Dual Clutch Honda Fit & Vezel Repairing & Replacement Service in Karachi
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced a voluntary recall of the all-new Fit Hybrid (earlier post) and Vezel Hybrid (earlier post) produced in Japan from July 2013 through February 2014 due to a problem with the software program controlling the 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) which could cause non-engagement of gears, a delay in the ability to begin driving or the inability to move at all. Honda notified Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of the recall with a total recall population of 81,353 units.
Honda conducted two earlier recalls in October and December 2013 due to a defect with the software program controlling the 7-speed DCT which could have caused a delay in the ability to drive the vehicle or the inability to drive. This latest recall is this the third related to problems with the 7-speed DCT. Each recall was due to a different cause.
The Sport Hybrid i-DCD. Both the Fit Hybrid and the Vezel Hybrid are equipped with Honda’s Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD), a one-motor hybrid system suited for small-sized vehicles. The i-DCD drive unit combines a newly developed inline 4-cylinder 1.5L Atkinson cycle engine and the 7-speed DCT system with a built-in high-output motor and a lithium-ion battery to improve efficiency by more than 30% compared to a conventional one-motor hybrid system.
All-electric mode is enabled during startup and low- to medium-speed cruising by using the clutches to disengage the engine; the system also contributes to the improvement of fuel economy by increasing energy regeneration using the clutches to disengage the engine during deceleration.
The Vezel Hybrid is also equipped with Honda’s original Real Time AWD, which controls torque distribution to the front and rear wheels precisely through electronic control.
7-speed DCT with high-output motor. Click to enlarge.
The 7-speed DCT. Dual clutch transmissions (DCT) shift gears using two clutches: one for the odd- and one for the even-numbered gears. The simple inter-gear structure minimizes power loss, increases fuel efficiency, and realizes a sharp response and direct acceleration feel. With the Sport Hybrid-iDCD, the odd and even axes are positioned in parallel, with a planetary first gear reducing the unit’s length. The high-output motor is so small, it fits inside the transmission case.
Honda created an extremely compact DCT unit by designing the first gear as a planetary gear, thus decreasing its size in relation to the constant mesh gears to the extent that it can be housed within the center space of the motor.
4 Mistakes That Will Ruin a Dual-Clutch Transmission
Many drivers treat their car’s dual-clutch transmission in the same way that they would drive a car that had an automatic transmission. But, a dual-clutch transmission is more like a manual transmission than automatic. And if you don’t treat it properly, you could permanently damage it.
Some of your current driving habits could ruin a dual-clutch transmission. If you’re doing any of the following and your car has a DCT, cut it out!
Habits to avoid so you don’t ruin a dual-clutch transmission Stop taking your foot off the brake
If you have a tendency to let your DCT sit without applying the brakes, such as waiting in traffic or at the foot of an incline, you could be wearing out the clutch pack. When the brakes aren’t applied, some DCTs will make the clutches continually slipping to keep you in place. This depends on how your transmission operates, but you could be putting extra heat and wear on the clutch pack.
Stop putting the car in neutral
Those who are used to driving stick shifts might have a habit of putting their car in neutral when they’re fully stopped at an intersection. You don’t need to do this with a dual-clutch transmission. The car will intuitively release the clutches when you’re braking, so there’s no point switching out of Drive.
If you do ever put the car in neutral, keep the brake depressed when shifting into and out of neutral to protect the clutch.
Stop launching improperly
In sportier cars with dual-clutch transmissions, drivers like to launch from a stand-still, but doing so incorrectly can severely damage the gearbox and clutch disks. Don’t hold the brake pedal while you’re revving the gas because the clutch will take damage trying to move the car while you’re fighting it with the brakes. In general, never accelerate the engine when the brakes are applied.
Stop keeping the car in place by accelerating
If you’re sitting on an incline, don’t repeatedly tap the acceleration pedal to keep your position. The same goes for putting the car in reverse and accelerating backward to stop from rolling down a hill. Both practices will quickly overheat the clutch. Use the brakes instead.
Clutch behavioral logic and functions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so research your specific model to find out how to properly operate. Your car’s owner’s manual will have a lot of information on proper handing to not ruin a dual-clutch transmission.
