2003 Vibe GT Engine/Transmission/acceleration problem?

[wingman7000]

I have a 6spd manual 2003 vibe gt with 110K miles on it. I was driving on the interstate the other day and when I went to accelerate, the RPMs went real high and it didn't really accelerate like it normally does. What could cause this in a manual tranny? I would expect it from an automatic tranny that is failing, but not from a manual. I normally use mid to high grade fuel, but the last fillup I used regular. Could that be the cause or could it be something more serious? Should I change the tranny fluids? I also noticed it want to idle a little low. What could cause all of this?Any help or suggestion would be appreciated. Thanks!

[injun_josh]

LOLOL ahhhhh welcome to hell brother! nah it sounds like your clutch is slipping. very common on the gt's. The clutch is WAY too small for our engines and almost all gt's eat their stock clutch. if you got that high of mileage without replacing one consider yourself very lucky. Mine just went out yesterday. Do yourself a favor and dont replacing it with an oem part, order a stage 1 exedy off of ebay or monkeywrenchracing.com that way your not putting on another clutch that is too weak for the motor. and also get the flywheel resurfaced.

[BLargal]

Are you talking about with manuals or with automatics? And with your model car only? Cause that worries me a bit but I have an 09 automatic vibe GT.

[Bedlam]

as Josh said already. Your clutch is pretty much toast at this point. Keep the rpm's and throttle down till you have your replacement parts lined up. You can still drive the car for now but if you cook the rest of it off you risk parking the car and damaging the flywheel. Take it easy for a bit and get your stuff ordered and a shop ready or if you are feeling handy there is a nice write up on here on how to do it at home.

[wingman7000]

@injun_josh --Thanks for the input. I figure its always good to try and upgrade a bit if you can. I will look at the prices and see which would fit my budget right now, which always seems to be low these days. Did you replace it yourself or have a mechanic do it?

[wingman7000]

@Bedlam -- so far replacing the clutch seems to be the consensus so now I'm trying to find a good price for one. I would prefer to do it myself, but would like to have some guidance from someone with more experience. I'll have to see if I can find a diy garage around or someone who won't charge an arm an a leg. Any suggestions on where to find a good price on the clutch?

[injun_josh]

I do all my mechanic work myself. Ive been under cars since i was four.

[JazzyVibe]

Does this continue to repeat. Earlier this week the exact same thing happened to me. I knew right away it was slipping, but then I couldn't seem to replicate it on the way home. Finally was able to replicate it with my father in the car. I took it into a shop and they were unable to get the clutch to slip again.My thoughts were if the clutch was failing it would consistently slip at a specific rpm/load range. But I haven't had any problems the last few days.

[wingman7000]

Yes, it will still do it. I have been taking it real easy as to not cause it to slip anymore (taking off slow and shifting around 2500rpm). I notice that it will start to slip if I take off real hard or try to accelerate too fast on the freeway. From what I can tell it usually starts to slip around 3000 rpm, so thats why I'm shifting quicker.

[wingman7000]

Well it looks like the clutch is getting a bit worse I may end up taking it to Pep Boys and have them do it since they have been the cheapest quote thusfar ($542 w/ tax with a LUK OEM clutch) and my complex won't allow me to do it in the parking lot. Anyone had Pep Boys install one of these? How is it?

[bassplayaz06]

well if you lived near me, you could do it at my place. it took me 2 weekends with confusing instructions, and some interruptions happening. so with a chilton manual, you could do it in a weekend.

[wingman7000]

Thanks bassplayaz06 I would take you up on the offer if it were closer. Looking a the map though, I've definitely driven by your town on my way to ATL (where I'm from originally)

[rAERRK]

Quote, originally posted by wingman7000 »Well it looks like the clutch is getting a bit worse I may end up taking it to Pep Boys and have them do it since they have been the cheapest quote thusfar ($542 w/ tax with a LUK OEM clutch) and my complex won't allow me to do it in the parking lot. Anyone had Pep Boys install one of these? How is it?no, but i'd never have anything done to my car at pep boys. ps- youre lucky yours lasted as long as it did

[Salsa Guy]

I believe there is some upgrades for a few $$ more that maybe worth doing.

[wingman7000]

what do you suggest?

[wingman7000]

Well I finally coughed up the $$ to have the clutch replaced at Pep Boys and good thing I did. The disc was almost down to the screws. The new clutch...wow what a difference. Its a totally different car. There is virtually no resistance in the pedal now where before it was fairly stiff. I don't know if it was because of the failing clutch or the type of clutch that was in it. Nonetheless got it fixed just in time. Thanks for everyone's input.

[Salsa Guy]

what did it run you, if you don't mind me asking

[wingman7000]

just over $700 with flyweel resurfacing and "extended warranty" for a year

[wingman7000]

Thinking about the new clutch...as I mentioned before, I have been really surprised at how different the clutch feels. There is basically no resistance in the clutch pedal now as compared to the old one. With that in mind, does that mean that the new clutch isn't as durable as the old one? Or does it mean that the old was was so bad?