Scary clutch problem...but simple fix

[JimIsbell]

A "heads up" if you ever notice a problem getting into gear on the first start in the morning.

Two days ago I had trouble getting the car into reverse, lots of gear grinding, as I tried to back out of the garage. The problem disappeared after I finally got it into reverse the first time. Then yesterday the same thing happened, but after getting to the street I still was having a bit of effort to get it into the FORWARD gears. Again the problem evaporated after a few blocks. But on the way home it got worse and I realized that the clutch was not disengaging. I thought it was a mechanical clutch so I could see several hours of repair work in 90+ temperatures. Thank God its an hydraulic clutch...like British Leyland..etc.

Years ago I had an ID-19 Citroen and the clutch cable broke and it took 3 weeks to get a new one from France. I learned to drive it without a clutch. Once I learned the shift points the gears meshed easily without the clutch. When coming to a stop I pulled it out of gear as I coasted to a stop then turned off the engine, reengaged 1st gear and when ready to go, started the engine with the car already in gear. With the Insight it would be easy since the engine automatically stops when the car does and would restart as I pushed it into 1st. So I was getting my mind set ready for a few days of learning the shift points!!

It turned out the clutch fluid reservoir was empty. The fix was, of course, easy. But the strange thing was that the pedal never really felt that different until the very last when it was failing completely.

I guess I should check that reservoir more often....

[Highmileage Insighter]

Originally Posted by JimIsbell

A "heads up" if you ever notice a problem getting into gear on the first start in the morning.


It turned out the clutch fluid reservoir was empty. The fix was, of course, easy. But the strange thing was that the pedal never really felt that different until the very last when it was failing completely.

I guess I should check that reservoir more often....

Check the slave cylinder too. Mine was seeping, so I replaced the slave and master cylinders for the clutch.

[Willie Williford]

Jim,'
If you don't have a leak any where, then it is possible that you will be needing a clutch pretty soon. The hydraulic system is "self adjusting"........Willie

[masscommuter]

Sorry to ask un-necessary question but, where are / how do you identify:
Clutch Fluid reservoir, and
master, slave cylinders?

Thanks.

[Highmileage Insighter]

Originally Posted by masscommuter

Sorry to ask un-necessary question but, where are / how do you identify:
Clutch Fluid reservoir, and
master, slave cylinders?

Thanks.

I don't want to be cruel, but I cannot hold your hand on this one.

I think it is time you invest in at a minimum, an owners manual. It is important to be able to identify at least the fluid refill points in a vehicles engine compartment.

Next would be a shop manual.

Go to the internet and research you particular year Honda Insight.

[JimIsbell]

I hate to be the one who echos that last post as I am one who really hates it when someone gets snotty with me as a newby on a list asking questions.

BUT, in this case I have to comment.........you have 85 posts, you are not a newby. You have been on this list for 3 and a half years!!!

You cannot use a car, ANY CAR, without the proper manuals. The proper manuals are cheap. Get one and learn how to take care of your car.

OR, if you have the money, just take it into the Honda dealer weekly and have it serviced.

BUT dont expect a list to be your mechanic beyond the first month or two. Three and a half years is beyond the pale!!!