2k4 Civic Clutch problems
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2k4 Civic Clutch problems
Ok, so my clutch and transmission and every major mechanical component of the car have been working perfectly since I got the car brand new in 2004:
2004 DX-g (the DX model with added features: ac, power lock, cd deck…)
5spd manual
63200kms = approx 37mi.
The only two small problems I have noticed surfaced recently: yesterday after work, while transmission was still cold, I was having difficulty engaging into 1st gear. The second is a squeaky clutch noise when the clutch is depressed almost all the way. (I have read the other threads on this and I have been meaning to attempt the DIY, but I’ve been lazy, it’s been squeaking for about 2 months)
Tonight, I go out driving for about 5 minutes, I’m on a main street and as I try to shift from 2nd to 3 (and keep in mind, I don’t ram the gears or pop the clutch nor burn it) I depress the clutch, but the Force that usually opposes my leg seems to drop off, not as if there was no fluid; but as if it lost a bit of pressure. To make things worse, the transmission won't engage into 3rd, or any gear for that matter.(it feels like the transmission clutch is stuck to the flywheel) After about 10 seconds of freaking out, I manage to ram it into 2nd. I disengage the clutch again and same problem I can’t get it back into gear, so I coast into a local parking lot and turn the car off.
I pop the hood and look for leaking fluid. I check the reservoir: its full and no visible signs of fluid leaking anywhere along the piping, nor loss of pressure in the line. So now I’m stuck at the parking lot, I call my buddy and he shows up with his prelude, He depresses my clutch and says he had the exact same problem with his clutch and said he had no warning either before it messed on him. SO I get him to be ready to escort me so I can get home with no stopping, I start the car,(and I’m on a down hill slanted parking lot) rev and ram it into first and if finally engages, I drive it all the way home in 1st cause I don’t want to have the same problem again. Now it’s sitting in the garage and I’m really pissed off.
The weridest thing is that When the car is off, i can depress the clutch or have it engaged and i can select any gear with no problem. Once i turn the vehicle on, the clutch seems to have no dissengaging ability and the the shifter does not want to go into any gear.
Anybody experience a similar transmission problem? (This is a completely stock setup and I am the original owner.) Any help would be greatly appreciated.
2004 DX-g (the DX model with added features: ac, power lock, cd deck…)
5spd manual
63200kms = approx 37mi.
The only two small problems I have noticed surfaced recently: yesterday after work, while transmission was still cold, I was having difficulty engaging into 1st gear. The second is a squeaky clutch noise when the clutch is depressed almost all the way. (I have read the other threads on this and I have been meaning to attempt the DIY, but I’ve been lazy, it’s been squeaking for about 2 months)
Tonight, I go out driving for about 5 minutes, I’m on a main street and as I try to shift from 2nd to 3 (and keep in mind, I don’t ram the gears or pop the clutch nor burn it) I depress the clutch, but the Force that usually opposes my leg seems to drop off, not as if there was no fluid; but as if it lost a bit of pressure. To make things worse, the transmission won't engage into 3rd, or any gear for that matter.(it feels like the transmission clutch is stuck to the flywheel) After about 10 seconds of freaking out, I manage to ram it into 2nd. I disengage the clutch again and same problem I can’t get it back into gear, so I coast into a local parking lot and turn the car off.
I pop the hood and look for leaking fluid. I check the reservoir: its full and no visible signs of fluid leaking anywhere along the piping, nor loss of pressure in the line. So now I’m stuck at the parking lot, I call my buddy and he shows up with his prelude, He depresses my clutch and says he had the exact same problem with his clutch and said he had no warning either before it messed on him. SO I get him to be ready to escort me so I can get home with no stopping, I start the car,(and I’m on a down hill slanted parking lot) rev and ram it into first and if finally engages, I drive it all the way home in 1st cause I don’t want to have the same problem again. Now it’s sitting in the garage and I’m really pissed off.
The weridest thing is that When the car is off, i can depress the clutch or have it engaged and i can select any gear with no problem. Once i turn the vehicle on, the clutch seems to have no dissengaging ability and the the shifter does not want to go into any gear.
Anybody experience a similar transmission problem? (This is a completely stock setup and I am the original owner.) Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by typeblue; Sep 19, 2006 at 05:39 PM.
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so I’m going to pick up the car tomorrow from the dealer. This is what I was told over the phone:
The power train warranty is valid till 100 000kms or 5 years, whichever is first. But the bumper to Bumper warranty is valid 60 000kms or 3 years. Clutches are considered a wear item and thus are not part of the "power train" warranty. And my civic has $63 200. Apparently I guessed right, the Pressure plate was to blame. The Diaphragm spring on the pressure plate apparently failed. So that’s why the clutch would not disengage. I asked Honda to keep the old parts so I could see exactly where the broken components are. I will post pictures when I get the chance. The dealer was kind enough to offer paying half of the expenses for the installation. So instead of $800 bill, its going to be $400.
So what does that tell you: they don’t make Hondas like they used to, no longer bullet proof, well I guess the engines were more bullet proof then their transmissions, but we have already seen plenty of examples of horrible transmissions on the 2k1 models on this board. Another interesting point the dealer informed me is that the power train warranty is valid up to those kms /years on all transmission components UNLESS there is visible sign of racing on the friction plate. So even if I burned my clutch, as long as I’m under 60 000kms it gets replaced for free.
so I’m going to pick up the car tomorrow from the dealer. This is what I was told over the phone:
The power train warranty is valid till 100 000kms or 5 years, whichever is first. But the bumper to Bumper warranty is valid 60 000kms or 3 years. Clutches are considered a wear item and thus are not part of the "power train" warranty. And my civic has $63 200. Apparently I guessed right, the Pressure plate was to blame. The Diaphragm spring on the pressure plate apparently failed. So that’s why the clutch would not disengage. I asked Honda to keep the old parts so I could see exactly where the broken components are. I will post pictures when I get the chance. The dealer was kind enough to offer paying half of the expenses for the installation. So instead of $800 bill, its going to be $400.
So what does that tell you: they don’t make Hondas like they used to, no longer bullet proof, well I guess the engines were more bullet proof then their transmissions, but we have already seen plenty of examples of horrible transmissions on the 2k1 models on this board. Another interesting point the dealer informed me is that the power train warranty is valid up to those kms /years on all transmission components UNLESS there is visible sign of racing on the friction plate. So even if I burned my clutch, as long as I’m under 60 000kms it gets replaced for free.
Last edited by typeblue; Sep 20, 2006 at 09:07 PM.
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Rep Power: 0 Here are the pictures of the old clutch:
If you look closely you can see a sheared piece wedged in-between a finger of the diaphragm spring and the casing. Does anyone know exactly what the heck it’s from?
If you look closely you can see a sheared piece wedged in-between a finger of the diaphragm spring and the casing. Does anyone know exactly what the heck it’s from?
Last edited by typeblue; Sep 20, 2006 at 09:26 PM.
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