2004 Matrix Clutch Problem

[ERwhitewater]

I own a 2004 Matrix XRS with 52000 miles on it (bought new). Throughout its life I've smelled the occasional tell-tale odor of a burning clutch but always under rediculous circumstances such a leaving a red light or beginning a slight climb up a hill. I've been driving for more than 40 years and most of those years were driving manuals. I've never gotten less than 100K on any clutch. Anyway I first noticed that my clutch was failing when leaving a red light and felt the slip and saw the RPM's climb then settle back down. I contacted the dealer I bought the car from and told them that I have an extended warranty, which covers it for up to 100K or 86 months. They looked me up and told me that I have a problem -- the company that I bought the extended warranty from (API) went bankrupt and they aren't honoring claims covered by them! Adding insult to injury, it was the dealership that sold me the extended warranty in the first place with their recommendation for $1600.00!

The dealership offered me a repair quote of $1300.00. I've also been noticing that the belt is squealing to the point that I want to wear a disguise but only when the engine is cold or if it's humid or wet. Once the engine has been running a while it quits squealing. That appears to be yet another common problem and one that the company is all too willing to repair for me minus the non-existant warranty for another $175.00 or more, depending if they have to replace the tensioner or not.

So first, I just want to register that the 2004 Matrix DOES have the same clutch problem as it's earlier predecessor. But I'm also looking for a good recommendation on a good after market clutch and someone to put it in at a fair price, whatever that might be. I've read in earlier threads of the recommendation for the ACT clutch but research shows me that I'd be purchasing a kit. I don't pretend to have the skill nor the setting to install a clutch myself!

[Smar969905]

As you have probably found, the XRS has had major clutch issues, and on every forum about the trix xrs, it usually has several threads just about the clutch being such a worthless pile on these cars.

About the warranty, if i were you, i would go to the dealership and very explicitly tell them that they recommended the Ext. warranty, and you got it through them, not the other company, and if they want your business ever again, then they will fix the clutch according to the warranty they sold you, as well as the squealing belt. that being said, and assuming they do replace the clutch for you, it will be another one of the same crappy clutch that will go out on you in another 40-50k miles.

in terms of getting a new clutch and having it installed, you will probably get many more recommendations as to what clutch and flywheel to get. my recommendation is to go sign up on www.matrixowners.com and look in the local club that you would be in. they can help you out more with getting it installed at reasonable prices. there are several good clutches out there for the matrix. many people who replace the clutch usually go with a Fidanza flywheel, but i dont recall off the top of my head as to which clutch they go with.

Good luck to you and i hope i have at least pointed you in a direction that will be more helpful