# Stuck stick shift - 96 Honda Prelude **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** cylinder, transmissions, manual-transmissions\ **Created:** [June 20, 2007, 3:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stuck-stick-shift-96-honda-prelude/758 "2007-06-20T15:24:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![strombomb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b77776/32.png) [@strombomb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/strombomb)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2007, 3:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stuck-stick-shift-96-honda-prelude/758/1 "2007-06-20T15:24:59Z")
Sometimes it just won’t get into gear. It feels physically stuck, like I might almost break the handle off when I try and put it in gear. It is sporadic, happening sometimes when I start my car after it has been sitting for a while. I eventually force it into gear and then it is ok after a few minutes of driving. I just had the transmission fluid changed but this appears to have had no effect. Someone has suggested the slave cylinder may need to be flushed? Any suggestions?!?!?! ---
**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2007, 4:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stuck-stick-shift-96-honda-prelude/758/2 "2007-06-20T16:11:04Z")
If the transmission shifts normally with the engine turned off, then the problem is in the clutch, not the transmission. It sounds like your clutch is not dis-engaging all the way, making it hard to get the transmission in gear. I suggest you check the clutch fluid level for a start. Even if the fluid level is correct, there could be an internal leak in the master or slave cylinder. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2007, 4:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stuck-stick-shift-96-honda-prelude/758/3 "2007-06-20T16:15:31Z")
I second MC’s diagnosis. If the transmision goes into and out of gear with the engine off you have a clutch issue. It could be a weak slave cylinder or clutch master cylinder. You might have a small leak also. Next time it acts up try pumping the clutch pedal 4 or 5 times and then see if it goes into gear easier. ~Michael (Dartman69 logged out again) ---
**Author:** ![smurfmorgan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@smurfmorgan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/smurfmorgan)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2007, 5:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stuck-stick-shift-96-honda-prelude/758/4 "2007-06-23T05:51:09Z")
sounds like the schronizers are going out had same problem on a car ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2007, 3:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stuck-stick-shift-96-honda-prelude/758/5 "2007-06-23T15:47:42Z")
My vote is with MC and Dartman. (Getting tired of wearing out your LOGIN key, Dartman?) 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2007, 8:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stuck-stick-shift-96-honda-prelude/758/6 "2007-06-26T20:34:51Z")
Thank you! I added some clutch fluid and it has loosened up quite a bit. I’m hoping there isn’t a slave cylinder leak, since that would probably mean an entire clutch replacement. Thanks for all your help 🙂