# Sticky manual shifter

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/sticky-manual-shifter/79593>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** civic, honda\
**Created:** [May 28, 2013, 8:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sticky-manual-shifter/79593 "2013-05-28T20:43:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 8\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Gord777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ea666f/32.png) [@Gord777](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Gord777)\
**Post date:** [May 28, 2013, 8:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sticky-manual-shifter/79593/1 "2013-05-28T20:43:22Z")

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My 1998 Civic coupe Si has 160,00 miles and I enjoy her today as much as I did the day I bought her new 15 years ago!  
Just recently the manual shifting has become heavy and “sticky”. Problem popped up almost from 1 day to the next. Not gradual.  
Still shifts OK, and no other transmission issues.  
Thought?

> 

Second issue: Pinhole in catalytic converter (according to garage). Any way to patch it?  
Just trying to baby her along without putting too much $ into repair.

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**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\
**Post date:** [May 28, 2013, 8:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sticky-manual-shifter/79593/2 "2013-05-28T20:55:53Z")

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Has the transmission been properly serviced according to the owners manual? If not…I would try draining the transmission and filling it with the proper manual transmission fluid.

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**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\
**Post date:** [May 28, 2013, 9:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sticky-manual-shifter/79593/3 "2013-05-28T21:04:51Z")

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I agree with the fluid change. Honda used to recommend 60-90k intervals, so you may be way behind.

Also, you could try a muffler patch. The cat runs much hotter, but it’s cheap enough to try.

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**Author:** ![Rod-Knox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\
**Post date:** [May 28, 2013, 9:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sticky-manual-shifter/79593/4 "2013-05-28T21:08:25Z")

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How smoothly does it shift into reverse?

You might check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder. A few ounces of DOT 3 might clear up the problem.

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**Author:** ![Proac\_fan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/58f4c7/32.png) [@Proac\_fan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Proac_fan)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 3:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sticky-manual-shifter/79593/5 "2013-05-29T03:13:39Z")

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If you’re going to service the tranny you may as well tackle the shift linkage bushings too. Restore that new feel to the shifter

Mike

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**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 3:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sticky-manual-shifter/79593/6 "2013-05-29T03:16:01Z")

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My muffler guy welded a split in a catalytic convertor for $15. Passed emissions test no problem! Dave’s all american muffler Kenosha WI

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**Author:** ![Conoso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Conoso](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Conoso)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 6:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sticky-manual-shifter/79593/7 "2013-05-29T06:26:41Z")

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Checking the shifter linkage/bushings sounds right on. Also, Honda sells an excellent synthetic transmission fluid. that’s what you want to use in your SI.

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**Author:** ![Proac\_fan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/58f4c7/32.png) [@Proac\_fan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Proac_fan)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 8:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sticky-manual-shifter/79593/8 "2013-05-29T08:32:12Z")

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My 01 Civic had a crack in the converter when I bought it. It’s a pricey replacement being built into the exhaust manifold. Honda price to R&R was nearly $1000. We fixed it with some handy welding in about 15 minutes and its as quiet as a church mouse.

Mike