1: in neutral if i press in the clutch i get a cruncy noise and feel
2: shifting is being more clunky and kicking
3: in slow traffic, in 1st going to neutral sometimes gets stuck
4: cold morning starts i need to put it in 3rd before i can go to 1st.

so what do you think? i have a 2000 with 20k and the 100k warranty

 

May be your tranny. I'm sure someone here will know for sure.

 

tony when was the last time you changed your tranny fluid?

 

Try changing your tranny and clutch fluids first.

 

BTW, how often does tranny and clutch fluids have to be done?

I looked into AHM Owners Link and it specified replacing rear differential fluid every year but nothing about tranny and clutch fluids???

 

I replaced my tranny @ 12k and it made a huge difference--especially with the 1-2 grind.
I don't think I'd go past 20k without changing the clutch fluid either.

 

These are the EXACT symptoms I have, I also have a problem coming out of gears (like the 3-2 shift) at times.. I changed tranny oil (BIG THANKS to BASS!) and the clutch oil but it did not make a difference. I felt like the clutch was going but it would always pass the "incline test" - I could not get it to slip going up a hill.

My car will be at the dealership for a new throw out bearing, the cable (I can feel that its breaking - reminds of the bicycle brake cables when they start to break strands) and related parts - they diagnosed the problem. I am dropping my car off on Monday and will hopefully get it the same day or next. Will keep you posted. Mine is an 02 with 35,000 abuse free miles on it.

 

Did you find out what the problem was?

 

Got the car back today - it took them a LOT longer than a day or two. I'm told they "ran into comlications". Anyway, just came back from a 120 mile drive (which just happens to be my one way commute till I move to Reading in two weeks) and it seems that the car is just like brand new in term of the clutch and tranny. So, I guess, it was the clutch all along and not the tranny that was the culprit. I have not looked at the paperwork yet to check exactly what they replace. From what I heard it's pretty much EVERYTHING including the clutch. The shifting is back to silky smooth

 

Ahsan, let us know what they replaced.