Intermitten clutch problem

Tiny
MIKEYB74
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 HONDA FIT
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 193,000 MILES
Clutch changed by previous owner at 172,000. One drive axle was also changed.

Shop, a well recommended transmission specialist, cannot replicate the issue to diagnose.

Every few hundred miles, there is a severe slippage that can happen at any operating temperature. Sometimes while cruising, more often when shifting, and can happen in any gear. Sometimes need to shift to a different gear to make forward progress.

No issues found with the fluid or level, or anything else under the car.

The other issue I see is a lot of moisture coming put of the front defroster vent on a humid night. Air find compressor was done at 182,000. I do not smell or see anything that looks like antifreeze and the motor oil is a nice light brown color. I also see the condensation on the A/C hoses under the hood.

The car is otherwise in good shape. What options do I have, especially with the clutch issue? Is the defrost issue just a local problem? If something like a head gasket is suspect, I would be much less likely to get into the clutch.
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Thursday, August 2nd, 2018 AT 8:42 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,553 POSTS
Please start a new question for the defroster issue to help keep the subject clean. Please post your new question here, you must be logged in:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

For the clutch slipping issue to me it sounds like the clutch slave is having issues did they replace it when they did the clutch? Here is a video that shows a front wheel drive clutch being done and the slave cylinder:

https://youtu.be/6N6b5F2ChyE

Please run down this video and report back.

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Friday, August 3rd, 2018 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
MIKEYB74
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Based on how other repairs were done on the car (new pads on old rotors), I assume the previous owner took the cheap way out on the clutch replacement.

The first shop I went to did not see leaking, or low/contaminated fluid. Also, there has been occasional slippage not limited to gear changing. Therefore, he did not think it was the slave or master cylinder, but he obviously does not have the answer.

The condition seems to be worsening very very slowly. First noticed in 2/2018.

I do not want to put $1,500.00 or more into this repair if not sure it will solve the issue. I guess I need to try another shop.

The car was driven 1,100 miles this week, with three to four slips when shifting, and once while driving along in third gear in city traffic.

I am hesitant to replace this car with 193,000 and mediocre body/interior because the engine runs so well, new brakes, and all other maintenance is current. But maybe I am not realistic.

Thanks again, and I will ask the defroster question separately.
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Saturday, August 4th, 2018 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 42,553 POSTS
To me it still sounds like the slave cylinder. Can I ask when the clutch slips if the pedal feels different?
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Saturday, August 4th, 2018 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
MIKEYB74
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Clutch pedal feels the same when slipping. No noise or interference.
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Saturday, August 4th, 2018 AT 12:02 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Okay, by chance can you make a video of what the car is doing when it happens using your phone then upload it here in your response? I want to make sure we are on the same page.
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Saturday, August 4th, 2018 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
MIKEYB74
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
When it happens, revs increase, but power does not make it to the wheels. As if car were in neutral. But the linkage works fine.

Same sensation as an automatic transmission when slipping.
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Saturday, August 4th, 2018 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,553 POSTS
Yes, that is clutch slip the transmission is going to need to be removed. Here is guide to show you how the clutch works:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/inner-workings-of-a-car-clutch

Please let us know what happens.
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Sunday, August 5th, 2018 AT 3:27 PM

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