I bought an 04 TL, 6MT with 86000 miles about 3 weeks ago. 1 week after buying it, the clutch completely burnt out. Luckily, the broker I bought it from replaced the clutch and extra's for cheap. Now I'm suspicious because I've noticed a few other things about the car and, not having had one before, I need yall's help in figuring out what's going on. The broker told me straight up that a blonde chick (nothin against blonde's but doubt she drove it well) from Austin had the car before me.
1) I've had the new clutch for a couple of days now and sometimes it's hard to shift into first, I read other threads and still don't know if this is normal or not, Is there something I'm doing to cause it?
2) Is there some fluid I could replace that would make it better?
3) I have 70% life on the oil but, since I don't know what all's wrong with the car, anyone have any input as to a complete fluid replacement plan? Should I replace the brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc...
4) This is my first MT (I've driven MT before and had a bike but that's different lol), how much does practice wear out the clutch? Like how bad is an occasional stall or lurch?
Any help is appreciated. Thanks guys

 

ive had the same problem too of having a hard time shifting to 1st. but i have asked my mechanic and they said hondas are pretty notorious for that. i have about 2 friends and they have a hard time shifting to first also. so what we do when it doesnt get into gear step on clutch and go to neutral and pop it back in 1st. the 2nd time always works for us lols

 

1. Our car's shift to 2nd fairly hard.
2. Yes, GM Synchromesh Friction Modified Manual Transmission fluid seems to cure alot of the members problems on here.
3. Motor oil: Mobil1 full synthetic blend....choose the best weight for you/your car. Brake fluid: just use whats in your manual. Transmission: see #2.
4. Lurching/stalling is bad for the transmission, if you have a friend with a beater MT that is willing to help you, I'd suggest that. Our clutches are among the hardest to learn on (according to other members), because of its adaptive behavior to our driving styles.

 

i learned on my clutch... and fml it had to be my first stick car.. and 6 months later here i am needing a new clutch and axles lols

 

Where is the engagement point on the pedal? Who installed the clutch and did they adjust it correctly?

Definitely go with GMSMFM fluid. It makes thing buttery smooth.

None of my gears are 'hard' to shift into with the exception of the well known 3rd gear issue which was fixed by replacing the fluid.

If you don't know the service history then changing all of the fluids won't hurt.

This platform is by far the hardest clutch I have ever experienced. It does take some time to get used to but as long as you don't over ride it from a stop or get on it hard very often, you should be ok.

 

My 6mt TL was my first mt car too, though I knew how to drive it before I got it. But in my opinion this was one of the toughest clutches for me to get used to.