The clutch on the 1997 Eclipse is a hydraulic system that uses brake fluid as its hydraulic fluid. When the driver pushes down on the clutch pedal, the pressure change in the system causes the transmission clutch to engage. Problems with the clutch are usually due to contaminated fluid or air in the clutch lines. The solution to both problems is to bleed the clutch.
Level the car by parking it on a flat driveway, or by using jackstands. You want the Eclipse as level as possible so it's easier to read the level of fluid in the master clutch cylinder reservoir.
Find the clutch master cylinder under the hood. It is located on the driver's side and is mounted directly to the firewall between the engine compartment and passenger compartment.
Open the cap on top of the master cylinder and check the fluid level. The fluid should be honey colored. If it's discolored, siphon it out and replace it with fresh fluid.
Locate the line going out of the master cylinder on the right hand side. Follow the line until you reach the slave cylinder. The bleeder valve for the master cylinder is located on the slave cylinder.
Remove the dust cap on the bleeder valve. It's a little rubber cover with a hose fitting underneath. Attach a piece of tubing to the hose fitting, and insert the other end of the tubing into a clear container with a little bit of brake fluid in the bottom. Make sure the end of the tubing is submerged completely.
Have a helper pump the clutch pedal, then press down firmly.
Loosen the nut on the bleeder valve, just enough for the fluid to start flowing. Watch the end of the hose for air bubbles to emerge.
Tighten the fitting when no more air comes out after several seconds, or new fluid begins to flow through the hose. Remove the hose and replace the rubber cover.
Test the clutch pedal by pressing it down. It should give firm resistance.
