2000 Honda Civic Clutch Troubles

2000 HONDA CIVIC
134,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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OTTOVONBISMARCK
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Today when I went to drive my 2000 Honda Civic EX, I put the clutch in as normal and attempted to shift into reverse. I got nothing but grinding, and the clutch pedal came out very slowly when I released it. I tried shifting into first, but still no luck.

After the engine warmed up (I guess), and several pushes of the clutch pedal, I managed to put it into first and get going. As I was driving, it got easier and easier to shift, and eventually everything seemed to be working normally.

I made a long drive today (about 150 miles), so I spent most of my time in 5th, and didn't have to shift too much. But whenever I hadn't shifted for a little while, the clutch would go right back to not working properly. At one point, it wasn't even coming up off the floor, and I had to lift it with my foot. But again, after I managed to get it to shift a couple times, it started working smoothly again.

I haven't yet checked my clutch fluid, since I was happy just for my car and I to have survived the journey, but I'm worried I might need a new clutch (or maybe something's wrong with the master cylinder?). I'm not great with cars, so I'd appreciate any help! Thanks!
Feb 20, 2010 at 12:00 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

This is sounding like a hydraulic problem with the master or slave Cly, first check the fluid level, if low, check under the rubber boot on the slave for fluid, also check the back of the master Cly for moisture, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)
Feb 20, 2010 at 6:41 AM
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OTTOVONBISMARCK
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[quote:eed3e2889e="mhpautos"]Hi there,

This is sounding like a hydraulic problem with the master or slave Cly, first check the fluid level, if low, check under the rubber boot on the slave for fluid, also check the back of the master Cly for moisture, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)[/quote:eed3e2889e]

Thanks!

I checked the fluid level and it was ridiculously low, so I went out and got some DOT 3 brake fluid with which to fill it. I also didn't see any signs of leaks, and I'm not sure if the clutch fluid has ever been changed since the original fluid (I just bought the car used less than a year ago). Anyway, do I need to get the old fluid out and replace it with the new fluid, or can I just add the new fluid (I doubt it's the same brand, etc.).

I don't want to get any air in the system, and I'm not sure how to change the fluid if I need to. Any help on that?
Feb 20, 2010 at 6:55 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

You can bled the system of any air and the old fluid very easily, just top up the fluid and with a helper have them hold the clutch down and then open there bleeder on the slave cylinder, when fluid stops running close off bleeder and lift pedal, repeat this 4-5 times making sure that the fluid in the reservoir is topped up between bleeds.

Mark (mhpautos)
Feb 20, 2010 at 7:20 PM