Thumping noise when starting to move forward in first gear. First dealer to look at the problem said it was an apple under the drivers seat. The second dealer found the problem. A defective clutch master cylinder. Part was back ordered, took two weeks to find service bulletin 02-002, January 11, 2005. To diagnosis the problem: Have an assistant press the clutch pedal while you grasp the clutch line at the clutch master cylinder, and then at the slave cylinder. If you feel a vibration through the clutch line when you hear the noise or the noise stops, go to repair procedure. See like case number 10091042.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

I have a 2003 Honda Accord ex with a manual transmission, with approximately 9,000 miles. By the way, I had the master clutch cylinder replaced about 4,000 miles ago. In any event, on the incident date, I was unable to shift the car in any gear, and had to have it towed to the dealer. The diagnosis is a defective O-ring in the clutch assembly, which caused the fluid to completely leak out. I view this as a serious problem, as if it happened on the road it could be a serious safety hazard, and if it happened in a remote spot, it could result in being stuck in the middle of nowhere. The Honda service attendant told me that the O-ring was on back order, which indicated to him that many other cars had suffered this same problem.

- Lakewood, CO, USA