02 s2000, 56k miles. bone-STOCK.

Like the topic says, on cold starts (car off for at least 4-5 hrs), I can't put the shifter into any gear while the engine is on. I can't even reverse out of my garage. I have to turn the car OFF, put it into gear, then turn the car on (in REVERSE). After my cold "reverse start" the car can shift regularly though it's slightly difficult to put into first at a stoplight.

So my question. Could this possibly be a mechanical problem? fluids problem?

 

i would say it sounds like the clutch not engaging. but im no expert.. free bump

 

Sounds more like the clutch is not releasing. I had this same problem when I first changed my clutch until it broke in. In your case I would try bleeding your clutch and see if that helps.

 

Nevermind... I was wrong.

 

I had this problem in my nissan due to misadjusted clutch pedal with no free play.

 

Could be a sticking center bearing in the center of the flwheel. This would cause the input shaft to spin with the flywheel. Starting in gear would cause the bearing to unstick.

 

Same exact thing happened to mine, turns out the clutch fluid was just out when i filled it up and bled the line it was fine.

(side note i ran out again a few weeks later, but cant find a leak yet so if that fixes it keep an eye on it i'll let you know if i figure something out on mine.

 

Your clutch master cylinder is probably leaking inside the car. Check the area behind the clutch pedal to see if the floor pad has soaked up the fluid.

 

no leaking fluids, but the clutch these days, almost has to be floored in order to engage. I'm going to have to take my car to Honda this weekend. I also left it in reverse overnight and tried to start the car in the morning but the car wouldn't even start. It would just try to crank up, until I took it out of reverse. Very weird.