Driving along normally today....getting off the highway off ramp onto another expressway...downshifted to fourth when suddenly, I couldn't downshift into third :eek:. The shifter felt like it was being held and I just couldn't move it. No grinding noises whatsoever...clutch was all the way in. Problem persisted for next 20 min in traffic. Couldn't get into first sometimes...almost stuck in third gear...it was frustrating :mad: It was fine afterwards but 4th still feels a little stiff. I'm hoping to get to crawl under the car and check the fluid also tomorrow but any input from NASIOC-ians is appreciated.

I don't abuse my car...56k miles...OEM clutch still. I've been preparing to change clutches w/an Exedy unit but I haven't gotten any of the over rev's during accel normally associated w/a dying clutch. Just doesn't grab as well as it could.

Thanks :)

Does it shift OK with the engine off? If so, it is clutch related (adjustment or hanging on the input shaft).
If it is no different, your trans fluid may be low.

hhmmm....I think it does shift fine when engine is off...I'll check that.

Adjustment?? Since i'm at 57k...would that basically mean clutch needs to be replaced?

Cuz since then...it shifts fine, grabs well.

Try double clutching ... Well at least shifting down to 1st should always be double clutched anyways, in my opinion ...

The clutch may be fine. I would check the adjustments first and trans fluid level as well.

I match revs when I downshift 90 % of the time when I'm driving a bit "aggressive":) ...otherwise my downshifts are at lower rpm's. Anyways...I don't downshift into first really...well maybe at 3~5 mph but that's done very gently...If it doesn't go in...I just take my time accelerating in 2nd.

Does the clutch pedal feel any different, as in more free play, lower engagement point, softer pedal? These symptoms would indicate a problem with the hydraulic system. Chedk the fluid level and look for signs of leakage at both the master and slave especially around and under the boots. Try bleeding the system if there are no leaks and see if that helps. If it does one of the cylinders may still be bad as it isn't normal for air to get into the system.
If the pedal feels normal and the hydraulic system checks out ok, but the shifter still feels ok with the engine off and sticks when driving, it could be a problem with the clutch itself.
Finally an internal trans problem is also possible. Check the fluid level and look for leaks, go over the shift linkage to see if there is something wrong there.