We have a 2009 fit, so yes we are high mileage by now 130k. . . We have started to experience problems shifting gears, for the first couple of miles. With the clutch pressed to where it should engage, it simply doesn't engage. What service is needed? Is there a manual trans fluid level to check, or clutch maintenance?

 

It should not normally need topping up, unless it has developed a leak However it does require changing at specified intervals. After 130K miles it should certainly have been changed before now.
The clutch fluid is integral with the brake fluid. If the clutch is not clearing properly that could lead to difficulty engaging gear.

 

I agree with JockoT that you're due for a transmission fluid change if you haven't done so yet. I'd simply stick with Honda MTF for peace of mind. (If the Honda product is a GL-4 oil and an owner replaces it with a GL-5 oil from an auto parts store, rough shifts and premature component wear will result.)

If you feel or hear a grind when you shift, I strongly suspect that your clutch master cylinder and/or slave cylinder has worn and may be leaking by. This causes the clutch to not release fully. Fortunately this is an inexpensive repair on many cars.

 

Probably need a new clutch which was about $1300 for me last year.

 

I had even a worst issue, my shift forks was going bad, and I ended up having to change the entire transmission.. I am a bit scared now about shifting hard on the honda fit after i replaced my clutch.... i must have been really unlucky because when I took out my clutch it was still brand new looking and I had about 75k on the car

 

I would have trouble initially getting into first at a light, or into third. Since changing the transmission fluid, gear engagement has been fluid and smooth. Mind you I was at 147,000 and this was its first transmission fluid change. Problem didn't really show until about 145k

My fit is a 2011 5 speed, with now 148,000. I'm putting nearly 2-3k miles on a month min.