Another question from a new Honda owner...I'm noticing that engaging first in my 5 speed in anything other than more or less a complete standstill is difficult. Is this normal for a Civic or do I have a synchro issue?

In my old '98 Saturn, I could at least get it in first gear under 5mph or less, but this is taking some getting used to...

 

Its normal, double clutching can help with that, or giving it a little rev when trying to put it in first while doing over five mph.

 

Thanks...I wasn't sure, but it's a little comforting to hear it may be normal. The torque in the low end just isn't there like it was in the Saturn (never thought I'd say that!), so starting in second is a bit tricky. I've tried double clutching and blipping the gas to get it to go into first...sometimes it works, sometimes not, but I don't force it into gear no matter what. I only have my Saturn to compare to, this is only my second car.

I'll just keep an eye on it for now.

 

Whatever you do, DO NOT force it into gear unless you like bent shift forks and wobbly shifter. Double clutching usually did it for me in both of my civics.

 

Really only need to be in first gear when starting from a standstill. Even then you don't need to be. Obvisously special circumstances prevail requiring first gear but for the most part it is used to get the car going, that's about it IMO.

 

Yes that is normal for civics. If you try to let out the clutch going more than about 5 mph, you will feel a little jerk. 2nd works for under 5 mph just fine, as long as you're actually moving.

 

For one, you should never be starting out in second unless you have tranny problems. First is there for a reason, so use it.

 

I only said it to prove the point that you really shouldn't be downshifting into first while moving.

 

I was referring to bolts saying he starts off sometimes in second. And if people downshift then they'd go into first while the car was moving

 

True True. When I was first learning to drive stick I downshifted into first doing about 15 mph. Wow thoughtI was going to go through the windshield.