Hi everyone,

This is my first posting. I had my 2004 350z enthusiast for about five months now. I'm a beginner standard driver. I was just wandering if it's normal for the clutch and shift to make noise when shifting gear...actually it only makes noise from the moment you start driving. Now and then I would forgot to put the shift on Neutral before turning on the engine. It happens twice to me already that the shift was on 1st shift when I turn on the engine and the whole car jerk forward. Does this hurt the engine and is this the reason the clutch and shift is making noise?

Thanks for your response

 

The noise is pretty normal I'd say, but i guess it depends on what you're referring to.

If you're just hearing a light rattle from either your shifter or your clutch, i'd say that's pretty normal... but if you're hearing a grinding noise whenever you shift, then that's not normal.

In terms of turning on your engine while in gear... you should probably make a mental note of not doing it. Firstly it's dangerous because you can't always be sure of what's in front (or behind) your car, and secondly it's not very healthy for your clutch. With that said, I wouldn't worry about any permanent damage to your clutch/engine so far... but I'd try to make a mental note of looking at your shifter's position before starting the car to prevent it from happening again.