1998 Sunfire GT Suspected Clutch Problem

[jordanlt1]

Hi everyone so basically i have an issue i believe with my clutch. I drive a 1998 pontiac sunfire GT model with a 5 speed manual transmission. I am just going too type the symptoms of whats going on with my car thats the only way i can explain.

So before i start this only happens in winter, or when the weather starts getting colder but not in the summer.

* If i am at a complete stop, say a red light or stop sign, and i have the clutch push to the floor and i have it in gear the car will roll forward. Its like the car is still in "gear" when it should be neutral or just at idle. Its gotten to the point where i cant even start the car in neutral and shift to first when i want to go, i have to start the car with it in first already and same with reverse then turn car off, shift back to first start the car and be on my way. If im driving and coming up too a stop and i cant get it in first when i come to a stop, i have to turn the car, shift and start on the road otherwise im hooped.

* When im driving it is really hard to shift gears and will grind occasionally. Down shifting is the worst.

* I have checked the transmission and put synthetic fluid in there for the colder weather but i dont think thats the problem. When the car is turned off and i push the clutch too the floor it and move the shifter through the gears its smooth. As soon as the car starts i can not shift into any gear at a stop.

* I have never had to add any fluid into my clutch it has always been topped up so i do not know how air may have entered the car but i did buy the car summer of 2014 and i had the same symptoms that winter so old owner could haved done some clutch work but i wouldnt know.

* I dont believe i have to adjust the clutch because it shifts perfect in the summer no issues.

* What i think i might have too do is bleed the clutch? Would that cause all of this too happen? If so i thought in the summer wouldnt that make air bubbles expand and make it worse? Why would it only happen in the winter or cold weather?

* Thanks this is driving me crazy!

Jordan

 

[EaOutlaw]

Think about what happens when you heat metal up, the metal will expand, when metal is cold it will shrink slightly.

this same thing happens with water and other fluids.

The first thing you should do is check the basics, Look at the clutch fluid, Is the fluid dark and discolored?

if your in doubt at all, flush and bleed the master and slave cylinder.

Contaminated brake fluid that has water in it can cause strange symptoms like this.

So lets keep it simple flush and bleed the clutch master and slave cylinder.

this is the cheapest easiest thing you can do, I am not sure why you would drive a car like this for years without trying this basic preventive maintenance step.

Even if it doesn't help at all your only out a few bucks for new fluid.

Driving a car like this means your not in total control of your vehicle which frankly is not a great idea.

 

[melsg5]

I agree with above, replace the fluid and bleed the hydraulic system keeping a sharp eye out for any leaks. In addition the master or slave piston seals could be worn.