about 3 years ago.

The bite point on my '05 is kinda high too.....happened all of the sudden on a really hot day, no shifting issues though. Someone must have had trouble driving your car because mine has 121k on the original clutch, that's including 4 years of pizza delivery.