So I've only had my S for about a month now. 2004 AP2 (2L) with 28k miles on it.

Just had all the fluids replaced (engine, diff, gearbox, brake) and I specifically asked them to change the clutch fluid, but they said it didn't need changing. The reason I wanted it changed is because I have an issue (I see many people have it judging by other posts) of a grind/clunk when changing from 1st to 2nd for the first few minutes of driving when the gearbox is cold. I've changed gearbox fluid (MTF), regreased the shifter (followed the DIY on this forum), taken the slack out of the clutch pedal push rod, and still have the problem. I've read all the threads I can find on the problem, and Billman suggested that changing the clutch fluid would help.

Here's a picture of the current fluid. It looks dark to me, but to be honest I don't know what it should look like anyway. Does it look like it needs changing? I don't really want to have to go back to the dealer again I don't have space to do anything on the car myself where I live.

 

Normal looking. Clutch fluid blackens quickly in the S, but that doesn't mean it's bad. But if you want, on a scale of 1-10, clutch bleed is a 1.5 difficulty max. You could do it in a parking lot somewhere, seriously.

 

You can change 9/10 of the fluid with just a turkey baster. No mechanical skills required.

 

The clunking is normal.

Check out the link in my signature for steps to change out the fluid.

 

That's very dirty.As a general rule,I baster out my brake & clutch fluid at every oil change=5k miles.

Fluid is cheap.I use Prestone Dot 4 in all my cars.

\rlr
Carolina

 

Use the turkey blaster method as realblag suggests.

Just buy a big bottle of brake fluid and a cheap turkey baster. Use the turkey baster and you'll get most of the fluid out. Refill the master cylinder and drive a few days and the new fluid will mix with the remaining old fluid and turn dark, Just repeat the process a few times with the turkey baster a few days apart and you'll have a complete fluid change. One large can of brake fluid will be more than enough to do it multiple times.

 

You should be able to see the bottom of the Clutch reservoir as well as the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid should be translucent.

 

Dirty.

Suck it out like others suggested. Its worked well for me. Bleeding will just create problems that could lead to more serious issues.

The notch/ clunk is normal by the way.

 

Yep, as others have said a few baster bastings does the trick. You can always use Honda brake fluid if you like too.
I have found the shifting much better, if not butter smooth, when the beast is warmed up.

 

The way Billman taught me was the paper towel way no bleeding. Sog up the brake fliud with paper towel, then clean the reservoir with clean paper towel. Add new fluid and feel a diffrence. You can do this a few times but once you clean the reservoir spotless you should be good.