TROUBLE SHOOTING: Let's take a look at some of the problems that you can have with your manual transmission. GRINDING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING AND THE TRANSMISSION IS IN GEAR: Stop driving as soon as possible and check the level of the transmission to see if fluid spills out. If not, refill. If fluid spills out, refer to a mechanic for a repair estimate. Usually, it's broken gears and/or bad bearings in the transmission itself. TRANSMISSION IS HARD TO GET IN AND OUT OF GEAR, OR IT GETS STUCK IN GEAR: First check your transmission fluid level and if it's okay, adjust the clutch. To check for a clutch adjustment problem, have your car in gear, then engage the clutch and start the car. If your car jumps forward, that's a clutch adjustment. Should you be stuck in gear, first adjust the clutch and then move the transmission linkage back and forth underneath the car to snap it back into neutral. Should the problem continue after adjusting the clutch, refer to your mechanic and have him check out the linkage. The problem could be a worn pin in the gear shift linkage itself or it might simply need a linkage adjustment. Also on a hydraulic clutch system, make sure the level is full and if not, refill. It's also a good idea to have the system flushed. Should the fluid level be continually low, check for leaks at the master and slave cylinders. If the master cylinder leaks, have it replaced. If leaking occurs at the clutch or slave cylinder, have the slave cylinder replaced. If everything is okay and the problem continues after adjusting your clutch, the problem is then usually your clutch, but also have the transmission examined. SLIPPING OR JERKING SENSATION WHEN DRIVING: First, adjust your clutch. Also on a hydraulic clutch system, make sure the level is full and if not, refill. It's also a good idea to have the system flushed. Should the fluid level be continually low, check for leaks at the master and slave cylinders. Replacing any leaking parts. If everything is okay, and the problem continues after adjusting your clutch, have your clutch replaced. TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT INTO CERTAIN GEARS: First adjust the clutch and if the problem continues refer to a mechanic who is familiar with your particular model car and have the linkage checked out. Usually, it just might need a linkage adjustment. If the linkage is okay, have the transmission examined. The problem could also be a dragging clutch. CHATTERING SOUNDS WHEN THE CLUTCH IS RELEASED: Have the clutch replaced. Either your clutch plate is warped or oil has leaked into the clutch itself. If oil has leaked into the clutch, you probably have a rear main seal leak in the engine and/or a front seal leak in the transmission itself. SCREECHING OR SQUEALING SOUND ONLY WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED: This is usually a sign of a worn throw out bearing. Have it replaced as soon as possible. SCREECHING OR SQUEALING SOUND ONLY AFTER YOUR FOOT IS OFF THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE IN NEUTRAL: This is usually a sign of a worn pilot bearing or bushing where the fly wheel connects to the crank shaft. Replace the bushing immediately to avoid potential major engine or transmission damage. CLUTCH PEDAL HAS A VERY SLACK FEEL TO IT: This is usually the sign of a broken clutch cable or a worn slave cylinder on a hydraulic system.
