Chevy doesn't shift through gears

1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
3,700,000 MILES • FWD • MANUAL
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KAKAJA
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  • 4 POSTS
Hi, I have problem with my clutch/transmission, it doesn't want to shift on any gear while clutch being pushed to the floor, the only way to change gear is turn off the engine, put on first, and turn it on again. However, the car starts to move even with full clutch on the floor! After that, its hard but possible to change gears, the sequence is that: (engine turned off)->first->start the engine->third(its impossible to change to the second gear from first, also if you on second gear and push the brake, you can shift from second to neutral!)->(if there is a red light then second or neutral)-> else gear 4 and 5..
Mar 7, 2011 at 6:15 PM
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KAKAJA
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  • 4 POSTS
sorry, the car has 370,000KM
Mar 7, 2011 at 6:26 PM
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SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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Sound's like you have a problem with the clutch not releasing all the way.So is your clutch pedal hard pushing it all the way down or does it drop some then get hard?
Mar 7, 2011 at 7:32 PM
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KAKAJA
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No, u can easily push or release the clutch, it's just it moves even when u apply brakes! I tried it in open space with no cars around. With full clutch to the floor, car drives as if you release the clutch. Gears tested - 1 and R
Mar 8, 2011 at 2:12 AM
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SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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With your clutch pedal with a good hard pedal and your clutch not releasing like your saying you most likely have a bad clutch pressure plate.SO your going to need a clutch job.
Mar 8, 2011 at 2:56 AM
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KAKAJA
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I was advice to check the clutch fluid and if low add some brake fluid into it. It worked perfectly, I guess I have a leak, but for now I'm good. Thanks for you effort tho.
Best Regards, kakaja
Mar 8, 2011 at 9:58 PM
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SATURNTECH9
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Then it sounds like you didn't have a nice firm pedal or adding fluid wouldn't have helped.Glad to hear you are on the right track to find the leak.
Mar 8, 2011 at 10:14 PM
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