Clutch/Transmission Problems

[exar333]

Car: 1989 Honda Prelude Si Manual

Since getting my Honda about a year ago, I have had zero issues with anything (electrical all works correctly, drivetrain was good, starting was no issue, etc).

Around a week ago, it became exponentially harder to shift to reverse gear. The following day, I was completely unable to shift to reverse while the car was running. If the car is off, I can shift to any gear just fine.

Today, the car will not let me shift to anything while the car is on, but I am still able to shift to any gear, start the car, and then drive just fine.

Short story, I am stuck with a car right now that allows me to drive in 1st gear or reverse gear (and yes I could probably try starting in 2nd, but that doesn't help me too much). Any ability to shift with the car running, stationary or in motion, is gone.

What do you guys think? It sounds to me like the clutch is burned out...any other thoughts?

Any help is appreciated.

Update: Replaced the master cylinder and shifts are now buttery smooth.

 

[exar333]

Bump for help...

 

[NutBucket]

Yep, sounds like the clutch it shot.

However, one thing you should check is the cable or hydraulics for the clutch. Since you haven't been experiencing and slipping (as you didn't mention it), I'm more inclined to think that its not the clutch itself that failed.

 

[ayabe]

How does the pedal feel? Is it light at all? If so, I would pump it so see if it firms up. If so you might have a leak/air in your system or a dead dying master/slave cylinder.

 

[exar333]

Yes, the clutch pedal was always pretty light, but it does feel even lighter recently. I will try pumping it up and see if that gets me to another gear (at least).

I didn't have any slipping issues or anything that was telling me the synchros were wearing out (extra RPMs after shifting, etc). That's what has me very confused.

There are a couple shops nearby, and I have a mechanic friend also to help me out. This gives me a couple of things to look at...

Thanks for the help, I will update when I find out more.

 

[Arkaign]

Hmm yeah clutch fail usually comes with some warning. At least I can tell you that doing a clutch on that era of FF Honda is pretty cheap. Nice car too!

 

[ayabe]

Last time my system was bled, apparently there was still some air in the system, car felt fine initially.

Got on the highway, drove about 40 minutes or so in 5th, and was trying to downshift to get on the exit ramp, clutch pedal goes to the floor with little resistance, cannot get the shifter out of gear.

Luckily with about 10 quick pumps of the pedal it started to firm up so I could disengage as I was rapidly decelerating and approaching stall speed with traffic behind me.

Fun stuff lemme tell ya.

 

[thomsbrain]

Sounds like clutch hydraulics to me. The master cylinder may be failing. As someone mentioned, pumping it a few times may help momentarily, just like pumping your brakes helps a bit when you brake master cylinder is failing.

 

[exar333]

I have not been driving the Honda as much lately because the weather has been so nice (I take the Z). This could explain why the problem has gotten worse in the last week or so, since pressure may have decreased due to the car being driven infrequently.

Edit: SP

 

[jlee]

Check the fluid...if it's low, add some and it may buy you a little more time to solve the problem. I am guessing master cylinder and/or air in the lines. If you do have air in the lines, something is leaking.