Question about my car...

[al3x89]

Alright, it's standard and I have two question.

1. Sometimes my clutch doesn't engage (I don't know if this is the proper term, but I'm using it). So basically, I press the clutch in all the way, and it won't go into first, so I'll have to either go into second and then to first, or release the clutch and press it again and then it will allow me to go into 1st.

2. When I'm driving, and about to put it into second, I press the clutch in (of course) and switch to second only to hear a screech... I believe this is cause the clutch doesn't want to engage again... BUT it only happens when I want to go into 2nd, and only happens like once a week or so (yes I put the clutch in all the way).

Anyways, what could be the problem? I think I need a new clutch, will getting a new clutch fix these problems?

[sunnybono]

Alright, it's standard and I have two question.

1. Sometimes my clutch doesn't engage (I don't know if this is the proper term, but I'm using it). So basically, I press the clutch in all the way, and it won't go into first, so I'll have to either go into second and then to first, or release the clutch and press it again and then it will allow me to go into 1st.

2. When I'm driving, and about to put it into second, I press the clutch in (of course) and switch to second only to hear a screech... I believe this is cause the clutch doesn't want to engage again... BUT it only happens when I want to go into 2nd, and only happens like once a week or so (yes I put the clutch in all the way).

Anyways, what could be the problem? I think I need a new clutch, will getting a new clutch fix these problems?

What is the year and make of the vehicle. Get an opinion from a pro. Call Wayne )the old guy) at ACE transmission. He comes highly recommended by Dr. H. (dr Honda, David Reddinger) or better yet, if you can wait til saturday morning as David yourself. He host a show on 1050chum at 9:am on car mechanics

sk

[shrugs*]

Change your transmission fluid lately?

Trouble getting into 1st is pretty common, sometimes the syncros just aren't matched up close enough at a stand still. Does it feel like it's only going in 1/2 way?

Most people will to the same thing you're doing right now, pop it into 2nd and then 1st (less gearing different usually let's it pop into gear, lining things up enough to make it into 1st). Another common way to avoid it is to slip the clutch just a liiiittle bit to get it into gear and then start off normally.

If it gets really bad, it could be a bent shift fork.

What's the screeching like? Is it when you put it into gear, or while disengaging/engaging the clutch?

[DragonZealot]

Alright, it's standard and I have two question.

1. Sometimes my clutch doesn't engage (I don't know if this is the proper term, but I'm using it). So basically, I press the clutch in all the way, and it won't go into first, so I'll have to either go into second and then to first, or release the clutch and press it again and then it will allow me to go into 1st.

2. When I'm driving, and about to put it into second, I press the clutch in (of course) and switch to second only to hear a screech... I believe this is cause the clutch doesn't want to engage again... BUT it only happens when I want to go into 2nd, and only happens like once a week or so (yes I put the clutch in all the way).

Anyways, what could be the problem? I think I need a new clutch, will getting a new clutch fix these problems?

It may not be your clutch.

Re 1. What vehicle speed were your at when you had difficulties shifting into 1st? Were you at rest and shift to 1st or you were down shifting (from 3rd)? Was the car cold or warmed up?

Re 2. Again was the car cold or warmed up? Looks like you have a week 2nd gear syncro.

Is the clutch engagement point rather low? If yes then the clutch might still be semi-engaging when you press all the way in and causes hard shift.

Generall if you are not using synthetic gear oil (still on OEM oil) you should switch to synthetic. Much better cold temperature shifting.

[Prince15]

Alright, it's standard and I have two question.

1. Sometimes my clutch doesn't engage (I don't know if this is the proper term, but I'm using it). So basically, I press the clutch in all the way, and it won't go into first, so I'll have to either go into second and then to first, or release the clutch and press it again and then it will allow me to go into 1st.

2. When I'm driving, and about to put it into second, I press the clutch in (of course) and switch to second only to hear a screech... I believe this is cause the clutch doesn't want to engage again... BUT it only happens when I want to go into 2nd, and only happens like once a week or so (yes I put the clutch in all the way).

Anyways, what could be the problem? I think I need a new clutch, will getting a new clutch fix these problems?For case number one, try and A) release the clutch slightly off the floor but still keep it down fully, and it may pop in.

or

B) Since First and reverse are on the same synchro, put it into reverse and then try to put it into first

(usually people have a problem locking into reverse so they put it into 1 first, but it may work the same backwards)

[al3x89]

Change your transmission fluid lately?

Trouble getting into 1st is pretty common, sometimes the syncros just aren't matched up close enough at a stand still. Does it feel like it's only going in 1/2 way?

Most people will to the same thing you're doing right now, pop it into 2nd and then 1st (less gearing different usually let's it pop into gear, lining things up enough to make it into 1st). Another common way to avoid it is to slip the clutch just a liiiittle bit to get it into gear and then start off normally.

If it gets really bad, it could be a bent shift fork.

What's the screeching like? Is it when you put it into gear, or while disengaging/engaging the clutch?

I bought the car last month, I was going to go for a tune up the next day I had off, since I work a lot.

Ya feels like it's going in half way.

Screeching is when I'm putting it into 2nd, but ONLY second. I'm new to standard, only been driving for a month, but when I drive my friends' cars, I don't get the same problems, so I'm pretty sure I didn't develop any bad habits. I'm positive that I am pressing the clutch in all the way when going into second.

It may not be your clutch.

Re 1. What vehicle speed were your at when you had difficulties shifting into 1st? Were you at rest and shift to 1st or you were down shifting (from 3rd)? Was the car cold or warmed up?

Re 2. Again was the car cold or warmed up? Looks like you have a week 2nd gear syncro.

Is the clutch engagement point rather low? If yes then the clutch might still be semi-engaging when you press all the way in and causes hard shift.

Generall if you are not using synthetic gear oil (still on OEM oil) you should switch to synthetic. Much better cold temperature shifting.

Vehicle is at 0kmph. This leads me to another question. I'm SO confused. When I'm in 2nd and going about... 20kmph, and I downshift to 1st I will hear a thump. My friend told me your not supposed to downshift to 1st (I have a 97 VW Jetta GLS), but when my friend does it in his 94 BMW 3-series, there is no thump? Another friend suggested that it's only VW that do this.

Someone from work said I need a new clutch, since I have to take my foot at least half way off the clutch for it to start rolling...

For case number one, try and A) release the clutch slightly off the floor but still keep it down fully, and it may pop in.

or

B) Since First and reverse are on the same synchro, put it into reverse and then try to put it into first

(usually people have a problem locking into reverse so they put it into 1 first, but it may work the same backwards)

I sometimes have trouble going into reverse.

[fastlayne]

Sounds like the clutch is not completely disengaging and may just need an adjustment. Otherwise, your clutch may need an overhaul.

Make sure a trusted mechanic checks the adjustment first. You may be pushing the pedal to the floor, but a little bit more travel is needed to fully disengage the clutch. A couple turns on the clutch cable adjustment, may be all that is needed.

[al3x89]

Sounds like the clutch is not completely disengaging and may just need an adjustment. Otherwise, your clutch may need an overhaul.

Make sure a trusted mechanic checks the adjustment first. You may be pushing the pedal to the floor, but a little bit more travel is needed to fully disengage the clutch. A couple turns on the clutch cable adjustment, may be all that is needed.

Ok thanks for the tip.

When I went to get this car e-tested and certified, the mechanic said I needed a new clutch, but I never told him about these problems cause I didn't encounter them yet. My dad has went to the same mechanic for a few years now, so I'll get my dad to go in and ask and see what needs to be replaced.

I have another question. My friend just bought a civic, and I drove it around, and his clutch doesn't have to be pushed in so far like mine. What I'm trying to say is that it's low to the ground already, and you have to push it lets say... 6" compared to mine, which is double that, since mine is higher off the ground.

[rchong]

I bought the car last month, I was going to go for a tune up the next day I had off, since I work a lot.

Ya feels like it's going in half way.

Screeching is when I'm putting it into 2nd, but ONLY second. I'm new to standard, only been driving for a month, but when I drive my friends' cars, I don't get the same problems, so I'm pretty sure I didn't develop any bad habits. I'm positive that I am pressing the clutch in all the way when going into second.



Vehicle is at 0kmph. This leads me to another question. I'm SO confused. When I'm in 2nd and going about... 20kmph, and I downshift to 1st I will hear a thump. My friend told me your not supposed to downshift to 1st (I have a 97 VW Jetta GLS), but when my friend does it in his 94 BMW 3-series, there is no thump? Another friend suggested that it's only VW that do this.

Someone from work said I need a new clutch, since I have to take my foot at least half way off the clutch for it to start rolling...



I sometimes have trouble going into reverse.

Downshift into 1st at 20km/h? I hope that was a double-clutched rev-matched downshift.

You'll know when you need a new clutch when your engine is screaming but your car isn't moving as fast as it should.

Does it 'screech' only when you're shifting at high engine rpms?

[TheRide]

Regarding your first question, it is perfectly normal for your clutch not to engage sometimes while at a resting point. You did the right thing by changing to 2nd gear and then back to first. Happens to my car sometimes.