occasional gearbox trouble

[gmc]

Honda Civic, 3 door, 1996.
Perfect runner - usually. Regular servicing since purchase.

Problem: Occasionally when going from neutral into first, or neutral into reverse, the gear box refuses to engage. It feels as though the clutch isn't down - even though it is. The only way to get round it is to put it into an 'opposite' gear i.e put it into second, then into first, or put it into fifth then into reverse.


Any suggestions?

[keith miller]

it could be the thrust bearing worn on the clutch release / or broken or fractured clutch pressure plate "have you towed another car and slipped the clutch a lot"
also this sounds like it could be syncromesh cone problem it is a gearbox stripdown job if it is, or try looking at the spring and pin that locks into the indent on the selecter shaft "it is normaly close to where the gear stick linkage goes into the gearbox be carefull when you remove it as there might be some oil released its poss that the pin or ball is broken, this is only a thought as i t has happend to a car i have now (mini)