Ask an expert

I'm an owner of a Honda Civic with a CVT transmission. I've heard about the problems with the start clutches in these transmissions. My car has started to show symptoms of a failing start clutch.

Should I take the car back to Honda for repairs (presumably a start clutch replacement) or will the average "auto transmission specialist" have the knowhow and equipment to do the job?

Secondly, how much would a job like this typically cost? (or number of hours of labour?).

Jeff

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 22 September 2008

My best advice is to definitely take the vehicle into a Honda dealer.

The Constant Variable Transmission has been an ongoing problem for Honda since inception and there are a number of different options available to remedy the problem.

I must say the newer models available seem to have overcome these shudder problems.

One option will be to change the transmission fluid only. Strange as it may sound, this can be a long term solution to overcome some shudder problems.

As a slight aside, never put a non genuine fluid into a Honda CVT transmission regardless of what anyone else tells you.

There are other options available such as a modified start clutch pack which means a removal of the transmission as the start clutch is an internal component.

Honda will (should) know the best option to take, depending on the vehicles age and possible country of first registration (NZ new or Japanese import).

Cost will depend on which option is taken.