Pri63

Yesteday, while driving to work I found it was almost impossible to shift into every gear. Even with the clutch fully engaged, the shift level would go into the gate no problem to the point the gears made contact. I would feel a little resistance and with some force it would go in. The clutch seems fine...well it's biting very well.

Anyone had similiar issues? Could it be an adjustment to the shift linkage?

Pri63

anyone?

i1k

iTrader: (1)

sounds like your clutch is going. checking it is easy and doesn't cost anything.

get the front of your car up against a wall (pad your bumper so as to not scratch your car).

shift into first gear. slowly release the clutch (do not "pop" it). if you car dies, you clutch is good in which case there are two areas to look along ythe shifter linkages 1) at the transmision or 2) right under your shifter in the under carriage.

if your engine fights the car or your engine does not die immediately, the shifting into gear problem is most likely due to your clutch in need of repair/replacement.

irish44j

iTrader: (38)

check the level of fluid in the clutch reservoir as well. If your fluid is low and air is in the system, it will not allow the clutch to disengage properly.

the shift linkage is extremely basic on the 3.0 and there is no adjustment that I'm aware of (nor should there ever be a need to adjust it).

sign216

It could be the clutch slave cylinder, and/or a leak in the clutch hydraulics. Even if the hydraulic fluid level looks full, a leak in the system could let air in which would make the system work poorly. I had a similar issue with my '97 Maxima. First off, buy a Haynes or a Chilton's repair manual. The manual will show you photos of where things are, how to fix things, and are a tremendous help overall. Then:

- Look around the fittings of the clutch slave cylinder, and the reservoir for fluid leaks. If no leaks, then air probably isn't getting in.

- Have a friend push the clutch pedal while you look at the slave cylinder (it sits on top of the clutch/transmission housing, and can be viewed looking down at the engine). It should move every time the clutch pedal is moved. If is doesn't, or isn't moving "enough," then the problem is with the slave cylinder system and not the clutch itself.

You might want to have a mechanic look at it, as the diagnosis isn't too hard. Replacing the clutch is expensive, but the slave cylinder is cheap.

Joe Tamarkin
Bridgewater, MA
'03 Maxima SE