Clutch Failure Symptoms

Rick Reece · 02-26-2013, 06:42 AM

Never had a Clutch fail so I am not sure if its the clutch or something transmission related. Mine is normally very smooth with little effort to shift gears. Yesterday it was fine but this morning I had to clutch several times to put it in gear and change gears. Also acutually stalled once in 1st from a standstill. The shifter takes more effort to put into gear as well. I was beginning to think I wouldn't make it to work. Stopped for Breakfast and noted I had to reach down and pull the cluth out as it stayed depressed after stopping the car so I was really getting worried. Then after eating I got in the car and it seamed normal again the rest of the way to work. So any opionions. Car has 207K miles.

If its the clutch can I get to the weekend.(I have a 300 mile commute home on Friday). The commute is on the Interstate but still have a few days of perhaps a 100miles of city driving. Would rather get repairs local vice renting a car and getting service while away from home. Guess I will have to call Honda to get a price and length of time to repair. Have fun, Rick

talonmike · 02-26-2013, 07:42 AM

This is not related to the clutch. You probably have a leak in the the clutch hydraulic. You may have to replace master and slave pistons.

Kevin Dougherty · 02-26-2013, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by talonmike

This is not related to the clutch. You probably have a leak in the the clutch hydraulic. You may have to replace master and slave pistons.

Rick you need to replace master and slave SOON, mine failed very quickly after I started toeing up the pedal.

Willie Williford · 02-26-2013, 01:11 PM

Rick:
Look under the dash where the clutch rod comes through the firewall. Any scene of fluid leaking?

Change the fluid and bleed properly. That may help for a while.

HTH
Willie

Rick Reece · 02-26-2013, 01:32 PM

Willie, Kevin and all,

Thanks for the advice. I am at Ft Bragg this week so no tools to work on the car and its been pouring down rain all day. Called the local Honda dealer and I can bring it in but they have no idea if they have parts (He suspect not when he thought it was a 2010 Insight, he didn't know they made them in 2000. Guess scheduling service takes no knowledge of the brands vehicles.), when they could get them, or a ballpark cost for replacing the pistons. Think I am going to drive over there in a few hours and leave the car for service. I may regret it but its better than getting stuck and needing a tow. Perhaps if the rain lets up I'll go out and see if I can find any leaks. Have fun, Rick

**freezin4** · 02-26-2013, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Reece

I am at Ft Bragg this week so no tools to work on the car and its been pouring down rain all day.
[B] - If you are on base at Bragg, go to the Automotive Skills Shop.

...He suspect not when he thought it was a 2010 Insight, he didn't know they made them in 2000.
- And I didn't know the 2010 came with manual trans

-Also: AT least check the level in the reservoir: If low, add some DOT 4 Brake fluid. It may fix your issue instantly.

...............

Rick Reece · 02-26-2013, 04:14 PM

The rain let up a bit so I checked for leaks. Didn't see any from under the dash or looking on the engine side. (Will have to do a closer inspection under the car. The reservoir was a little low so I stopped at the AAFES Car center to get some Brake fluid. They don't sell car stuff anymore. Its a regular shoppette now. I then went to autozone and got some DOT4 brake fluid. The car felt normal since breakfast but I added some brake fluid. Fluid in reservoir looked good and will see how it does tomorrow morning when its cold. Problem wasn't there after eating breakfast this morning so perhaps the temperature was low enough to be on the edge prior to the car warming up. Have fun, RIck

**freezin4** · 02-26-2013, 08:05 PM

There are two Auto Skills Centers with lifts and all the tools for minimal cost on Bragg where you can do your own work if you have privileges for these services:

Auto Skills Centers
East Bragg Auto Skills Center 910 396-1486
Auto Skills at the Rec Plex 910 394-2293/2939

Good luck

Rick Reece · 02-28-2013, 07:57 AM

The level doesn't seam to have dropped and the problem has not reoccured. (Perhaps it will take more time). Anyway I will look to bleed the system this weekend. Freezin4 thats for the recommendations. I'll have to check the Bragg centers out some time. I'm a retiree and am probably bias from past experiences. (Garage bays were usually full with people doing major overhauls although I have used their tools from time to time). Have fun, Rick

Willie Williford · 02-28-2013, 01:45 PM

Rick:
If this is the first time you have added fluid, I would highly recommend changing and then bleeding the system. You may find a little moisture in the lines.

Especially if you have had a sudden drop in weather temperatures.

HTH
Willie