This is something that has been happening with 03 Maxima ever since I got it. It never happened with my old car, so I am wondering if it is normal or a reason for concern.

Here is the scenario:

With the car off, I depress the clutch, and put it in neutral. Keeping the clutch depressed, I start the car. When I release the clutch, I feel a slight jerk, as if the car was trying to go forward (which it shouldn't since I am in neutral). This happens the most when the car is cold, and is more severe in cold weather. It never actually goes forward, but it jerks the car slightly.

Another thing (probably related):

With the car running, I then depress the clutch, put it into 1st gear, without releasing the clutch, I put it back into neutral. Then when I release the clutch, I hear a thump. No matter how many more times I depress and release the clutch again, I don't hear the thump anymore (unless I put it into first gear and back to neutral).

Anyone else get this? Can anyone explain what is happening here?

Thanks

 

anyone?

 

how is transmission oil color look like .. if its look bad then get a good flush and see if there is a change!

 

Manual, not automatic...

There's always a slight drag internally because of the thickness of the gear oil (jack the car up, the wheels will spin in neutral). It's possible I suppose that in very cold weather the gear oil is so thick...eh, maybe not.

Who knows, just a thought.

 

Thanks guys. I use Redline MT-90 so I think it's as thin as it gets and I got it changed about 2k ago. For the most part it has been shifting very smoothly, except for an occasional jerk when suddenly depressing the clutch when in first (I learned to drive in a way to avoid it).

Recently though (the last month or two) I noticed it doesn't go into the lower gears as easily anymore. I found the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder reservoir has dropped a bit below the minimum mark. Looks like I have a leak. It's possible there has been some air in the system, and slowly has been getting worse. Tomorrow I'm picking up a new clutch slave cylinder and hose. I'm hoping it's all related to the leak.

I will also replace the motor mounts with ES bushings. I'm also suspecting them as a possible reason for the jerks / thumps.