clutch issues (2002 gt 5 speed)

trlps_ said:

so after finally and i mean FINALLY getting my car to run and idle on its own, now having an issue with my clutch/transmission. With the car off i am able to go through all 5 gears and reverse with no issues whatsoever, when the car is on however i cant go through gears as easily, its hit or miss but reverse will grind when trying to put it in and as far as driving, its difficult to put in first as well as second. Havent drove the car since it started doing this or got a chance to try the rest of the gears, only drove it around my apartment after getting it running but any ideas? Thinking maybe the pressure plate but not 100% sure, any ideas as to what it can be will help a ton, thanks in advance!

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Hi,
Happy to help you get this worked out...sounds like you just cleared up some drivability issues, were you having any transmission/clutch issues previous to that, or did they just start now- or is this more of a new purchase? Hate to answer questions with questions...Some details will greatly help members reach out with less vague responses.

1) Is this a car you recently purchased, didn’t have a chance to drive it much previously? You mentioned you stopped driving it when you first started having having this problem, meaning the Clutch/Trans issue?
2) Any recent Clutch or Transmission work in the vehicles recent history?
3) If you’ve had it for a while & have driven it enough, did this clutch issue start suddenly, or begin & worsen over time?
4) Does your Mustang have an adjustable clutch cable, firewall adjuster, aftermarket pedal quadrant for fine Clutch tuning?
5) What distance is the pedal from the floor when you are able to stop the Car while in gear, still feel like it’s slightly engaging?
(Very close to the floor, practically on the floor, etc-same for..)..
What is your pedal height when in gear, when the clutch starts to grab & move the car while slowly releasing the pedal?
Has the pedal height changed since the problem began?
Any Clutch slippage noted when it’s in gear & moving, or does it feel fairly solidly engaged?
If you cycle the clutch a few times first, then depress & push it into gear, does that help with it getting into 1st, doing the same in 2nd while moving?
Perform a spin down test?
What Oil are you running in its Trans, and is it filled to the correct level?
-Honestly lacking in proper adjustment, from the information I have until there’s a little more info to work with.
Best!
-John

Hi,
That information helps a bit on this end, TY!
Sounds like you may have 2-3 things going on, making all worse. I’d listed what would be most likely areas of interest, how to deal with them.
How long has that fuel been in the tank, any Sta-bil added, may be contributing..
This Clutch May be a newer install.& not completely broken in (500 solid miles)9, making it more vulnerable.
Again, I believe the answer is driving the car after all areas are checked/addressed.
I’ll assume this is still Cable actuated, for now. Lots of hydraulic conversions are being done.
Points of interest; Troubleshooting.
1) Oil or another fluid leaking down to the surface rust on the flywheel, Splines, or on the Retainer sleeve (Especially when sitting a while) can cause car shaking chatter, rough, abnormal Clutch function.Check for oil on/around and leaks of any type on the ground/near the Trans Bell. This will clear up after some conservative driving, providing there isn’t a large oil leak. Repair as necessary.
2) A sticky Brake Caliper or E brake that’s “hanging” or not entirely disconnecting when released (drag) causes issues like yours. Check that all wheels are free to rotate without resistance, Jack it up- check. Penetrating oil on sticky mechanical brake components. Again, may be from sitting. Pull & check your cable for stretching internally, Lube it top first and allow to travel, line base. Should be simple to move with fingers.
3) Pedal effort light from normal height until about 1” in, then pedal effort increases to where clutch disengages entirely at >/= 1.5” from the floor., no “creep”. This is one of your issues, not the main nor the.only one.
Adjust your Clutch pedal height so disengagement fully occurs as described above. Using a helper, watch your clutch components down below, lubricate, adjust as needed.Do you have adjustable Clutch components? Post a few pics if unsure...
4) Check for broken motor mounts, Transmission mounts, loose or broken bolts, Bellhousing bolts not tightened. Use a bar & wedge in between mounts/crossmember, check torque of bolts installed..
5) Check for a possible misfire, this can create a jumpy, chattery feel when taking off, an intermittent or small misfire. Check for DTC’s.
Important note:
Hyperextending a clutch via adjustment too far past where the clutch fully disengages will bend pressure plate fingers & must be avoided. Folks all have preferences,
Best of luck
-John