Hard to Shift into Reverse with 5spd?

[keyboardracer]

Is it only shifting into reverse would cause you this kind of symptoms?
Let it drive for another 2000mi and see the problem get better. Usually is just you need to adjust your shifting styles such as: make sure your carpet is not too thick and be able to push the clutch pedal all the way down ..or maybe you need more power on your wrist to snap it in 2 trip 1>N>R instead of going directly from 1>R.

If and only your problem getting worsen and having increase difficulties shift into any gears then it is a problem with the clutch spring /pressure plates. However, it is very unlikely happen to your new car. It only happen to Civics/Integras at the 94-98 eras when Honda installed those OEM clutch with defective clutch springs.

[Inhaled Straw]

Originally Posted by eventer289

I notice that at times it is difficult to place my car into reverse on my manual gear box. I just took delivery of the car three days ago with a little over 200 miles on the clock (it had to be driven from a dealer 2 hours away). Somtimes it seems to "clunk" into reverse, and other times I cannot get the gear to fully engage without first placing the car in another gear and then reverse again. I know that reverse is a notoriously "difficult" gear to get into because of synchrinization, but I would think a brand new tranny would shift a bit easier into reverse. Tonight when trying to reverse I thought it was fully engaged only to begin to release the clutch and hear that wonderful gear grinding sound that those who have driven manuals for many years fear. Does anyone else have this same issue?

I've owned a lot of cars with MTs over the years, most purchased new. What you describe is normal per my experience. Next time the car does it, put it in first gear and creep forward about one inch. Then try going into reverse. It should go right in. I've had to do that quite a bit on a Subaru I've owned since new. Worst case is the dealer might need to make a minor adjustment to the linkage. Nothing to worry about.

[eventer289]

I knew this was common for manual transmissions, I just always thought it was a product of wear, as this is my first brand new car. It seems to have gotten much better the more miles I have put on my car.

[jdhog]

sometime if it won't go straight in, I just let my foot off the brake and when the car rolls a tiny bit, then it will pop right in. I think it is the same on most MT....

[silver04rollas]

It is completely normal.

Reverse gear does not have a synchro. Therefore, it will not automatically match the speed up before engaging the gear.

If you are driving forward and try to put it in reverse without coming to a full halt, it will give a crunch sound.

Solution:

Either come to a dead stop before engaging the reverse gear or put the car in third gear first (it will match the speed up) and then put it in reverse.

[joeylgarcia]

Originally Posted by silver04rollas

It is completely normal.

Reverse gear does not have a synchro. Therefore, it will not automatically match the speed up before engaging the gear.

If you are driving forward and try to put it in reverse without coming to a full halt, it will give a crunch sound.

Solution:

Either come to a dead stop before engaging the reverse gear or put the car in third gear first (it will match the speed up) and then put it in reverse.

i agree. if the car is in a forward motion no matter how slow it is moving, it should first come to a full stop in order to make the car move in reverse motion. even car with automatic mode should first come to a full stop before reversing or else you will really hear a crunch sound.