Chrysler Repair: 94 manual transmission clutch pedal engagement problem, clutch lever, clutch pedal

Question
I am having problems getting my 1994 Dodge Shadow to go into first gear. I usually have to force it to go in if I can get it in gear at all. This happens when I'm driving and while it is parked. My husband says that there is no resistance in the clutch. Is this a major probem that could be costly?

Answer
Hi Ruthie,
The clutch pedal is supposed to be self-adjusting as regards the slack in the cable that attaches it to the clutch lever arm at the clutch housing. If the adjuster doesn't do its job then the cable can get so slack that it feels like no resistance because all you are doing with the pedal is taking the slack out of the cable. Try pulling the pedal back toward you several times to the limit of its travel to see if the automatic adjuster will take up the slack and restore a normal feel to the pedal. If not then you may want to take a closer look at the pedal/adjuster/cable/cable housing/cable routing/cable attachment to the clutch lever items to make sure that all seems normal. If you have heard any loud popping sounds from the clutch pedal when used it could be that the self adjuster spring needs to be stiffened. Let me know and I'll xerox and postal mail you a page or so from the '94 manual that shows how to do that and the entire pedal/adjuster set up.
I have focussed here on the pedal/cable. But of course there could be a problem internal to the clutch. But if the shifting into second and third and fourth gear is normal then that is not a likely reason. So I doubt this should be a highly cost issue.
Let me know what you learn and if you need the pages tell me a postal address.
Roland