'02 P5 clutch issues.

[Tangent]

hey folks, been browsing the forums ever since i got my white '02 protege5 from carmax a few weeks ago, but haven't posted till now (obviously). as you probably guessed, this is a 5-speed manual transmission variant, and i'm having some major problems with the clutch. in short, it has a VERY inconsistent g-spot, which in gears 3-5 isn't a problem, but when starting from a stop or a shifting into 2nd, the clutch is just randomly grabbing at intervals throughout the clutch throw. it's done this since i got it, but i figured it was just because i wasn't used to the clutch yet (my previous car was a 5-speed as well), but it's been about 3 weeks now and this is getting just absolutely ridiculous.

so what i'm basically asking is if there is anyway to "tweak" how and when the clutch catches, or if there's some sort of lame "drivers assist" thing i can turn off.

or maybe i just need to quit whining and get used to the clutch. either way, help would be appreciated

 

[Alpinejwl]

or maybe i just need to quit whining and get used to the clutch. either way, help would be appreciated <!-- / message -->

 

[acidbug]

Sounds like time to get a new clutch in there.

chas

 

[Dimitrios]

There isn't any way to adjust the clutch.

Unfortunately, I'd also recommend replacing the clutch to get a consistent feel.

 

[Brian MP5T]

Bleed the line...

 

[vinnie]

clutch issues

I'm a P5 2002 owner with similar symptoms. I occasionally have problems to get going from a complete stop. The clutch grabs, and I have to double clutch to glide the ride... I too was thinking that it was my driving, but I think it is more a bad clutch issue... I have owned the P5 for one year and have simply dealt with it by double clutching... It does not happen a lot and only on acceleration in 1st gear... it sucks... (pissed) I have only 37000K (17000 when I bought it...). I will see what the dealer says, but suspect not much other than $$$

 

[chuyler1]

I've got 42K and I notice this behavior on occasion, especially when the car is cold and I'm not paying attention. Most of the time though if the ground is level, I can get the car rolling w/o any gas. For example stop and go traffic or waiting in line at a stop sign.

If your clutch is causing you to stall and you're passed the new-car-getting-used-to stage then you might need a new clutch or you might just need to give it more gas when starting out. 1st and 2nd gear on any car can be difficult to get used to.

 

[vinnie]

clutch issues

Never stalled it... as mentioned double clutching does the trick, and yah it happens primarily when the car is cold...

I am not a mechanic, and I wonder if bleeding the line, as mentioned, would be an option...

later...

 

[boo-boo]

hmmm this is first for me...i have never heard of this prob before....i did actually have a prob about 2yrs ago with a nasty cold weather clutch chatter....but it was covered under a technical service bullitin....i never had a warranty left ...check it out, im not sure where to find "TSB's" now......anyhow im up to 130k still orig clutch.

 

[RedKatanax9]

im not sure where to find "TSB's" now...

http://web2.airmail.net/theman/protegefaq/tsb/

 

[Tangent]

i've actually found that by scooting my seat back a notch, thus giving my legs a bit more room (i'm 6'2") i've been able to easily get over the clutch issues. i'm glad too, because when the engine is warmed up and the weather is just right this car is such a joy to drive. my previous car was a 1986 saab 900 N/A, and it was as basic as you can get. it handled beautifully, but never had much "go" (110hp 119lb/ft). the little protege just sings through the corners and accelerates confidently at the apex and through.

down shifting in this car is also alot easier as the engine is "lighter". the saab had a cast-iron engine that only revved if you gave it quite a bit of gas, this little thing just goes right up. and the BEST thing about it is the exhaust note isn't that pathetic "weed-wacker" racket all these high school idiots seem to love. has a very nice note, especially above 5krpm when the engine really shines.

in the end i can safely say that while the mazda has nowhere near as much character as the saab, i'm very satisfied with my purchase. i'll get some pic's of it up soon.

 

[chuyler1]

I considered buying a used SAAB...but bought a new P5 instead.

 

[Tangent]

the pre '94 (unless you find a 1994 SPG SE) saab 900's are excellent cars. if you get a turbo'd model, you'll have 160bhp with 180lb/ft right off the bat, and the engines can easily put out over 250 with some tweaks, although they are FWD so going crazy with the HP just means more torque-steer. they handle beautifully, last forever, and get great gas mileage. only problem is that finding an SPG or even just a 900t with a manual trans in good condition is very hard.

oh yeah, they are also a DREAM to work on. even though the car is FWD, it's engine placement is much like those of a RWD vehicle (along the body-line, instead of laterally) and everything is just right there, no plastic covers, no dumbass tools needed to change the oil filter, and since the hood opens forwards and up, there's plenty of room for two people to simultaneously work on the engine.

i could go on all day about c900's (i love em more than pie), but i'll stop now

 

[vinnie]

clutch issues

For anyone still wondering about clutch chatter issues.

I called my dealer, and the service department indeed mentioned the service bulletin (see RedKatanaX9's link) for the clutch... I only have 40,000 K, but warranty is done... basically new clutch disk is required (flame)

I might try the service manager, and maybe mazda canada for service as I think it is insane that with this low milage and an existing bulletin they will not cover a known problem (notcool) (yupnope) (notcool) ...

 

[SkinnyJoint]

I'm a P5 2001 owner with similar symptoms. I occasionally have problems to get going from a complete stop. The clutch grabs, and I have to double clutch to glide the ride... I too was thinking that it was my driving, but I think it is more a bad clutch issue... I have owned the P5 for one year and have simply dealt with it by double clutching... It does not happen a lot and only on acceleration in 1st gear... it sucks... (pissed) I have only 37000K (17000 when I bought it...). I will see what the dealer says, but suspect not much other than $$$

01?

 

[vinnie]

01?

It was bought in 2001... correction made

 

[SkinnyJoint]

It was bought in 2001... correction made

rgr