Solving Car Clutch and Shifting System Problems

Clutch problems can just be simply annoying to outright life-threatening. Automatic transmission vehicles usually do not have problems with this due to the computer chip unless the automatic shifting can be overridden. But for manual transmission vehicles, this could be really painstaking and most importantly, dangerous. Let me share some problems you may encounter with your clutch/shifting system and how to deal with them based on my personal experience.

First of all, what are the symptoms that could tell you that you may be having problems with your clutch/shifting system? One symptom is when you find yourselves giving extra effort just to shift gears. Let's say, before, shifting up and down was easy not until now that it's quite difficult and you have to depress your clutch pedal extra hard. You can also sometimes smell the clutch burning. I can't really describe how it smells or what it smells like but you'll really notice that smell especially if you rest your foot too often on the clutch pedal even if you're not shifting.

Sometimes, even if your foot is stepping on the clutch pedal to the floor, the car will still move. Or worse, your clutch pedal won't respond at all and you cannot shift to any gear. You'll most likely hear your transmission crank when you try to change gears or your shift stick will be stuck.

With the above symptoms, you might think "Hey, my clutch is damaged or needs repair." Well, stop right there. That doesn't necessarily mean it's your clutch that's having a problem. It could just be only the pedal or the hydraulic assembly. The latter is the one that controls the clutch pedal's sensitivity and if it becomes damaged or if there is no oil (brake fluid works fine), you'll really have a hard time stepping on the clutch pedal and changing gears (check the picture I provided for the clutch hydraulic assembly. Take note that it might not be the same as the one you have in your car.)

The pedal or the assembly could be damaged so don't force it. Take it to your mechanic immediately. It won't cost you that much to replace it and it will lessen the risk of getting into an accident. The last replacement I got was for $30 or so. Well, probably because it's much cheaper here in the Philippines.

Now, here's the more serious symptom. If you are having problems with the clutch itself including the pressure plate and the clutch disc, one noticeable symptom would be the speed and acceleration of your vehicle.

My mechanic told me a few months ago, when I brought my car to be checked since I'm having trouble shifting, if your car is noticeably slower especially when going uphill, it could be the clutch that has a problem. Another symptom is that the engine keeps on dying even when you're not shifting. Your disc/clutch lining might be worn-out or the plate could be damaged. In this case, you probably would need a replacement. That will be a lot more expensive than replacing just the assembly. But in my case, my car still runs fine. The only problem is that when I depress the clutch pedal, my car continues to move.

In any case, if you encounter any of these symptoms, do not drive your vehicle just like nothing is wrong with it. The damage could get worse and other parts may be damaged as well. Take it to your mechanic immediately and explain the symptoms well. Unless you really know what you are doing and what you are dealing with, do not assume that a specific part of the clutch and shifting system is damaged or needs replacement. Taking heed of professional advice is what I strongly recommend.