Transmission shifting

This is caused by a clutch disc that is coming apart which makes it hard to shift into first gear. Here is a guide that will give you an idea on how to change the disc

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-clutch

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/clutch-doesnt-work-sometimes-or-not-at-all

By the way, have you checked the transmission fluid?

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers

The clutch fluid is full, I did have to fill it because when I did have to fill it because when I first checked it it was half full. I think it was low because the cap was very loose. I think because when I bought the car used, I had it checked out and they may have left it loose. I have not checked if it shifts easy with the engine off, but will do it today. Also, I have not checked the transmission gear oil to see if it low.

Check the transmission fluid first. Also, let me know if it shifts easily when the engine is off.

I will check the fluid level. Also, I checked the shifting with engine off and it went through each gear just fine.

One more thing to note; the problem seems worse in the afternoon after work when the temperature is warmer. Not sure if that would also be a factor if the problem is a low fluid level?

That should not be affected by the temperatures. When you check the transmission fluid, not only make sure it is full, but also make sure that it is clean and in good condition.

I changed my transmission fluid with Honda brand fluid and the slave cylinder fluid is full. It shifted well for about a day, but now it is getting hard to but back into first gear. What puzzles me is that it is inconsistent, could it a linkage issue or do i need to bleed the slave cylinder?

Yes, if it was replaced, it should have been bled.

The slave cylinder was not replaced, it was the transmission fluid that was replaced. I am trying to do process of elimination, I just do not know how it could be shifting normal and it seems like it gradually got to where now I am having these issues with the shifting. Last resort I will take it to a shop if I have to, its just that right now money is kind of tight and some times shops are not always honest. That is why I really appreciate your help and this site.

I would question the slave or the clutch master cylinder. I thought they were already replaced.

I think you are right it seems to be coming down to that. , I will try to bleed it first and if I have to I found a place that will perform the transmission check for free. Will let you know how it turns out once I can get it there next week. Thank you very much.

I will watch for your reply. I have to be honest, if the transmission was not abused, it will long outlast the vehicle. I doubt that is the problem, but one never knows for sure until it is checked. Plus, if it shifts easily into first gear with the engine off, I really feel the slave or master cylinder are not fully disengaging the clutch. Thus, making it hard to shift into first. Once the car is moving, it does not play as much of a role.

I am going to try and get it checked out by this shop this week since they claim the transmission inspection is free. Will let you know how it turns out.

Let me know. Do not let them talk you into a transmission until we are certain.

Okay, thanks.

Well I got the transmission checked out, but when I told the tech what it was doing he said it sounded like a hydraulic problem. He bled the slave cylinder but it did not get better. I questioned that he just had me press the clutch peddle down once while he bled it and he said that was all that was required on a hydraulic clutch. I have read that you pump it about five times, hold it down then bleed it with a hose attached on the bleeder bolt and the other end in a clear jar with dot 3 fluid in it to prevent air going back in. Can you please confirm which is the proper way to do this? By the way he said it may need the clutch master and slave cylinder replaced because they may be weak, and he gave me an estimate of $700.00. Which I will not do that until I am sure that is the problem, because he also said that it may be weak springs on the clutch. I want to try to bleed it again myself since I saw him do it, the slave cylinder is easy to get to , it is right up from and can get to it from the top looking down.

When you bleed brakes, you need to pump the brakes several times before opening the bleeder. On a clutch, once is enough. Also, as long as the clutch pedal is not released until the bleeder is tightened, no air will enter the system. If the clutch pedal is released with the bleeder open, it will then draw air into the system.

Your idea with having the fluid in a jar so it cannot draw air back in will work too.

I replaced the slave cylinder and it still gets hard to put into gear after driving a few miles. The pedal is not really soft but I still have to press it all the way down and sometime pump it. Do I have to use Honda break fluid, I used Prestone synthetic break fluid. Now if the fluid is not he problem could it be the clutch master cylinder? It does not leak, but the system feels like it does not have enough pressure so maybe it is the master cylinder?? Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Aurelio55

I also have an Accord SE sedan four cylinder five speed manual transmission, with 90,000 miles. I have been finding my transmission very notchy, mostly for second and third gear. It seems to come and go. I have not tried to do anything about it yet, but obviously I have some concerns since i Googled the problem and found your post. Let me know if you learn anything else.

I am going to install the new clutch master cylinder tomorrow and last week I replaced the slave cylinder. I will let you know how it turned out and what I found was the problem, which I think it is the master cylinder. I hope.

Let me know.

I replaced the clutch master cylinder Saturday and gave the car a good test drive today. It ran great, the transmission shifted like when I first got the car nice and smooth. So after replacing the slave cylinder first and it not improving then changed the master it working great I can say it was the master causing by shifting problems. Although I have to say both parts were not leaking or showing any signs of wear. I guess the master cylinder still had some type of internal problem. It is not too hard to replace the master just be patient, I also watched a video on YouTube, If you look up the video, you may not find the same year of your car, but it still helps. Hope this helped, let me know how it turns out. Oh one more thing since I am on a budget I did not buy Honda parts and but did not buy the cheapest. I bought my parts at NAPA.

Glad you got it fixed. Inside the master cylinder there are seals which wear out and allow fluid to bypass them. You cannot see them, but that is what happens.

Take care.

Joe

Well I guess that explains it, at least I was able to replace it myself. A transmission shop wanted $700.00 to replace both the slave and the master cylinder. My cost was $120.00.

Wow, that is a big savings! Let us know if you every have questions in the future.

Take care,
Joe

Joe,
I have been experiencing this same line of issues. My husband replaced both the master cylinder and the slave cylinder today. He said at first it drove like it was brand new, but then by the time we got home (about thirty miles away) it was back to having difficulties shifting into every gear, but it is intermittent. Any ideas?
Amanda