Pinpoint Test D: Clutch Drag, Also Hard To Shift
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- D1 CHECK FLUID LEVEL
- Key in OFF position.
- Remove the reservoir cap.
- Inspect the fluid level in the brake and clutch reservoir.
- Is the fluid level at or above the step mark?
- D2 INSPECT THE CLUTCH HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR LEAKAGE
- Inspect the clutch master cylinder and the hydraulic lines for leakage.
- Inspect the reservoir and reservoir line for leakage.
- Inspect the clutch slave cylinder and the hydraulic line connection for leakage.
- Are there any signs of leakage?
- YES : INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- NO : Go to D3.
- D3 CHECK INTERNAL OPERATION
- Remove the reservoir cap.
- Have an assistant slowly depress and release the clutch pedal.
- On the down stroke, the fluid level should not increase by more than 1 mm (0.039 in).
- Does the fluid level increase more than 1 mm (0.039 in)?
- YES : INSTALL a new cylinder master cylinder assembly.
- NO : Go to D4.
- D4 CHECK THE CLUTCH PEDAL RESERVE NOTE: The clutch reserve is the distance between the clutch pedal when fully depressed and the position when the vehicle starts to move forward.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface.
- Check for obstructions behind the clutch pedal. Check the carpet for correct installation. Remove the floor mat.
- Attach a cable tie to the lower clutch pedal.
- Attach a tape measure to the cable tie.
- Depress the clutch fully and start the vehicle.
- Shift the transmission into 1st gear.
- Use the seam on the steering wheel as a reference point.
- While observing the tape measure, slowly engage the clutch, noting when the vehicle starts to move forward.
- Is the clutch pedal reserve greater than or equal to 25 mm (1 in)?
- YES : The clutch hydraulic system is OK. TEST the system for normal operation.
- NO : Go to D5.
- D5 CHECK THE CLUTCH PEDAL FREE PLAY NOTE: The clutch pedal free play is the distance between the clutch pedal when fully released and the position when slight resistance is felt on downward motion.
- Engine OFF.
- Attach a tape measure to the cable tie.
- While observing the tape measure, slowly push downward on the clutch pedal until a slight resistance is felt.
- Is the clutch pedal free play less than 13 mm (0.5 in)?
- YES : The clutch hydraulic system is OK. TEST the system for normal operation.
- NO : Go to D6.
- D6 CHECK THE CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE
- Remove the clutch pressure plate. Refer to CLUTCH .
- Inspect the clutch pressure plate for wear or runout. Refer to Clutch Pressure Plate Check .
- Are there any signs of excessive wear or runout to the clutch pressure plate?
- D7 INSPECT THE CLUTCH DISC NOTE: Vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine use an inner floating damper design disc. When inspecting the disc, a rattle type noise can be heard. This is a normal operation.
- Carry out the Clutch Disc Check procedure.
- Is the clutch disc OK?
- D8 INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION
- Remove the transmission.
- Disassemble the transmission.
- Carry out the following:
- Inspect all the shift rails for excessive scuffing or wear.
- Check the interlock pins on the shift rail.
- Make sure the interlock bolts are tightened to specifications.
- Inspect the shift pads for wear or cracking.
- Inspect the shift forks for wear or damage.
- Check the synchronizer rings of the affected gear for wear or damage.
- Check the synchronizer hubs of the affected gear for wear or damage.
- Inspect the clutching teeth of the affected gear.
- Are there any internal components worn or damaged?
- YES : INSTALL new components or REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- NO : ASSEMBLE and INSTALL the transmission. TEST the system for normal operation.