Clutch pedal stuck? On road trip and worried!

[SneaKe]

On a road trip, and while driving I noticed that the clutch pedal was very close to the floor while I was in 6th going around 90. Today the first hot day we've had, perhaps something expanded? I checked my fluids and they are good.

After I noticed, I stuck my toe under the pedal and pulled it back into place. After that it seemed fine, but I've since pulled off the road. I was able to change gears before I pulled it back up. Now that I'm looking at it, I can see that the clutch pedal sticks out farther than the others. Not sure if this was always the case.

Any ideas on this? Serious? My next destination is 50 miles north.

If there is an option to adjust the pedal so it would stay lower, I'd actually like that. However it was a bit concerning while at speed.
Modified by SneaKe at 3:03 PM 4/6/2010

[G_whizz]

Hang tight...let me try to get help for you!

[adidas2go]

It could be something as simple as dirty/old fluid, low fluid, or air in the lines. If its really dark and cloudy, it needs to be replaced. Or you could have a leak around one of the cylinders/lines. Check that first.

Next, I would get a can of WD-40 and spray down the pedal linkage under the car as a possible quick solution.

You might have even just glazed the clutch plate. Which just takes a little while regular driving to bring it back to normal.

Other than that, on a trip like this, if you fluid isn't low, leaking, and doesn't have any air in it, you will need to consult a garage. I seem to recall a few people having trouble with the spring assembly itself sticking at the clutch.

[telcoman]

On a road trip, and while driving I noticed that the clutch pedal was very close to the floor while I was in 6th going around 90. Today the first hot day we've had, perhaps something expanded? I checked my fluids and they are good.

After I noticed, I stuck my toe under the pedal and pulled it back into place. After that it seemed fine, but I've since pulled off the road. I was able to change gears before I pulled it back up. Now that I'm looking at it, I can see that the clutch pedal sticks out farther than the others. Not sure if this was always the case.

Any ideas on this? Serious? My next destination is 50 miles north.

If there is an option to adjust the pedal so it would stay lower, I'd actually like that. However it was a bit concerning while at speed.

Modified by SneaKe at 3:03 PM 4/6/2010

I had the same problem. The dealer replaced the clutch slave cylinder and clutch fluid under warranty at 92.2k miles. I had the extended warranty. If you look at your clutch fluid you'll notice it is dark from boiling.The trouble will probably disappear on cool mornings and return on hot afternoons .It is probably not going to get any better so I'd advise you to get it fixed before summer.

Telcoman

[SteveTheTech]

It could be something as simple as dirty/old fluid, low fluid, or air in the lines. If its really dark and cloudy, it needs to be replaced. Or you could have a leak around one of the cylinders/lines. Check that first.

Next, I would get a can of WD-40 and spray down the pedal linkage under the car as a possible quick solution.

You might have even just glazed the clutch plate. Which just takes a little while regular driving to bring it back to normal.

Other than that, on a trip like this, if you fluid isn't low, leaking, and doesn't have any air in it, you will need to consult a garage. I seem to recall a few people having trouble with the spring assembly itself sticking at the clutch.

Yeah what he said

Most likely you overheated the fluid, whether that has effected the slave cylinder will really not be known until the fluid is completely replaced.

As for being on a trip, be careful, expect the worst and hope for the best. You know what to do if the pedal sticks.

Stay safe.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

In addition to what everyone else said: If you really get in a jam and have no use of the clutch at all, you should still be able to shift the car.

You'll have to shut the car off, put it in 1st, and then start the car in gear, and then rev-match all your gears following that. Press the shifter gently into the next gear (while laying off the throttle), and it should slip right in (its a synchronized transmission).

If this happens, avoid traffic and stop signs at all costs and get it to service as soon as possible.

[Ar878]

This is happening to me too and the dealer couldn't reproduce the problem so they didn't do anything about it.

[G_whizz]

Where are you Sneake?? I brought in the cavalry for ya!

Dd you make it ok??

[SneaKe]

Where are you Sneake?? I brought in the cavalry for ya!

Dd you make it ok??

Made it to my next stop with no issues. Thank you very much for the fast responses. I wasn't near a WiFi, so I've been reading on my phone but can not respond from it.

I'm going to a dealer in the morning before the temperature rises.

As a thank you, I will finally post pictures of the G35 cake my wife had made for me at our rehearsal dinner. It was awesome and I've been meaning to share! Be home soon, assuming I still can shift...

[SneaKe]

No loaner at the dealer until Tuesday. They said that they've heard of this issue, but blamed it on clutch abuse... I may have to fight them on this one, but if I win, everything is covered.

Side note: There is still an open recall on my headlamps. He mentioned that they would give me new headlamps for this. However, I have done some slight mods to my lights (good times), and it is obvious when looking at them. Would that be an issue? I don't want to pay anything.