The signs of a stuck clutch pedal are heavy and unresponsive pressure on the pedal, posing a danger to the driving process. Below are some of the most common causes and quick fixes for a stuck clutch pedal that drivers should know.
Causes of a stuck clutch pedal
A stuck clutch pedal is not an uncommon phenomenon. The signs are difficult or impossible to depress the clutch pedal or slow clutch release when the car starts or runs for a long time.
In this situation, the driver needs to let the engine cool down for about 30 minutes or until it is completely cooled down before the clutch pedal returns to normal and functions as before.
Downshifting when the clutch pedal is stuck. (Image illustration).
There are various reasons for a stuck clutch pedal in a car. Some of the most common causes include:
Due to carpet jamming
Due to clutch plates, flywheel, pressure plate wear
Due to a bent connecting part in the pedal assembly.
Due to a bent pushrod of the main cylinder or slave cylinder.
Emergency handling
In order to fix a stuck clutch pedal, first check to see if the carpet is jammed or not. If not, the following methods can be applied:
Restart the car
Restarting the car when the clutch pedal is stuck has the effect of returning the clutch pedal to its original position. There are 3 ways to start a car as follows:
Method 1: Used for old models of cars that do not require clutch engagement when starting in the case of a specific gear is set. The method is very simple, the driver just needs to turn the key, restart the engine. When starting the engine, the car may jerk because the gear is already set. Therefore, when the car starts moving, gently press the gas pedal, slowly to avoid a strong jerk.
Restarting the car is one of the ways to fix a stuck clutch. (Image illustration).
Method 2: Most new models today will be equipped with an electrical switch at the clutch pedal and the switch only closes when the driver presses the clutch pedal. If the clutch pedal is stuck and the driver wants to restart the car, the driver needs to keep the pedal pressed to close the switch and perform the restart of the car.
Method 3: If the car gets stuck with the clutch pedal before shifting gears, the driver can restart and force the car to gear 1 to accelerate. According to conventional principles, the pressing force creates a friction force, at this time the gears will be synchronized with the rotating gears and the car can move slowly.
When the car starts moving and reaches the required speed of gear 1, the gear will slip and the car will run normally. However, when starting with this method, synchronization is easy to be damaged because the engine has to withstand a considerable pressing force. Therefore, this method should only be used in emergency cases.
Upshifting
If the car is stuck with the clutch pedal while moving in gear 1 and you do not want to restart, the driver can press the accelerator firmly and release it immediately. Next, shift the gear to 0 and gently push it up to gear 2. When the speed of the car reaches the requirement of gear 2, the gear will automatically slip into gear 2 to release the stuck clutch pedal. If you want to go up to higher gears, the driver can perform the same operation.
Downshifting
Downshifting when the car is moving and the clutch pedal is stuck will be performed in reverse to the upshifting method mentioned above. The method is that the driver keeps the car running at a steady speed and pulls the gear lever to the 0 position. Then gradually accelerate and at the same time shift the gear to a lower position. When the running speed meets the requirement of the corresponding gear, the gear will automatically slide into the gear.
Stopping the car when the clutch pedal is stuck
If the clutch pedal is stuck and you do not know how to fix it quickly, the driver can completely stop the car. At that time, the driver needs to gradually reduce the throttle until the car stops and move the gear to 0. When stopping, the driver needs to step on the brake and pay attention to keeping the brake because the car is no longer obstructed by the engine. Shifting the gear to 0 will help the driver easily control the speed with the brake and will not exert pressure on the brake.
Important notes when the clutch pedal is stuck
The above methods for fixing a stuck clutch pedal are temporary and to some extent will affect the operation system of the car. At the same time, they also make it difficult to reduce the speed of the car, with high potential risks. Therefore, it is best when the clutch pedal is stuck, the driver needs to stop the car and seek help.
According to VTC.vn
