Replaced clutch master and slave cylinder, but my car still won’t go into gear while running
I have a 5-Speed 03 Passat. I got it with the clutch sinking to the floor with no resistance, which to my knowledge was a master cylinder or slave cylinder failure. I replaced both although it turned out only the slave had failed. I have since repeatedly bleed the slave cylinder, the clutch is now stiff and has resistance as usual. However when It is running with the clutch depressed it will still not go into gear (can be forced into reverse though). Why will it not go into gear, and how can this be fixed (at home)?
Thank you for any help!
My car has 191000 miles.
My car has a manual t
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If the hydraulics are working correctly, there are a couple of things that could be wrong with the clutch that would prevent it from releasing. Unfortunately, any of them will require removal of the transmission for repair.
At 191,000 miles, it could be that your pressure plate has failed and is not fully releasing, or it could be that the disk is severely worn and there is an accumulation of debris between the disk and the plate which would also keep it from releasing. Either of these would be corrected with a clutch replacement.
If you contact YourMechanic, they can send a technician to your home to evaluate your problem and help you figure out what to do next in order to avoid any unnecessary repairs.
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This can be from the air in the system causing the clutch slave cylinder to not move far enough and disengage the clutch all the way. You may also have a pressure plate that is not releasing the clutch completely. Try to position your vehicle with nothing in front or behind you.
Sometimes your clutch slave cylinder won`t bleed as successfully as a brake cylinder. This is because sometimes you get a small air pocket trapped in the cylinder that won`t come out with conventional bleeding. If you`ve been unsuccessful until now, do this. Bleed as best you can the regular way.
In most loose clutch cases with a hydraulic system, it is a probably an issue with the master cylinder. Internal or external damage to the cylinder can cause the hydraulic fluid to leak out and it simply will not perform properly once the fluid is too low. Sometimes, it is simply a worn seal that needs to be replaced.
There are typically a few different possibilities for why a clutch pedal will stay on the floor. It could be a failed clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder, failed fluid line, or the clutch has failed.
There could be a leak on the slave cylinder causing the slave cylinder not to operate. Also, check the pin to the clutch pedal and make sure that it is hooked up to the clutch master cylinder. Check the lines and make sure that they are not cross threaded, which will not seal and cause a leak.
If the clutch pedal is going soft even after it is bled, then that is an indicator that there is either a problem with the master cylinder or the slave cylinder.
Air as cause of malfunction
As far as the hydraulic clutch is concerned, the following symptoms may occur: Change of the pedal travel. Difficulties in disengaging the clutch. Imprecise pedal feel.
If your clutch pedal feels soft or `spongy` at any point as you press it to the floor, it`s a sign your clutch fluid is low. That spongy, inconsistent feeling is due to air in the clutch line from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder.
Over time, dirt, debris and other tiny particles can accumulate in the transmission fluid, affecting its fluid properties. This can cause the vehicle to die when you shift into drive or reverse, allow a loss of power, transmission slip, rough shifts or even prevent the vehicle from shifting into gear at all.
One reason why an automatic transmission isn`t shifting into gear has to do with the fluid. If it`s not at the right level or the incorrect type has been used, then it`ll affect the gears. Another big reason has to do with the ECM possibly going bad.
“Riding” the clutch is the most common reason for premature clutch failure. Even the slightest pressure on the pedal will partially disengage the clutch, causing the release bearing, pressure plate and flywheel to overheat.
Clutch linkage or cable needs adjustment because the cable is binding or the cable housing is filled with rust. Clutch linkage is bent, misaligned, or damaged. Pressure plate is weakened or warped. Clutch assembly is contaminated with oil due to your engine or transmission oil leaking.
Pushing in the clutch pedal makes fluid flow from a master cylinder (or fluid reservoir) to the slave cylinder, which moves the pressure plate, allowing the driver to shift gears.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Replaced clutch master and slave cylinder, but my car still won’t go into gear while running
ANSWER : If the hydraulics are working correctly, there are a couple of things that could be wrong with the clutch that would prevent it from releasing. Unfortunately, any of them will require removal of the transmission for repair.
At 191,000 miles, it could be that your pressure plate has failed and is not fully releasing, or it could be that the disk is severely worn and there is an accumulation of debris between the disk and the plate which would also keep it from releasing. Either of these would be corrected with a clutch replacement.
If you contact YourMechanic, they can send a technician to your home to evaluate your problem and help you figure out what to do next in order to avoid any unnecessary repairs.
I have a 1992 Chevy Silverado 1500 that won’t go into gear but the clutch pedal is hard and it still want go into gear when runnin
ANSWER : You should first pump the clutch several times and then hold it down and release air from slave cylinder. Retry the clutch to see if clutch releases. If not then turn off vehicle and put transmission in gear and hold down clutch and make sure your direction in front or behind you is clear and crank motor to see if clutch is free to turn. If still not free then you have ha defective pressure plate and need to replace it. Before that look inside transmission inspection hole and have someone push clutch and see how far the release bearing is moving to release clutch pressure plate. If it does not move much then you have a bad clutch master cylinder or linkage. If it move more than an inch then you have a bad pressure plate a long as release bearing is pressing it in.
Clutch not working after replacing slave cylinder and master cylinder
ANSWER : Hello. We will be happy to help you with your vehicle. It sounds like you have a problem with your throw out bearing. You would likely need to drop the transmission once again and check that the installation of the throwout bearing is proper. You may also try to peel back the boot around the slave cylinder to see inside of the transmission. By doing so you may be able to see possible damages on the throwout bearing. It will be a great idea to use a stethoscope before you take the vehicle back apart to help pinpoint exactly what portion of the transmission coming from. Another very important thing that you should check are your axle’s, make sure they are seated correctly inside of the transmission.
My manual car won’t go into gear, it turns on and the clutch goes down perfectly fine. It happened after my gears grinded, the car
ANSWER : If the clutch mechanism is releasing properly, and the shift linkage is not malfunctioning, your transmission will have to be removed from the vehicle and inspected. Once a transmission has been removed from a vehicle, if the problem is a broken or worn part or parts, and the transmission has 100,000 miles or more, the most cost effective approach is to just simply rebuild the whole transmission. There are transmission rebuild kits that are sold just for this purpose. Rebuilding a transmission is no big deal and is indeed easier in many respects than rebuilding an engine. You can rebuild your transmission right in your own garage. You can NOT rebuild an engine in your own garage due to the highly specialized, and extremely costly, machine shop equipment required. Occasionally, mobile mechanics will take on a transmission rebuild job especially as once the mechanic removes the transmission from the vehicle, it is just simply a modular unit that can be easily transported to a mechanic’s shop and rebuilt right there and then returned to your vehicle. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
cannot put car in gear while running
ANSWER : Hello. If the clutch hydraulic system is fully bled and functioning properly then it needs a new clutch. When the clutch fails the hydraulic system can allow it to work properly until the slave cylinder overextends and the system ends up overheating which causes it to create air in the system. I would double check the pressure in the hydraulic system first and if all of the parts are working correctly then the clutch will be needed.
Clutch pedal stays to floor. Replaced master cylinder. Clutch push rod broke. Also do I need to change slave cylinder
ANSWER : If you have an issue with your clutch pedal going to the floor, the slave cylinder is normally the cause of this circumstance.
Also, if the push rod has been broken the first step would be to track down a new one because that push rod is a very necessary part of the clutch pedal system.
Once a new push rod has been located and installed, I would recommend having a new slave cylinder installed as well.
If you are in doubt about this repair, I would recommend having it performed by a qualified professional, such as one from YourMechanic. One of our mobile technicians will be able to come to your home to diagnose the issue with your clutch pedal and replace your clutch slave cylinder as necessary.
Master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder replaced
ANSWER : Unfortunately, using the same plastic clutch slave cylinder assembly the vehicle was manufactured with will cause the same results if the vehicle is abused. The plastic part is very strong, but cannot withstand the heat and pressure from hard driving. You may be able to do some research and find a higher performance part produced by an aftermarket company, as some companies specialize in manufacturing upgraded parts for higher performance. If you would like some assistance with this, one of the technicians from YourMechanic can come to your location to inspect the shaking problem and let you know what repairs are needed.
If slave master cylinder is bad, will that cause the car not to hold when parked in gear?
ANSWER : From your explanation of the situation, it sounds to me like your vehicle may need a new clutch. If you are in gear and the vehicle struggles to move and the engine speed increases, the transmission is slipping. A failure in the hydraulic part of the system may make it difficult to drive the vehicle or change gears. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come by and take a closer look at your slipping clutch and offer a more personal diagnosis.
