Won't go into gear?

AFRENCH91909

MEMBER
2001 ACURA INTEGRA
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
130,000 MILES

I am having an extremely difficult time getting my car into gear. This is typically only a problem when I first start my car and need to get it into either first gear or reverse. I simply can't get it into gear. Once I do manage, it drives fine, great actually. But this morning I need to get to work and it won't pop into gear. What could the problem be?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

The first thing that comes to mind is either the clutch master cylinder (CMC) fluid level is low, you have a faulty slave cylinder, or the clutch master cylinder is failing.

To get started, take a look through this link. It discusses possible causes related to what you are experiencing.

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

Next, check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder CMC. The clutch master cylinder CMC is located under the hood on the driver's side of the vehicle. It's mounted on the firewall, near the brake master cylinder.

If the fluid is low, refill it with brake fluid (DOT3) and see if that takes care of the problem. If it doesn't, next, check for leaks.

In most cases, if the clutch master cylinder CMC or slave cylinder fails, you will find a leak, so check for that.

If you do determine one or the other is in need of replacement, I attached the directions specific to your vehicle below. The first set of directions is for the clutch master cylinder CMC. The second is the slave cylinder.

The last step is to bleed the system. The directions are on the last pic below.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)