Clutch issues?

CORY SHANE

MEMBER
2006 DODGE CALIBER
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
64,000 MILES

I was driving to bid a job when I started noticing that the clutch was hanging while I was shifting gears, I would accelerate, and it would sound like I was in neutral and eventually would grab gear. If I stepped on it the gas hard while in gear it would do the same thing, rev up like in neutral then let out back into gear. I came to a stop sign and when I did the car would not shift into gear at all. I turned the car off and started it back up and still no gears. The clutch pedal still has pressure but will not engage the gears. I can cycle the gear shift through the different gears and hear it going into place, but every gear is acting like a neutral. This is my first manual and I have no idea what is going on with it any and all help is greatly appreciated!

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,277 POSTS

Hi,

Based on the description, my first suspect is a faulty slave cylinder. The clutch systems on the newer vehicles are actuated hydraulically. At one point, you indicated it was in gear and the engine would rev. You may be getting fluid on the clutch disc.

I attached two pics below from the manual. Pic 1 shows the slave cylinder. It is behind the transmission bell housing. Note the red arrow. That is the hydraulic supply from the clutch master cylinder, see pic 2.

The clutch master cylinder does not have its own fluid reservoir. Instead, fluid is supplied by the brake master cylinder. So, don't laugh, but check the brake fluid and make sure it isn't excessively low.

Here is what I suggest: First, check the brake fluid level as mentioned. If it is low, refill it with DOT3 brake fluid.

Once that is done, check the clutch performance.

Next, look under the vehicle where the engine and transmission are bolted together. See if there is any evidence of something leaking. It would likely be at the base of the bell housing.

If there is no evidence of a leak there, under the hood on the firewall is the clutch master cylinder. Check for leaks there and check for leaks under the dash where the pushrod from the clutch pedal goes through the firewall.

Let me know what you find and if you have other questions. Also, to ease your mind, the transmission is likely not the problem. Instead, you can't shift when it is running because the clutch isn't disengaging.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)