Hi,

I have a 1994 Honda Civic DX Hatchback with about 210,000 kms. Today, the following thing happened that had never happened before:

When I pushed in the clutch when starting the car, the pedal went right to the floorboard without any resistance. It just felt loose. I carefully tried to put the car in gear, but couldn't. Then, I pushed on the clutch pedal a couple of times and was able to put the car in gear and drive. But it felt loose, though I was able to get into all the gears. When I parked the car at my destination, then came out and attempted to drive again, the same thing happened. In that I couldn't get it into gear until I pumped the pedal a few times. Then I drove home again just fine, except that the pedal felt loose. Also, I had the feeling that the clutch was connecting to the transmission in a different spot. Just after lifting the pedal a bit from the floor. Where before it was quite a bit higher.

As I said, this had never happened before. Does anyone know what it could be? Could it be as simple as a clutch adjustment, or does it sound much worse?

The Hans

 

well just guessing... check the fluid in the clutch... its the small verson of the brake fluid resivor...
at least thats what it sounds like to me.... most likely the fluid is low... the fluid leaking out somwhere... and if the fluid is low you want to bleed the clutch out..... cause thier could be air in the system which is also giving you a soft sponge pedal...

 

I checked the clutch fluid. I'm pretty sure it was the right thing. As you said, a small version of the brake fluid reservoir and right beside it. It seemed to have a good level and doesn't appear to be leaking. I was thinking it was something like that also, since you can go into gear after pumping the clutch a few times. Is it possible, do you think, that air could have gotten in there even though the level seems OK?

The Hans

 

it COULD HAVE got some air in the line... a quick bleed job should let ya know...

BUT if it doesnt help them your clutch master cylinder must be bad...... which would also give ya that soft feel... i dont see it costing to much or to much work to replace that....



but bleeding the fluid is preaty quick and cheap to try first...

 

I think they slave cylinders tend to go before the master cylinders. Bleed the whole clutch system and see if that fixes it. If you can't remember it having been done before, you mgiht as well do it now.

 

Well, we've definitely not bled the clutch ourselves. We've had the car since March and I couldn't say if it's been done before or not. But on closer inspection, my husband thinks that the reservoir seems a little low. But the lid says"Use only dot 3 or dot 4 brake fluid." Excuse my ignorance, but is brake fluid used as clutch fluid? I just want to double-check, as I know the person who owned the car previously occasionally did some work on the car. And maybe they put on that lid, but it isn't the right one. So that brake fluid isn't really appropriate.

So you guys would first bleed the clutch before adding more fluid, right? How is that done...I mean I know I pump the clutch, but what do I detach so that the fluid comes out?

The Hans

 

Yeah it's all just hydraulic fluid. You replace the fluid when you bleed it. You'll need two people, get a copy of the service manual, it will have the full troubleshooting/bleeding procedure.

 

ya what he said.... forgot that the slave could also be the problem.... but id just try bleeding the system first.... and work from thier, after bleeding the system if it still doesnt work then id swap the cheapest part... either the master or the slave which ever is cheaper or if ya got some money.... just replace both.. ive also heard to check that rubber line from the metal line on the passenger side that goes to the rubberline running to the slave cylinder.... ive heard that rubber hose can also go bad. if it looks swollen or colapsed id also replace it...
constantly REFILL THAT FLUID... its brake fluid realy.... i bought some from the dealership.. it doesnt take to much... BUT you have to keep refilling the fluid. DO NOT LET IT RUN LOW ON FLUID WHILE BLEEDING..... if you do your just wasting time... cause if it gets low.dry while bleeding it will suck air into the line and youll have to start all over!

also when bleeding the clutch be sure to use a box wrench! cause if you just use a open end wrench you can VERY EASILY strip the head off the bleeder valve and have alot more of a headache...

 

This might sound like a crazy question, but have clutches *always* worked this way, with fluid reservoirs and hydraulics like brakes. I admit, this is my first car from above 1990 and I don't remember *ever* having a fluid reservoir for my clutch in any car. Or ever having a problem like this. It was like "adjust the clutch" if it was too low. Or maybe it had to be replaced, that type of thing.

Also, if we don't bleed it, but just add fluid (because it seems to need it) couldn't that just do the trick if that's the problem? Also, can I re-use the fluid to refill the car once it's been bled?


The Hans

 

well its always best to bleed the whole system out... i would pump out all the dirty brown fluid and as soon as it looks clean and clear then you can keep pouring it back in until the bubbles are gone.... but i wouldnt use old dirty fluid!

brake fluid REALY DOESNT COST THAT MUCH!!!!!
brake fluid can go bad....



o ya and im not sure WHEN most clutches went to hydrolic instead of cable driven... BUT the hydrolic style is easier on your feet!
which id prefer myself....