Car Won'T Go Into Gear HONDA Civic VIII Hatchback (FN, FK) (09.2005 - ...)

Hello! If your 2005 Honda Civic won't shift gears, this could be due to low transmission fluid or transmission fluid condition, or problems with the transmission mechanism.
Typical problems with this model that you should look out for regarding the transmission:
Some owners have reported problems with the automatic transmission in these years, including jerking when shifting or even failure.
Check the transmission fluid level and condition. If it is low or looks dirty/burnt, this may be the cause of the problem.
I recommend that you check the transmission fluid level. If it is normal, the problem is likely with the shift mechanism or the transmission itself, and you should consult a mechanic for diagnosis.

For your 2005 Honda Civic not going into gear, several potential causes and common issues could be at play, depending on whether your Civic has a manual or automatic transmission.

Transmission Fluid Issue
- For automatic transmissions, low or degraded transmission fluid can cause shifting problems. The 2005 Honda Civic uses a specific type of transmission fluid, and changing it properly (including drain and fill procedures) can improve shifting performance. However, if the fluid is contaminated with metal particles, it could indicate internal transmission wear, such as worn synchronizers, which can make it hard to get into gear.
- In some cases with automatic transmissions, issues like delayed shifting or gears not engaging properly (e.g., 3rd or 4th gear) can be related to transmission fluid quality, incorrect fluid type, or internal clutch drum problems.

Gear Linkage and Clutch System (Manual Transmission)
- If your Civic has a manual transmission, common causes for not going into gear include problems with the clutch hydraulic system (master or slave cylinder). A failing clutch master cylinder can cause difficulty shifting into gears and grinding noises when trying to engage reverse or first gear.
- Low clutch fluid or air in the clutch hydraulic system can prevent the clutch from fully disengaging, making it hard to shift. Topping up the clutch fluid reservoir and bleeding the system often resolves this.
- Mechanical failures inside the transmission, such as a broken shift fork or roll pin, can cause specific gears not to engage (e.g., won't shift into 2nd gear).
- Worn clutch components may also cause issues, and sometimes clutch replacement is necessary if the clutch is worn out.

Common Problems with 2005 Honda Civic Transmission
- Automatic transmission failure is a known issue in 7th generation Civics, especially with higher mileage or poor maintenance. Symptoms include hard shifting, slipping gears, or the transmission popping out of gear.
- Manual transmission Civics may experience internal wear like broken shift forks or worn synchronizers, leading to difficulty shifting into certain gears or grinding noises.
- Clutch hydraulic system leaks or failures are common and can cause shifting problems.

Recommendations
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition if automatic. Change it if it’s old or contaminated, using the correct Honda-specified fluid.
- For manual transmissions, inspect the clutch master and slave cylinders for leaks and fluid level. Bleed the clutch hydraulic system to remove air.
- Check the gear linkage and shift cables for any obstructions or damage.
- If the problem persists, have the transmission inspected for internal wear such as worn synchronizers, shift forks, or clutch drum issues.
- Consider professional diagnosis since transmission repairs can be costly and complex.

In summary, your Civic’s inability to go into gear could be due to transmission fluid issues (especially if automatic), clutch hydraulic problems (if manual), or internal transmission wear. Start with fluid and clutch system checks, then proceed to mechanical inspection if needed.