A malfunctioning clutch will not cause a check engine warning, but a malfunctioning transmission will. As such, if the transmission is having problems because the clutch is gone bad, you may end up with a check engine light illuminated on the dashboard. Do not worry. MotivWerks can determine why the check engine light came on and replace the clutch if necessary. The following problems are indications that your clutch is going bad and needs to be replaced.
The Pedal Is Soft
Pressing down on the clutch pedal should feel the same every time you do it. If the clutch starts to feel soft or sinks to the floorboard, you may need to have it rebuilt. Changes in how the clutch pedal feels are an indication that it is wearing out on the inside. We will inspect the clutch to see if it needs to be replaced or if replacing some of the parts will resolve the problem.
The Bite Point Has Changed
Another change in the clutch pedal is the bite point. When the clutch goes bad, the bite point gets higher. You may refer to this point as the catch point. This is the place in the clutch when you shift the gears. At first, you may not realize that the bite point has changed because the change will be subtle. Eventually, the bite point will be so high that you will notice it.
The Clutch Smells Hot
You never want your clutch to smell hot. If it does, it is slipping. We hate to say it, but a slipping clutch needs to be replaced. The reason why it is called a slipping clutch is that it is no longer able to remain engaged. Consequently, even if you still have the clutch pedal pressed down, the clutch will disengage. As you can imagine, this causes numerous problems.
You Can’t Shift the Gears
One of those problems is an inability to shift the gears. You may find it nearly impossible to move the gear stick and the gears may grind if you force the shift. The clutch has disengaged and the transmission no longer has power. The power has transferred back to the engine.
The Acceleration Lags
Your vehicle’s acceleration also relies on the power being with the transmission. This is so the transmission can turn the drivetrain, i.e., the wheels. If the clutch has slipped, your vehicle’s acceleration will lag because the wheels are moving.
Call MotivWerks in Chambersburg, PA, today so we can set up a service visit for your automobile and inspect the clutch. We will replace it if necessary.