Clutch Problem Fixed!

[NotMyFavCar]

Not a question, an answer regarding Vibe clutch problems. I hope this can help some folks having problems like I did.
2003 Vibe GT, 6 speed manual transmission with the 2ZZ engine; 8th VIN digit 'L'.


Clutch going out AGAIN? Do you smell the clutch burning for no apparent reason? Hard to get the car in gear with the engine running and the clutch all the way pushed in? Going into reverse grind? Does the car seem to move upon starting? Hard to start? Clutch disk burnt on the flywheel side but it's like new on the pressure plate side?

Test: (insert legal speak for you can't hold me responsible for anything you do)
- Bring a friend.
- Park on a deserted, level surface.
- Engine off.
- Transmission in 1st/e-brake off/don't press the brake either.
- Push the clutch in ALL THE WAY and hold it.
- Have your friend push and roll the car 5'. It's a light car.
If your Vibe rolls easily, it does NOT have the problem mine did. Disregard.
If your friend can't push your car (or it's very difficult to), your clutch may be going in too far like mine did.
Additional test:
- With the clutch pedal still fully pushed, let the clutch out slowly as your friend continues to push. At some point the car should roll easily then eventually the clutch will fully engage and the car can't be moved.
(With the clutch about 2-3 inches off the floor I could roll my car. With the clutch all the way in I could NOT roll my car.)

Yes, you read that correctly, the clutch was going in too far -- too much actuation (I suppose you can call it that). When the pressure plate is pushed in too far the throw out bearing pushes the splines of the pressure plate into the clutch disk. In turn, the clutch disk is actually pressed into the flywheel by the clutch. That condition gives the errant symptom that the clutch is actually engaged even though the clutch pedal is pushed all the way in causing most or all the problems listed above. I'm a long-time mechanic that has seen many things but I've never seen this.

The fix:
The clutch cylinder has a rod going to the top of the clutch pedal. It is inside the car located just above the clutch pedal.

- Use a wrench to hold the rod-end then loosen the rod's check nut.
- Screw the rod into the rod-end in SMALL increments (about 1/8"). This shortens the rod.
- Re-test after each adjustment until your friend can move the car freely with it in 1st gear, engine off, and clutch pushed in ALL the way. Don't over do it.
(In my case I had to shorten the rod length about 3/8")
**** Shorten the rod so the clutch is fully DISENGAGED with the pedal pushed all the way in. The clutch must also be fully ENGAGED with the clutch not pushed.
- Tighten the check nut.
- Drive the car and verify the clutch operation is correct.
- Buy your friend a smoothie.
- If you ever meet me, buy me a cold one.

Michael

[vibrologist]

Thank you very much, Micheal! That's an excellent work of research and well articulated description of a potentially vexing problem.

[NotMyFavCar]

You're welcome. Hope my post helps some folks struggling with the crazy problem I had. I specialize in troubleshooting and finding problems that go unnoticed and absolutely love it.