Rep Power: 0

I've got a manual civic with 35k miles.

I brought it into the dealer because it sometimes feels rough shifting into second gear. (I did a search and found this is a common problem, maybe try replacing the gear oil with redline.)

The dealer diagnosed this as a burnt clutch and claim that they can smell a fried clutch. They won't look at the transmission for problems unless I authorize a clutch replacement. I haven't felt the clutch slipping or smelled a burning clutch before taking the car to the dealer.

I drive very conservatively, don't slip the clutch excessively, don't drop the clutch, and don't ride the clutch, which makes me surprised that it would already be wrecked. (I saw the clutches on these civics are relatively weak and some others have had bad luck as well.)

The dealer says replacing the clutch is $860, if during the replacement they find that something other than my driving caused the early clutch death, Honda might pay for it.

Should I go to another dealer to see what they say, authorize the work and hope they find something that caused the premature wear-out, or get the clutch replaced somewhere other than the dealer hoping I can get it done for under $860 (btw, what is a reasonable price? I'm not a racer, but would it be a good idea to replace with a non-oem clutch?).

Thanks for any help,
Duncan

 
Rep Power: 305

well, the clutch is a wear and tear item so the dealer wont replace the clutch for you free of charge. i'd suggest that you get an aftermarket clutch kit and then bring it to another shop thats non dealer to get it installed. the clutch could run you from anywhere from $100-$500 depending on the brand and type of clutch you want of course. and labor should run you up about $300-$350.

 
Rep Power: 303

If it shifts fine into all the other gears, it's NOT the clutch. Change the gear oil FIRST.
My 2k2 shifted rough into second gear as well. At 11k. Now I usually get over 100k out of a clutch, and my nissan is at 160K... Yes, SAME clutch. Anyway, after changing the tranny fluid by honda, it shifted even worse. I am sure it's the oil they use. I added one tube of Moly for gearboxes, and now it shifts great. My next flush, I'll try redline.
Everyone blames everything on the cluch around here.... the fact is, these trannys are just crap!

 
Rep Power: 0

can someone do a DIY for adding Moly to gearboxes please

 
Rep Power: 0

Don't listen to this guy, I had mine replaced at 31K under warranty. I just took it back in today to have another throwout bearing replaced. They claim I'm racing it, but thats BS. I started a post on this if you want to read on.

 
Rep Power: 0

I talked to the dealer and they won't budge on fixing it under warranty, I suppose I could try another dealer. Do the dealers share information? Would it get me anywhere to show up at another dealer and ask for their diagnosis for a second opinion?

I tried to force the clutch to slip today without success, I also am not able to reproduce the smell of a burning clutch that the dealer claims to have found. I think the clutch may be fine, like tinman suggested.

Also, how much free play is there in the clutch pedal for the rest of you? I have a little less than a 1/2 inch of slack before I feel any real resistance in the clutch pedal (does this need adjusting?).

Thanks for your comments.

 
Rep Power: 305

well it seems that you got lucky having your clutch replaced for free by the dealer. however, not that many people are as lucky as you and this item IS classified as a wear and tear item. as for your throwout bearing, i believe its a TPS problem so please dont down talk others for trying to help.

 
Rep Power: 280

Most shops will probably book that job at 6.5 hours. Here at my shop that equates to $520 in labor. A good quality clutch kit will run $250, and maybe even more.

 
Rep Power: 0

The clutch is a normal wear and tear item, but not at 31,000 miles Tinman is the only one I agree with in this thread. The dealer doesn't like to pay for anything. You have to push back. Don't let it go.

 
Rep Power: 0

Just like brakes are wear and tear, but most warranties cover brakes for likw the first 12,000 miles. Check your warranty you'd be suprised.

 
Rep Power: 0

the problem you listed is that the gear pops out in 2nd gear, not that your clutch is slipping in any gear, it's probably just a simple adjustment. arent our shifters cable operated or something, maybe those cables are a bit loose, take it to another honda dealer, and another honda dealer, they should get to the bottom of this probably 5 minute fix.

 
Rep Power: 305

if the clutch is burned doesn't it just keep slipping? it takes longer to engage to? Or thats not the case?

 
Rep Power: 0

Conservative driving can burn up the cluch or glaze the flywheel surface if you slip the cluch alot. In this case, Honda will not cover it under warranty. However, if your shifter keeps poping out of gear, then this is probably a synchro problem. I believe on earlier production models, this is a known problem. I'd remember there is a TSB on it. Do a search.

 
Rep Power: 0

my throw -out bearings went and I have 20,000 miles nowI had them covered under warranty. This was at around 19,100 miles. Hempstead honda wanted to try and charge me to look at my car even after they gave me the stub/slip before I dropped off my car and it was 0 estimate. when I go to pick up they say 88 dollars, f_ck u , customer service then says oh computer is down here 's your key. I said thanks b!tch.
Went to babylon and Seth said no problem/ no charge/ just drop it off whenever your ready. Those were the key words. Bastards had my car for 5 days including weekend but look I paid nothing,.

 
Rep Power: 0

hi my slave cylinder on clutch broke yesterday so im chaing it and the master cylinder but i still cant get it working no pressure in clutch can you tell me what happen when your throw out bearing went ? was there like a knocking sound ? did it cease up? and was it popping out of gears?

 
Rep Power: 0

pull your handbrake, pop in the forth gear, release clutch slowly without releasing the handbrake..... keep your hand on the shift **** and you should be able to feel when the clutch bites...... the car should stall when the clutch is released fully... otherwise your clutch lining is prob gone.

 
Rep Power: 0

And BTW the popping out of gear problem isnt due to the Syncros it has to do with the shitty design on the early trannys well the plate on the tranny case is too thick and if the tranny isnt running absolutly perfect it may slip out of gear........its common in 01's and usually happens when downshifting into 2nd or at highway speeds in 5th

 
Rep Power: 0

i though all models 2001-2005 had the same engine and tanny, when did they change i have a 2002 2dr ex

 
Rep Power: 0

Im also having a similar problem with my 2000 civic EX D16Y8. The release bearing does rattle a little, but its not enough to really matter, i just take it easy on the gas and it stays put, highway speeds you cant even notice. but i do have the symptom of it poping out of second gear on right turns mostly, can anyone tell me what is causing this and a fix perhaps. I have a new clutch kit on the way, but its hard for me to do because im active army so time is tight. any help?