There were discussions touching on this before but I wonder if anyone actually confirmed they had a start clutch failure and what resolution resulted.

Few weeks ago, my auto Jazz 1.4 started to behave strange. It does not violent shudder but there is a mild but definite shuddering when the car starts up from rest. This is more evident when the car starts from rest while on a hill - and travels up the hill.

The shudder occurs for a short time, around 1/2 sec and then disappears. It happens when RPM is between say 1500 to 2000 RPM. It does not shudder once the car is in motion - regardless of engine rpm or speed.

And if I start moving real smoothly, pressing acelerator nice & easy, the shudder does not appear. But if I step on it (as in WOT), the car shudders when moving off from rest - and in this case, the shudder is very evident.

I suspect this is a start clutch problem but wonder if anyone else encountered a similar symptom.

- Did anyone had a confirmed start clutch failure?

- If so, what was the solution

- How much did it cost you and how long did it take?

My car is unfortunately out of warranty (by a year plus, car is 4 years+ old) - so any repairs by Honda dealer will be almost inevitable, unless (not sure about this) this is a recall issue. In which case, do I just pay for workmanship & the parts are free?

While I'm almost sure this is a start clutch failure, I will try different things to "fix" or reduce the effects - such as resetting the ECU computer (via methods in the Jazz service manual).

I did think of replacing the clutch myself but after looking at the darn Jazz manual, it freaks me out - you even need a special tool to open the inside of the CVT mechanism to get to the start clutch, process is really too hard & risky.

I'm not a happy person at this time.