Over the past week the shifter barely wants to go into any of the gears. First and Second seem the hardest to get in.
It has gotten worse since the temperature dropped today. My wife first noticed it since she doesn't drive the car that often. She could hardly get the car into first gear at times.

I put Amsoil 75W-90 in the tranny in April and have had no problems until this week. I have driven in hot and cold temps with no problems.

I have also noticed the fill reservoir for the clutch fluid is just below minimum. I'm not sure if the clutch may not be engaging all the way or the tranny(fluid) is causing the problem? I need some help on this one.

Any Ideas?

Thanks in advance, Boo.

 

Try flushing the clutch reservoir first. I have a feeling your clutch isn't entirely disengaging, therefore making it difficult on your synchros. Be sure to flush from both bleeders.

 

Fill up the Clutch Reservoir.

 

Filling up the resevoir may help, but if the level is very low you may have gotten air in the lines. I had the same exact thing happen. I filled the resevoir, and it fixed it. However, I could tell it wasn't that firm. I had air in the lines, so I bled the resevoir. Now, it's as good as new.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks for the advice. Is Dot 3 Brake Fluid the correct fluid?
I'll fill the reservoir up to maximum for now and bleed them when I get a chance! I hope this is the solution!

Now where to find some brake fluid on Christmas EVE!

boo

 

Yup. That's what the Haynes manual says. Sec. 8-3 (3 Clutch master cylinder - removal and installation)

 

my shifting seems to be kind of nasty when my car isn't fully warm...

 

I went ahead and started to bleed the clutch. The bottom one went fine. The fluid was a filthy brown. The problem I ran into was with the upper bleeder. I absolutely could not turn the bleeder. If I were to pull any harder the whole bleeder assembly would bend!

I tested the car with just the lower bleed and there was no improvement at all. I also noticed (this may be normal from forcing the gear change) that when I have to push the gear into first it makes a whirring sound before going into gear. How long can I drive this way?
I will probably bring it to a mechanic to bleed the clutch all the way (He should have the right tools).

I can't believe I'm working on my car on Christmas Eve, also my B-DAY is on Christmas!

boo

 

Yah, the upper bleeder can be a 8itch. Just take a monkey wrench, or a large wrench, and grab the bronze coloured block piece, while you use a wrench on the bleeder. The large wrench/monkey wrench, will allow you to apply a lot of force without damaging the line.

 

does it grind when you out it in gear? it might be your synchro's

 

O.K, I believe I have figured out the problem but I still need help!

I read over ericdwong's info about clutch pedal adjustment in the 4th Gen FAQ's. When I went to inspect the 12mm bolt that he refers to it was loose! I then noticed that when the clutch is in its normal out position it was 1/4 of an inch away from pressing the cruise control sensor. Some how the threaded rod has moved in ~1/4 while the screw was loose and possibly caused me not to be able to engage the clutch fully.

Here's my problem, I tried to turn the threaded rod back to its original position but to no luck. I can't get in their with a needle nose and turn it either. Has anyone adjusted this rod before and what tool did you use. Is there anything I can take off to get to this from a better angle? I believe if I extend the rod back to its original position my problem will go away. Ericdwong how did you turn the Rod?!!!!

Thanks,

boo