Gear engagement problem

John W

Newbie
Joined
Jul 14, 2025
Points
1
Hello, I have a 2001 2.2 roadster for the past 3 years and have noticed a problem with engaging gears after the clutch pedal has been depressed for a while, especially when stuck in slow moving traffic necessitating frequent clutch movements. During normal 'open road' gear changes there are no issues in selecting any gear, but in slow moving traffic or during car parking manoeuvres if I sit with the clutch depressed for 5 or 10 seconds or more the gears will struggle to engage. I get round this by changing into neutral when coming to a halt, and taking my foot off the clutch pedal. Re-engaging gear is then fine, but sit with the clutch depressed and then it won't shift. Has anyone experienced this issue before, and if so did you identity the cause? Or can anyone with knowledge of clutch/gear systems offer any thoughts on possible causes and solutions? Thanks
 

Duncodin

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
Joined
Sep 8, 2021
Points
159
Location
Pontrhydyrun - in Crow Valley
Model of Z
M44 FrankenZed
Sounds like hydraulic lossing pressure in master or slave cylinder when held for any length of time.

When the pedal is held down there's a slow leak past a seal from the high pressure side to the low pressure side meaning pressure is lost slowly without actually lossing/leaking fluid so you might not see wet cylinders. But they need a service.

But your 'work around' is better driving anyway. Sitting with your foot on the clutch pedal isn't good anyway. My missus does it all the time. Do I tell her? No chance. But I never do it.
 
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John W

Newbie
Joined
Jul 14, 2025
Points
1
Ah, that makes sense, I'll make sure to get these checked out. And you're dead right on keeping some things to yourself!! Thank you, much appreciated.
 
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