Honda Guru: Transmission issue

[HiSpec]

Lately I have been having issues with my transmission in my 98 Honda Civic.

About 80% of the time in the morning or whenever I start my car from cold, the clutch pedal becomes really really soft. It is so soft there that's absolutely no resistance (the feeling of transmission dis/engage with the engine) that a properly-operating clutch pedal should have.

In order for me to get my clutch to get it's 'feeling' back, I'd have to pump the clutch a good minute before I am able to put the car in gear.

Is my transmission/clutch on its way out? Mind you that my car has about 280k km and it is fairly beat up. Replacing the transmission probably cost close to the value of my vehicle. But then i want it to last the winter.

Any insight on what/where i should start investigating the issue before bring it to a transmission shop?

[AE92_TreunoSC]

Your clutch is hydraulic.

If hydraulic pressure isnt building, the problem lies within your clutch slave and master cylinder.

First things first you need to inspect the rod connected to your clutch pedal linkage for leaks.

Then you need to have someone experienced try to bleed your clutch line. While watching the slave rod for movement.

Also inspecting the clutch fork for damage is a great idea while looking at the slave cylinder.

If there's no leaks and bleeding doesnt help, then replace the cheaper of the hydraulic components first, the slave, following with the master.

Replacing the pressure plate is always last for me if the clutch isnt worn to shit.


All these need experience to look at, but its not your transmission which dictates your clutch feel, its hydraulics, pressure plate spring action, and clutch fork action.

[streethondas]

follow ae92_T but be sure to check your fluid before anything.

pretty sure your out of fluid for the clutch, had this happened to me on my prelude. brake fluid will fix your problem (bleed your clutch to get all the dirty fluid out)

[HiSpec]

Originally posted by streethondas
follow ae92_T but be sure to check your fluid before anything.

pretty sure your out of fluid for the clutch, had this happened to me on my prelude. brake fluid will fix your problem (bleed your clutch to get all the dirty fluid out)

My transmission fluid was changed over the summer, that will eliminate contaminated fluid.

I do not know my way around transmission, so how would I explain what to check to a shop?

If only Import Option was still around, they would be my go to shop.

[streethondas]

just tell them to check your clutch line for any leakage and explain them how you dont have clutch pressure on cold starts and what not

[89s1]

Originally posted by HiSpec


My transmission fluid was changed over the summer, that will eliminate contaminated fluid.

I do not know my way around transmission, so how would I explain what to check to a shop?

If only Import Option was still around, they would be my go to shop.

The fluid that was changed during your transmission fluid change is completely unrelated to the fluid that actuates your clutch.

[HiSpec]

Originally posted by 89s1


The fluid that was changed during your transmission fluid change is completely unrelated to the fluid that actuates your clutch.

Fair enough. Is this clutch fluid in a reservoir in the engine bay?

[streethondas]

Originally posted by HiSpec


Fair enough. Is this clutch fluid in a reservoir in the engine bay?

Yes inside the engine bay right beside the master cylinder, really all you have to do is locate the reservoir and follow the line to the clutch slave cylinder. Look for any leaks from the lines or the clutch slave cylinder.

Reservoir


Clutch slave cylinder