Three things listed in importance:

1. I have a 4dr 97 civic lx. Love the car. Served me well. But I have noticed lately noises. When I am idling and I let off the clutch, I can hear like a engine noise way louder but when I have the clutch in, no noise. Same with when Im driving in low gears, whenever I am not pushing the gas or the clutch in it makes a really loud continuous engine noise. Seems like also when I am trying to gas in lower gears, I am not getting that umph :frown: like I used to. Does anyone have any ideas? I have been told by different people it was probably just the clutch, but someone said that if its making that kind of noise its the tranny. Any ideas (issues, prices, things to consider)?!?! Thanks, new to this and I am not very good with cars.

2.ALSO, does anyone know how to make a door tighter when its closed. My door was broken into where someone actually cut the sheet metal. To replace it was easier to buy one from a dismantler but I cant set the alarm because the door doesn't (show) as closed because it gives me the loud beeps that the door is open even though it isnt. Any ideas how to tighten?

3. Cruise control has never worked since I bought the car 4 years ago. How much would it be to fix and or what is usually the issue. The cruize button will illuminate that its not but wont illumiate that its engaged and it doesnt do it. Idea on how much to fix this or if its something I could do?

Thanks for all your help! New to these forums so we will see how it goes! :)
Third,

1. Take it to a shop you trust and have them check the clutch, and also the rest of the drivetrain. Maybe have an experienced mech. drive it and try to diagnose it. Make sure its a good place that wont rip you off. When people dont know about their cars, they get cheated.

2. Check the hinges, maybe something is bent or loose. the door should line up if its installed the right way.

3. Not sure about that. Again try a good shop and see what they say.

I dont like recommending taking it to a shop. But unless you really want to get your hands dirty, I think thats you best choice.

I am having same problem with my civic. Did you find a solution?

I am having same problem with my civic. Did you find a solution?

No, waiting for some answers. I give up on the cruise control issue. But if your refering to the engine noise, no no good answers yet. Its either the tranny, the clutch,or both. I wish I had someone reputable out in Sacramento because both the craigslist and the shops arent trustworthy. Shops overcharge and craigslist are usually cracked out. Oh well, I figure I will let it die and just drive it till it kuputs. I mean I bought it for $3500 3 years ago with 92k on it. (GREAT DEAL!) And it has served me well. Did normal maintence. But I am not going to drop 1500 :nono: on it like I have been quoted. I wish I could get a real answer but they tell me they have to pull the engine out to be able to see the problem (pulling costs 400 by itself for "time & labor". I wish someone knew of what would cause that or something as I know people can diagnose just from the description. But oh well, until a response I will keep driving. It has been a great car though. Gas saver for sure. :grinyes:

What exactling is the noise? Does is sound like a bunch of clicking and a bunch of glass being crunched? If that's the case your valves may need adjusting. Something that's recently happened to my car. My EX has a different set of heads but the sound is the same since there are only very slight differences in our valves. As I found best to not adjust them on your own. I found a local place that had a certified Master Honda Tech. He was cheaper than a dealership. I brought the part from Advance and he had me out in 40minutes for only $60.

I almost 100% say its the clutch. im not for shur though because im not ther to see it. But when i blew my engine what it was is i worn out the clutch and when i would give it gas it took off but not the same because the pad was basicly gone and not grabing like it should. What was happing to me was while i would give it gas it would go but not as fast as befor and if i punched it the RPM's would jump but the car would go any where. so that could be your problem but at a very early stage. Mines was at the end and eventualy i blew the engine because of it(Also because i was running 101 Octan) lol but i dont know try to find a friend or a friend of a friend that can take apart your tranny to get into the clutch area. it can be done at a house ive done it with just 2 jack stands in the front of the car. well anyways check it out because thats sound kinda of like what was happening to me in the begining. I got same car as you except better lol

it is the throw out bearing my 99 has same problem. I thought it was my input shaft bearing,but I rebuilt my tranny in 92 civic. IT sat for 4 years and now I,m driving it agian. Figured bearing went bad from sitting. all new gears in tranny so not them. It is making same sound as my 99 so it has to be the throw out bearing.