For awhile, I just ignored it--after all, my car runs just fine: it starts, it gets me to where I'm going, it hasn't gotten any worse. I tried different kinds of gas, from different gas stations, but that didn't make a difference. I got my oil changed, but that didn't do anything, either. So, it's been as is and I just hang on on when the body-shaking shuddering occurs. I figured if I took it to a mechanic, the car wouldn't do "it" and I'd be at the same place I was before going to the mechanic. I've done numerous internet searches and watched a whole slew of You-tube videos in an effort to identify potential causes but I've come up empty handed. I've tried to take videos of an "episode," as I thought that would be helpful for the mechanic, but--of course--the issue NEVER happens when the video camera is on.
Hmmmm. Note to self. Run video camera at all times when driving....
So, if any of you have a history of stick shifting, car repair, identifying strange car behavior--or, even if you don't but still want to get in on the fun--here's what is going on:
1. I drive a 2008 Honda Civic, Manual transition. It runs quite well and appears to be in groovy condition. Only 60,000 miles.
2. I've driven a stick shift since 1985 so don't tell me it's my driving or sudden inability to use manual transmission.
3. I drive without issue for a trip or maybe a couple of in town trips or even a highway trip without incident.
4. Then, it happens---when shifting into first (from a stop), the car has a little shudder, only a hint of something being wrong. Passengers may or may not notice this little shudder. It's more like what the car sounds like if it were going to conk out, but again--I don't think most people notice.
5. If lucky, when shifting into first, there is such a shudder that the entire car shakes and everyone inside gets jumbled around until the car is fully into first.
6. It does NOT do it in any of the other gears. Only first gear.
7. It may do it once, twice, twelve times....and, then it stops, not happening again for the remainder of the trip.
8. Yes, I can drive without using first gear, but that kinda sucks and doesn't solve the problem.
9. It will not do it if the video recorder is on or if a mechanic is in the car.
I know this because I took it to a mechanic today and, as anticipated, the car did nothing but ride smoothly.
The mechanic suggested it might be "clutch chatter." I'd agree and had considered that except all the videos I've watched didn't look like what happens to my car. I like the idea of a chattering clutch but only if it can be solved.
I've considered it might be the actual clutch pedal, the clutch itself, something with the clutch cables, a fuel filter or fuel pump issue or possession by Dale Earnhart. I mean, how can it only happen when going in to first gear?
The mechanic suggested I just keep driving it, as is. He suggested it doesn't seem dangerous to drive. It certainly didn't seem very troubling to him. While I love the idea of giving him no money, I don't like the idea that I still don't have an answer.
So, I'm counting on you, esteemed readers in the Addiverse. I'll do a few more internet searches, too. Maybe I should call those Car Talk guys and hang out at car show. I scheduled an appointment with the mechanic so he can keep my car all day. Maybe, just maybe, it will do the "Schaddi Shuffle" for him. As I made the appointment, he warned me that if it is the clutch, I should probably replace it sooner than later, as the price of clutches is going up, up, up. After all, who the hell still drives manual transmission? They aren't making many cars with stick shifts these days.
The wife says it's time I get an automatic car. I spit on that idea. I mean, I love driving my stick shift. Granted, if I lived in the city and had to survive stop-and-go traffic, I'd have killed myself by now. Here in town, there isn't really a lot of traffic--well, by Chicago standards, anyways. I've resigned myself to the fact that my next car will have to be an automatic but that's years and years away. I plan on driving this one until it will drive no more. I feel I can get to 300,000 in this baby.
The wife: "You need to get a car with automatic transition."
Me: (While driving away from the stop light, as the SHUD-SHUD-SHUD-SHUD-shudder occurs) "Why?"
The wife: "You're getting too old to drive a stick shift. What if your knee gives you trouble?"
Me: "I have two knees. What if it's the right knee that gives me problems?"
The wife: "You can drive an automatic with one foot."
Me: "No, you can't."
The wife: "Yes, you can. If you have to."
Me: "Well, I don't have to. You just want me to get a new car."
I sense the 'You need a Ford' vibration coming from the passenger seat.
She doesn't have to say a word. I know she wants me to drive a Ford Edge or Escape. I know her type. She's a Ford Whore, an All-American Girl. Well, guess what, missy? My car has more Ford parts than her Ford probably has. My "foreign" car was made in Canada and has Ford parts. You leave my car alone. You step away from my shuddering car.
Me: "Maybe I'll get a Ford with a stick shift."
I think I'm funny. But, since it's a quiet ride except for the occasional shudders, I'm guessing I'm not as funny as I think. I'm sure she wants to tell me to "stick this stick shift" in places it won't shift, but she says nothing, not even during the shuddering.
For the record, I think it's wrong that they are phasing out manual transmissions. The Stick Shift will become a lost art. I am becoming a relic.
I shudder to even think that.
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