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Hi guys,
Had some problems with the 5 yesterday. Driving the car yesterday, coming up to an intersection i couldnt get it into gear. The clutch pedal felt normal but i couldnt get it into gear at all only while the car was off. Tried to put it into first and start it but no luck. Considering i am mechanically challenged i asked a friend and he said try starting it in second. Managed to start it in second, though it made a loud crunch noise. After a bit of driving in second gear the car returned to normal, however, i could hear a crunch noise when i shifted down from thrid to second. Put the car away as it was getting late and took it for a drive this morning and it was fine, no problems at all. What would have caused it not to go into gear? Should i still be worried about this problem even though it seems to have gone? What do you guys think? Thanks.

oh thats unusual.. hows the clutch fluid?

Sorry bit of a newb here, the clutch fluid is the one to the right of the brake fluid isnt it? Below the vin number plate. If so i checked it and its full.

Its very thin and runny. Is it meant to be like that? Or is that a sign that it needs to be flushed and replaced. The car also has trouble getting into first and second when it isnt warmed up, if that also helps.

Try double clutching. Clutch in - gear to neutral - clutch out and in again - into next gear. This makes life easier for the syncromesh, and might help it go into gear. It sounds like a clutch issue though.

Boags

The problem of not being able to get it into first and second was not too much of a concern. Just felt a bit too tight and happens when the car is cold. However i did have the car inspected when i bought it about a month and a half ago and was told the clutch is on its way out. Seems to be that way too as it doesnt fell as grippy as a new clutch. Thats why i was thinking these problems could be due to an old and worn clutch.

Probably best to take it to a reputable brake and clutch place and get their opinion. Your problem could be stuffed hydraulics (my bet) and/or a clutch mechanical problem. The hydraulic fluid should be changed at least every 2 years or you will end up with clutch and brake hassles and have to spend $$$.

If you can: check under the car on the driver's side, front of gearbox near where it joins to the engine. The clutch slave cylinder is there and has an 'accordion' type rubber fitting on the rear end of it. Squeeze the rubber. If hydraulic fluid is present the slave cylinder is stuffed and is most likely the source of your problem.

you could always call roadside assist........http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78210

AJ wrote:you could always call roadside assist........http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78210

HAHA! " im sorry lady, your car is totally stuffed, your gonna have to get a motel for the night.....whats that ,you dont have any money?well im sure you can stay at my place!"