Clutch pedal stuck to the floor?

dc3843 · 05-13-2013, 07:29 PM

So, coming back from dallas today, I'm at a dead stop in houston traffic. I go to change lanes quickly, mash the gas harder than i shoulda and the clutch slips out. Well, instead of burn the tires, the car starts bouncing off the rev limiter and barely moving. I try and shove the clutch in and its stuck to the floor for about 3-4 seconds. I left off the gas, put the car in neutral, clutch pedal comes back out, and I go about my driving. Car smells like burnt clutch for a few mins afterward. Anyone ever have this happen? Car has 1500 miles now.

acmethod · 08-17-2013, 11:19 PM

This happened to me tonight. Tires spun for a bit, went to shift into 2nd and the clutch pedal was stuck to the floor.

In about 5 seconds it came back.

I thought it was really weird. Drove home with no issues. Took the car out after reading a few threads and there was a really bad shudder / judder pulling away in 1st.

Came home, checked the fluid levels, all good. Read a few more threads, and began to get worried.

Took the car back out, drove around for a bit, slight judder in the beginning, then seemed to be fine.

Is this heat related? I still can't explain the stuck pedal tho. I've been driving manuals for the last 21 years. I've never experienced this.

Fountainhead · 08-20-2013, 10:42 AM

Hi,

If you're at the track and this happens, could be boiling fluid due to heat. The clutch line passes directly past the exhaust. When the car cools off then it will drive normally. Changing to higher boil point brake fluid (clutch uses brake fluid) will usually correct this, brands of "best" fluid are legion, read up on them.

If you're driving around in traffic and it happens, could either be:
A. Master cylinder failing (no leak and no pressure but can pump back up and no fluid loss in clutch reservoir).
B. Slave cylinder failed (leaking fluid because the seal on it's gone out) you'll see it dripping out of the transmission bell housing bottom, and your clutch fluid will be low.

Those are the two most likely scenarios I've seen on here.
If the Slave Cylinder is leaking I would have them make sure the clutch pressure plate assy doesn't have fluid on them, it ruins them over time.

1st · 08-20-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acmethod

Took the car out after reading a few threads and there was a really bad shudder / judder pulling away in 1st.

This is normal until you find the sweet spot give it more gas.

1st · 08-20-2013, 11:05 AM

As far as the clutch pedal being stick could be early signs of CSC Failure. CSC stands for Clutch Slave Cylinder. Its covered under warranty.

Chuck33079 · 08-20-2013, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1st

As far as the clutch pedal being stick could be early signs of CSC Failure. CSC stands for Clutch Slave Cylinder. Its covered under warranty.

Yep. This is most likely your issue. Talk to the dealer and ask if they'll install an aftermarket CSC if you bring it in. You'll have to pay for the part, but it won't fail again.

05-13-2013, 07:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
dc3843 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Southlake, tx Posts: 116 Drives: 2012 silver 6spd nav Rep Power: 12	Clutch pedal stuck to the floor? So, coming back from dallas today, I'm at a dead stop in houston traffic. I go to change lanes quickly, mash the gas harder than i shoulda and the clutch slips out. Well, instead of burn the tires, the car starts bouncing off the rev limiter and barely moving. I try and shove the clutch in and its stuck to the floor for about 3-4 seconds. I left off the gas, put the car in neutral, clutch pedal comes back out, and I go about my driving. Car smells like burnt clutch for a few mins afterward. Anyone ever have this happen? Car has 1500 miles now.

08-20-2013, 10:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
Fountainhead Track Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: FL Posts: 834 Drives: 2019 Civic Type R Rep Power: 14	Hi, If you're at the track and this happens, could be boiling fluid due to heat. The clutch line passes directly past the exhaust. When the car cools off then it will drive normally. Changing to higher boil point brake fluid (clutch uses brake fluid) will usually correct this, brands of "best" fluid are legion, read up on them. If you're driving around in traffic and it happens, could either be: A. Master cylinder failing (no leak and no pressure but can pump back up and no fluid loss in clutch reservoir). B. Slave cylinder failed (leaking fluid because the seal on it's gone out) you'll see it dripping out of the transmission bell housing bottom, and your clutch fluid will be low. Those are the two most likely scenarios I've seen on here. If the Slave Cylinder is leaking I would have them make sure the clutch pressure plate assy doesn't have fluid on them, it ruins them over time. AZP Installs likes this. Last edited by Fountainhead; 08-20-2013 at 10:48 AM.

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08-17-2013, 11:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
acmethod Base Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Dartmouth Posts: 11 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 12	This happened to me tonight. Tires spun for a bit, went to shift into 2nd and the clutch pedal was stuck to the floor. In about 5 seconds it came back. I thought it was really weird. Drove home with no issues. Took the car out after reading a few threads and there was a really bad shudder / judder pulling away in 1st. Came home, checked the fluid levels, all good. Read a few more threads, and began to get worried. Took the car back out, drove around for a bit, slight judder in the beginning, then seemed to be fine. Is this heat related? I still can't explain the stuck pedal tho. I've been driving manuals for the last 21 years. I've never experienced this.

08-20-2013, 11:05 AM	#5 (permalink)
1st A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: I 80 Biz U.S. 50 Posts: 1,710 Drives: Platinum Z Rep Power: 1616	As far as the clutch pedal being stick could be early signs of CSC Failure. CSC stands for Clutch Slave Cylinder. Its covered under warranty.