Gears lock up when the car starts, any ideas? Options

[Rymaster]

So i was driving to school like any other day and when i parked my car, i noticed it seemed like my gears were locked up. I didn't really think much of it and just turned my car off and went to class. Finished class and came back to my car to drive home, *note*-my car was in first when i started it*, so i drove off and all the way home fine, about a 30 mins drive down the highway. When I'm almost home, i stop to get some gas and when i start the car back up, it starts up real shaky and I can't shift into any gears. I turn the car off and notice i can shift through all the gears perfectly when it's off, so i put it in first and start it back up, the car immediately starts moving when i start it. I end up driving the car home in 2nd, not stopping the whole way cause if I do the car will stall. If I shifted gears while driving, it was really rough, like i'm powershifting into gears.

I figure, it's gotta be the low fluids, air in the system, clutch slave, clutch master, or the clutch itself. So I knock out the easy one's first. Fluid was good and I bled the system, still can't shift. Before I go spending any money, I try testing the clutch to see if that is the problem. I start the car in 5th and drop the clutch, the car stalls out right away, so I figured the clutch was still good, especially since it hasn't been slipping or anything lately. I replace the clutch slave, thought what the heck, 19 bucks...didn't help though, so I try replacing the clutch master. Re-bled the system after putting the clutch master in, but that didn't help either. Lastly, I try adjusting the clutch master behind the clutch pedal, thinking maybe it isn't pumping enough fluid, but that didn't make a difference either. The only think I could think it would be is if the line for the fluid between the slave and master is leaking somewhere, but when I press in the clutch and hold it, I notice that the clutch slave is holding constant pressure, so I don't think there is a leak in the line. I am all out of ideas, I'm assuming now that it's something with the clutch, it has to be....

anyone else have any ideas before I take it to the shop to pay massive labor cost?

[GriffGirl]

If you want to put in something that will go the distance and last the longest, go with and OEM replacement rather than a staged clutch. The stage clutches from what I understand are great, but they don't last as long (by nature of what they are, not a quality issue or anything) and are really intended to be most benefited by an engine with good HP.

I put in an Exedy OEM replacement, and I've been extremely happy with it. ACT is a good brand too, although IIRC they only make staged clutches, not OEM replacement. The Exedy won't cost you any more than your generic NAPA clutch, either. $120 for mine, for a 7A-FE engine. I think it's the same price for a 5S-FE engine too.

I have the BGB instructions on how to do the clutch, in an easy and alluring PDF if you want. PM me your email address if you want it and I'll shoot it right over.

Edit - PS: I have NO idea where Abingdon is! I'm guessing it's either western or southern Maryland? I'm from the Silver Spring/Rockville area originally. I still talk to some people back there, although it's been probably longer than you've been alive since I've been back LOL

This post has been edited by GriffGirl: Nov 5, 2008 - 12:31 PM