QuestionI'm trying to determine if I need to replace the clutch kit only, or if the master cylinder should be replaced as well. When I attempt to put the car in gear, it shifts like it should, but the gear doesn't engage. The engine remains in neutral, no matter what gear I try. The clutch pedal is offering the proper resistance, the shifter moves smoothly between gears, and there is observable movement from the clutch when gears are shifted - the gears just don't grab. I recently replaced the slave cylinder (after getting in the car one morning to a mushy clutch pedal), and I have checked that the line is properly bled, not leaking fluids, and that the reservoir is full. I checked all the line connections for the clutch and tranny and whatnot, and everything looks good. So, is it just a new clutch kit I need, or should I replace the master cylinder as well? I am new to this whole self car maintenance thing, so please explain in layman terms. Thanks!
Answer The car shifts into gear, but doesn't move when you release the clutch, right? This sounds like a clutch that's not engaging. I wonder if the slave cylinder is properly adjusted to allow free movement of the pressure plate throughout its range? I would try disconnecting the slave cylinder (or even removing it) and see what the clutch does then. If it still moves freely between the gears, then the clutch almost certainly has to be the problem. If it goes back to resisting shifting until the clutch is released, then I would reinstall the slave cylinder. But, I would make sure it is the correct one, and that it is adjusted properly.
There is another possibility: that the transmission has a broken gear inside. You won't be able to fix that yourself, though.
