Changing the clutch in hybrid?
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Changing the clutch in hybrid?
Has anyone attempted to change a drive clutch in a Civic hybrid? A friend has one, an '04 I'm pretty sure, and he wants me to help him change it. A clutch is no problem for me, but the hybrid part, not so sure about. I really just need to know if any special tools are needed or if there is some wacky design that will cause issues. I just don't want to get started and find out there's nothing I can do for him after getting it all apart and wasting both our time. Thanks in advance for any insight. Ha! Insight. Sorry, I know this is a Civic forum....
Last edited by stingypaperwaff; Apr 6, 2012 at 03:31 PM.
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Re: Changing the clutch in hybrid?
Get a (good and correct) service manual, everything you need to know should be explained in it.
It's a normal clutch job, just like any other. You won't touch hardly any of the hybrid parts unless you decide to pull the flywheel IIRC.
I wouldn't pull the flywheel unless rivets got into it.
Pull the back seat upper cushion and access the main switch to shut off the hybrid battery pack before starting work.
HTH
It's a normal clutch job, just like any other. You won't touch hardly any of the hybrid parts unless you decide to pull the flywheel IIRC.
I wouldn't pull the flywheel unless rivets got into it.
Pull the back seat upper cushion and access the main switch to shut off the hybrid battery pack before starting work.
HTH
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Thanks ezone, that's very helpful! That's what I was hoping to hear, that it's pretty much a typical setup in there. Good deal, I should be able to help him out then.
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I am really upset. I finally got past getting a new hybrid battery and now I have the same starter clutch problem. I wish you lived near me so you could help me change mine, too. The transmission place wants $4,400 to do it! 
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A clutch job in a manual trans car is quit a bit different from a "start clutch" inside a CVT trans.
You didn't say what year your car is. Or what trans it has, or where you are located....
On the CVT transmissions there have been several updates, warranty extensions, and recalls...depending on the year and vehicles VIN report.
Call your local dealerships. Make sure all recalls and warrantable work has been completed.
There was a procedure for "burnishing" the start clutch to reduce the shudder. It really didn't fix the cars though.
Regular fluid service with the proper Honda CVT fluid is a must.
If it comes down to having to replace the start clutch for the shudder upon takeoff complaint, stay away from that transmission shop. Stick with a reputable dealership. If you have to price shop (I hate people that do this), call several dealers because prices will be all over the map. I would guess in the range of $1500 at our shop. I bet some will lowball you just to get you in the door.
If you want to ignore the shudder upon takeoff, we have several customers that have not spent the money to fix the issue, and the rest of the car seems to do fine. The shudder is more of an annoyance more than anything.
HTH
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