Clutch pedal didn’t engage and slipped when shifting

ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2014 Nissan 370Z. It sounds like there may have been a spot of moisture in the light or a component in the clutch hydraulic system may be malfunctioning. Moisture can cause problems during operation when the clutch gets hot and failing hydraulic components can cause the system to lose pressure and slip which will heat up the clutch. If you would like to have this done, a professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the clutch pedal and perform the appropriate repairs.

ANSWER : Hi there – there are several possibilities here – none of them pleasant, and all will require removal of the transmission to get to the failed bit. It is possible the pilot bearing has seized up – which would make it seem as though the clutch were engaged, regardless of whether the clutch pedal was depressed (and working properly) or not. It’s also possible the clutch pressure plate "fingers" where the throwout bearing applies forced from the clutch pedal and hydraulics are damaged in some fashion, and will not compress to release the clutch disc. Last and least likely is a failure of the clutch master cylinder – internally – since there doesn’t appear to be any fluid loss. I recommend a clutch inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : If the clutch pedal is not moving and the clutch is partially applied, then the clutch release bearing may be damaged and the fork is jammed into the clutch forcing it to slip.

For the no start condition on the starter, try tapping on the starter solenoid and see if the starter engages. If the starter does not engage, then remove the starter and see if it engages without the engine. If the starter does engage, then try to crank the engine over by hand and see if it turns. If the engine does not turn, then the bearings may be locked up or there could be an issue inside the engine. If the engine does move, then the starter needs to be replaced. For the brake lights not shutting off, the brake light switch could be applied as it may be not connected properly on the brake pedal. Check to see the location of the brake pedal light switch and adjust the location to relax the switch. If the switch is relaxed, then the brake light switch would need replaced.

I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you with the no start and clutch issue.

ANSWER : I would rule out the axle not being pushed all the way in. That would effect all speeds and gears. That you can engage gears other than 4th and 5th leads me to 2 m possibilities:
1. Shift linkage mis-adjusted.
2. Possible bent shifter fork internally.

If it feels like you can engage 4th and 5th with the engine OFF, then I would lean towards a clutch release issue.

ANSWER : Hello – first task is to check the fluid level in your clutch fluid reservoir. This reservoir may be shared with the brake master cylinder – they both use brake fluid. If the fluid level is correct, it sounds like either your clutch master and/or slave cylinders are weak, and not providing adequate clutch actuation, or the pilot bearing has seized. A seized pilot bearing will act the same as a dragging clutch pressure plate, causing difficulty and grinding when selecting a gear. I would recommend a clutch system inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : If the clutch is slipping while "released" (engaged with the flywheel), the clutch friction material must be replaced as well as possibly other components such as the pressure plate, throw out bearing and other components. In addition, the flywheel has to be inspected (measured for runout) to see if it is serviceable. Glazed or damaged flywheels can be re-surfaced to some extent but it is possible you might need a new flywheel. There is some concern of course if there is coincident damage to the transmission. Prior to repairing the clutch, the condition of the transmission should be ascertained so that "all" problems are solved at one time. It would be ashame to install a new clutch only to find out "later", when everything is back together, that you have internal transmission problems as well. To determine what all is needed, I recommend you request a clutch system inspection. At the conclusion of that, the mechanic will give you your repair options and costs. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : It is most common for the clutch hydraulic leak to be from a leaking clutch slave cylinder. You should have the clutch hydraulic system inspected by YourMechanic to see why the fluid is getting low. The fluid gets low anytime there is a leak in the system. You may need to have the clutch slave cylinder replaced. If the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder are both need replaced then it is a good idea to have both the clutch master and slave cylinders replaced together as a pair.

ANSWER : When a manual transmission will not engage gears, there a re a few reasons that are possible causes. I’ve owned a few VW’s in my time. The shifter in your Golf is cable-operated. A cable connects the base of the shifter lever to the shifter linkage on the transmission. The linkage or even the cable itself may have broken. That could explain the "looseness" in the shifter lever. You should be able to see the shifter linkage under the hood. Look on the back side of the transmission below the brake master cylinder. Grab a friend. Have one of you observe the linkage while the other moves the shifter lever. If no movement is observed, then it is most likely the shifter cable and/or mechanism. If the linkage is moving, then it could possibly be a clutch failure or failure of the internal shift linkage inside the transmission. I’d be more inclined to think the shifter is at fault however. Have a certified technician look into the shifter feeling loose to find and replace the exact cause.