2009 Matrix 1.8 Clutch Problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

gisbe · 07-18-2010, 04:47 PM

I oftenly have strong vibration when starting in first gear and sometimes in second. Clutch pedal seems to be hard. My car is 21 months old and problem began at 24000 km. I don't know if there's someting wrong with the pressure plate and/or clutch bearing. I asked my dealer to test drive my car and they told me that everything was normal. I'm driving manual trans since i got my licences 23 years ago and never had problem like that. Am i the only one having that problem ?

milkyway · 07-19-2010, 09:50 AM

try to give more gas and release the clutch gradually.
I found when it was new, I shift one-to-two at around 2K-2.5k rpm that was fine.
Now, It is two years old, I have to give more gas and higher rpm (about 3K) to get smoother start up

jdhog · 07-20-2010, 06:48 AM

Talking about 'Clutch Chatter' I think is the term?

I've had it a few times only pulling away in 1st gear. Usually happened to me when it was cold and I let the clutch out a bit fast with not enough revs/momentum. Still, I've also been driving manuals all my life, I will say that the clutch IS a bit touchy.

Sundance_XR · 08-29-2010, 08:16 PM

I have this exact same problem. It has been happening ever since I got the car. I actually just had the whole transmission replaced (not because of this) and it still does it so it must be the clutch, as they used the same one. However, mine only does it when it is cold, and only in first gear. My buddy's 07 Mazda 3 does the same thing.

gisbe · 09-14-2010, 06:18 PM

I finally found that my spark plugs were causing the problem. I replaced them (even if they're suppose to be good for 100 000 km) and everything is back to normal.

***silver04rollas*** · 09-19-2010, 08:14 PM

I think you might have the infamous 'Clutch release bearing' issue.

Do you get any ticking noise when the car is idling and in neutral??

gisbe · 11-16-2010, 07:03 PM

It's doin' it again. I don't think the clutch has something to do with this problem. It looks like a power loss probably due to a throttle problem. I can see the rpm going up and down with no reason. I'm stilll trying to find out.

TigerMatrix · 02-15-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gisbe

It's doin' it again. I don't think the clutch has something to do with this problem. It looks like a power loss probably due to a throttle problem. I can see the rpm going up and down with no reason. I'm stilll trying to find out.

Gisbe, any updates on this?

After noticing this same issue on our '09 1.8, I searched and found this thread. I cannot believe at 30,000 miles, we're experiencing a clutch issue... the dealership was less than helpful, other than quoting me $1200 for the work. It's a 2 year old car!

This ordeal has really set negatively with me, especially since a Sienna was on the buying list next month. We've owned several Toyotas, never a clutch problem... and now this, plus no service support.

Looks like I'll be addressing Toyota on this issue for further assistance...

EBR · 03-27-2011, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TigerMatrix

Gisbe, any updates on this?

After noticing this same issue on our '09 1.8, I searched and found this thread. I cannot believe at 30,000 miles, we're experiencing a clutch issue... the dealership was less than helpful, other than quoting me $1200 for the work. It's a 2 year old car!

This ordeal has really set negatively with me, especially since a Sienna was on the buying list next month. We've owned several Toyotas, never a clutch problem... and now this, plus no service support.

Looks like I'll be addressing Toyota on this issue for further assistance...

I would suggest trying a different dealer, also call your Toyota 1-800 number and talk to a Customer satisfaction rep. They should be able to start a file and, it will not only be noted at the dealer level but also higher up.

If you talk to a service manager at your dealership or a different one, He/She should be able to arrange a Test Drive with a Tech.

tarsun · 03-29-2011, 05:44 PM

to determine if its the clutch or a "lack of power" problem, you can try shifting without the clutch. if it still shutters, then its not the clutch.

can anyone back me up on this or am i wrong in my thinking.

also
since the trans is covered under warenty and the clutch is not, i often find myself shifting with out the clutch. its not hard to do at all. no grinding either.

gisbe · 04-04-2011, 10:33 PM

Finally it's running good. The dealer told me it was the clutch i would'nt have to pay for it. I believe it was much more than just the clutch... maybe the pressure plate or the clutch bearing were in bad condition. I was telling my dealer the clutch pedal was hard to push down and now it's as easy as it was the day i had this car. I hope it will last for a couple of years without any major problem !