Does not shift unless it is off, and the clutch is all the way in?

1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

157,000 MILES • 2.2L • 6 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL

JLO5280

MEMBER
1 POST

My car started acting strangely. At first the engine felt like a well lubed bike chain rubbing against metal. Then a hard plastic burning smell that smells just like clutch fluid or power steering fluid. Then the gears started sticking. Now it doesn’t shift unless it is off, and the clutch is all the way in. What are the chances that it is not the expensive $2,500.00 repair that is replacing the master whatever it’s called, and it is the $425.00 are there any ways to know before going to the mechanic?

Mar 28, 2023 at 7:24 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

The clutch is hydraulic. Did you check the fluid level? If you open the hood and look on the firewall where the clutch pedal would be on the inside, there is a clutch master cylinder. It should be full of dot 3 brake fluid.

If it is empty, check for leaks around the clutch MC. Also, the slave cylinder is inside the transmission bell housing. It can fail as well. Check for leaks. See pic 2

You won't be able to see the actual part but check for evidence of a leak at the supply line and at the bottom of the transmission where it would end up.

In theory, I have a feeling this is the part that failed, and you were smelling the fluid burning off the clutch disc.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.

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Mar 29, 2023 at 1:57 PM

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