I have an 03 CL-S 6 speed. It seems lately when I shift gears a little more on the harder side, the car seems to buck slightly. It seems like the clutch is sorta bouncy if you understand what I'm saying. I can shift so it's very smooth but when shifting at 4k or above the car is jerky. I am thinking it may be a motor mount but I haven't had time to check it out yet. What do you guys think and where should I look first if it's a possible bad motor mount? Thanks


P.S. I have been downshifting kinda hard lately having "a little fun".

Recommended shift points for smooth acceleration (from the owners manual):

1st to 2nd - 15mph
2nd to 3rd - 25mph
3rd to 4th - 40mph
4th to 5th - 47mph
5th to 6th - 52mph

Thanks but it's not my shifting skills that are lacking. I think it's problem with either the clutch or engine mounts.

With only 48K miles on it, shouldn't be the clutch unless the prior owner had beat the heck out of it...

Since you're still under warranty, I'd bring it in... Clutch might not be covered (it's a wear item), but if it's a motor mount, you can probably get that checked...

I have the same issue but only from first to second. I always dismissed this as a "touchy" clutch, however. I'd be curious to hear if others have this happen as well.

It's very noticeable in the 1st > 2nd shift and less noticeable in the 2>3>4 shifts and so on...

Mine started to buck like you described. Took it to the dealer and they said that the clutch was slipping and that they could pull it apart to see if there is any defect. Unfortunately those clowns didn't find anything and I had to pay for a new clutch. Actually the worst dealer experience I had since nobody was able to answer any questions I had on it. I know I didn't beat on the clutch and I am confident with my manual driving skills. Oh yeah, there was like 47K miles on the car too!

Manual transmissions car have 3 pedals:

Far left pedal is usually called the clutch pedal. This pedal is used to engage a different gear in the manual transmission car. Failure to engage the clutch could result in premature wear of the transmission.

Pedal in the middle is called the brake pedal. Used to slow down or immobilise the vehicule.

Pedal on the right is called the "Gas" pedal or accelerator. Used to put the car in motion and increase in speed.

To think - you thought that was funny, then wrote it, and still thought it was funny...


I have a similiar problem. Actually, I am not sure it is a problem at all. Unless others prove me otherwise (which I actually would not mind), I have accepted it - much like the slight uneasyness I get when shifting from 1st to 2nd on cold days.

I don't agree that the clutch is slipping. Mine did this since day one. Leads me to believe it's either driver error or a defect.

..............

smoooooth shifting 4 me.. but thats because i'm nice with it..

The bucking could be caused from the pressure plate fork. If one of the fork is bent or loses its tension, the pressure on the clutch disc is uneven and slight slippage will occur causing the car to buck.

I have the same problem on my 6-speed. The dealership said it is probably a bent pressure plate, uneven flywheel or something. My clutch doesn't slip. According to the dealership, the only way they can identify the culprit is to pull the tranny. I started a thread on this a few months ago. At the time I had 40k on the odo. Now the weather is warm and it doesn't do it anymore.

Only problem I can say I have is the typical notchy 1>2 shift and lately I have noticed that if I shift aggressivly from 2>3 I will get a slight chatter in the clutch pedal for a second. Doesn't happen in any other gear or when I make that shift during casual driving. Probably just something im doing wrong. This car certainly has a touchy clutch, but it does make for some quick shifts

P.S. My car has 24K miles

Mine shifts nice and smooth.

Until it doesn't shift at all

How does it get bent? bad shifting?

Everytime you press the clutch in, the Throw Out bearing pushes the fork on the pressure plate. Over time the Spring tension on the fork gets worn from depressing the clutch so much, causing it to bend.

I was waiting on some one to say it.

I had a serious bucking problem after I installed my headers. I even got a CEL. It was really bad, I almost couldn't drive. It was in any gear, & any RPM. I scanned & the code was Idle air control failure. I disconected the battery overnight. The next morning it was fine. Never did it again.
Just another thing to check. May not be anything related to the clutch/tranny