So I noticed yesterday that my 97 Cav was having a lot of trouble getting into gears and that the clutch was completely engaging (if even then) only when the pedal is COMPLETELY pressed down. This is bad, but I think it literally got a lot worse over night. I noticed a slight change before, but I swear there was an inch or 2 to spare until yesterday. If this goes on, I might not be able to get into gear at all next time I drive. Anyway, does anyone know whats going on here? I'm assuming the clutch cable is stretched? How do I go about tightening / replacing it? Thanks
Sounds like you have a pressure plate getting ready to go bad. The last sunfire I worked on had a similar issue, and when I took it apart, the throw out bearing had worn the pressure plate where it meets. There is a possibility it is the cable but not likely.
Shifted wrote:The clutch is not cable operated, its hydraulic, no cable to stretch.
good point. I didn't know. Well I guess I'm screwed and I need to take it to a mechanic so they can rape me thoroughly, because I have no idea what I'm doing.
Rich Grayo Jr. wrote:check your clutch fluid reservoir. its right next to your brake master cylinder. if its low, fill it with brake fluid.
Yeah I'm really quite a moron. That would have been a good thing to check before declaring how screwed I am. Right after I got home I looked and of course it was bone dry. I filled it. The end.
You should look into how it became bone dry. Hydraulic fluid does not just vanish unless there is a leak. You should do some more investigating before you figure it is fixed.