Trouble changing gears.

NCCHETAN

MEMBER
MITSUBISHI

Mitsubishi Galant, 1995, 99950 mi

When I started my car this morning I noticed that I couldnt shift into reverse gear easily. I could hear the
gears grind. I hit the clutch and noticed reduced resistance. It easily hits the floor very easily now.
This problem was not there unitl now. I can still drive the car but have to force the gears in place.

Also, I noticed about a week back that when I start the car the idling had gone up. What would generally idle around 1000 rpm was now 1500 rpm. Generally the rpm would rise only when the A/C waas switched on, but since the time the idling has gone up turning the A/C on doesnt seem to make any difference to the rpm. I do not know if this was a precursor to the clutch problem but wanted to furnish this information anyways.
I am a novice when it comes to cars, so I would really appreciate any insight anybody could provide.

Thanks!

3 Replies

HYKNRD

MEMBER
59 POSTS

I'm not familiar with this car, but it sounds like your clutch is not disengaging.
Most clutches are hydraulically or mechanically operated and are adjustable or not.
It sounds like yours is hydraulic.
If it is you should have a reservoir similiar to your brake fluid reservoir, but smaller.
Check that it's at the proper level.
If low then there's a leak between the reservoir and slave cylinder.
If not your slave cylinder may need adjustment.
Not sure about the idle problem.

Hope that helps. Let us know if it does.