i've had the same problem a few times. bad synchros. when you let off the clutch slightly, it should slide in. or do what the others have said. shift it into 1st or 2nd, then put it into reverse.

 

yeah unfortunately ludes are known for their syncro problems in reverse and the almight 5th gear grind present in 4th and 5th gens. But its not such a prob. that is unbearable to live with.

 

I've had the reverse prob. several times. I don't have to shift into 1st, I can usually just let up on the clutch 1 or 2 times and I can shift into Reverse. Its kind of a pain but not too bad.

 

i don't have any problem like that ... every once in a blue moon...my 1st gear would need the clutch release and it will be good again ....

Just giving my 2c that its not a problem with every one. Couple of my buddies have 5th g prelude and no problem!

 

im having trouble shifting into 5th and reverse. i have to push hard to the right and shove it in. clutch is alllll the way down..i'd have to break the floor and the pedal to get it any lower. i was on the freeway wondering why it wouldnt go into 5th. kept moving it back into the neutral spot and kept trying to bring it back and it just wouldnt go in for like eight tries, but then i havnt had that problem lately. i can move it in fine now, but then it still requires a lot of energy to get it into reverse or 5th. btw, my tranny is rebuilt about 2k miles ago and has an ACT clutch.

 

Sounds like your 5th gear synchro is on the outs.
My hubby had the same problem with his.. we now have an ACT clutch and lightened fly wheel with a 4th gen JDM tranny with LSD!!!!... SWEET!

But the 5th gear synchro isn't an uncommon problem for Base models... more specifically I think 97.

Also I have found that when you have problems putting the car in Reverse... try pumping the clutch again and putting it in 4th and then reverse. I used 4th because it puts less strain on 1st and increases the long-gevity of the clutch.

When its cold the Tranny fluid is cold and the gates are cold.

I used to have a 4th gen and I would stop at a light and then try to shift and the stupid car wouldnt go into gear.. I Thought my clutch was FUBAR'ed.. but it was just the master cylinder... replaced that and no more problems.

 

Your easy fix to get your car into reverse is put it in fourth before you try the reverse it will go right in I almost guarantee it!

 

Tranny fluid maybe you mean transaxle fluid! Last time I checked on my 5th gen you didn't put fluid in the actual tranny. Actually my tranny is sitting on my garage floor right now and I know no fluid goes from the tranny housing to the block!

 

Are you for real?

 

yeah thats what I did with mine and it actually worked