Clutch does not work properly when cold

Tiny
LEMLEYM
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 FORD F-150
  • 4.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 85,000 MILES
When it is cold the clutch doesn't work right when I start it in gear it wants to move.
Thursday, February 28th, 2019 AT 5:33 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
JONNYB1963
  • MECHANIC
  • 252 POSTS
Good morning and thank you for visiting 2CarPros!

I have had this happen to me on a few different Ford trucks. Lets start with the simple stuff first.

Since this clutch is hydraulically operated, it would act like that when the fluid was low. Under the hood, find the clutch master cylinder and fluid reservoir. Check that the fluid level is filled to the "max" line.

Let me know the results of that and we will go further if needed.

See the attached pictures for locating and identifying the master cylinder reservoir.

Also, here are some links to other solutions for the same behavior.
https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1991-ford-f-150-clutch-not-working
https://www.2carpros.com/questions/ford-f-150-1994-ford-f-150-clutch-problems

Jon
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
LEMLEYM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Reservoir is full started doing this when it got cold.
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
JONNYB1963
  • MECHANIC
  • 252 POSTS
Okay, thanks for that information.
Since you report the fluid is full then one of the following is not allowing the clutch disc to move enough to release completely.

1. You may have air in the system somewhere in which case you would need to bleed the system. See the link below for instruction on how to do that.

2. The slave cylinder seals are worn and leaking. I think we can rule this out since you say the fluid level is full, unless you have filled it yourself.

3. The clutch Master Cylinder seals are worn and allowing fluid to blow past the piston seals. This would require the replacement of the Master Cylinder.

4. The clutch release lever inside the bell-housing is damaged (bent or cracked). This is rare, but it does happen. In this case the lever would need to be replaced.

Regards
Jon
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
LEMLEYM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Started truck yesterday in gear it wanted to move a little. Shut off restarted in neutral pumped it a lot it went into gear and drove fine. Do you think it needs bled or all new fluid in reservoir?
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
It sounds like the clutch disc is warped or coming apart. I would replace the clutch. here is a video that will walk you through the steps on a similar car, the process is the same:

https://youtu.be/JpzefqEeVGE

This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/clutch-doesnt-work-sometimes-or-not-at-all

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
LEMLEYM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ken, when it gets cold I lose all pedal on clutch when it is 40 or above I pump it a few times and I can drive it. Help.
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Okay, that sounds more like the clutch master cylinder is going out. Here are diagrams and instructions on how to change it out. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
JONNYB1963
  • MECHANIC
  • 252 POSTS
That's what it sounds like to me as well. The seals are probably worn allowing the fluid the sneak past the piston. This is why the pumping of the clutch seems to work.
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
LEMLEYM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Is this an easy fix or expensive? Master cylinder is under warranty.
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
It is about an hour labor and about $80.00 - $100.00 for the part. Let us know.
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 AT 11:27 AM

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