Clutch Start fails AND tranny is almost impossible to get into gear. Coincidence?

[itgogitrev]

Well it's been about a year since I've had any issues with my 2nd gen, so it's about ready for one. As the title states, I can't start the engine by depressing the clutch pedal. HOWEVER, a little click of the clutch start cancel button allows it to start every time.

"Might just be a bad clutch switch, or maybe the bracket has bent over time."

The same day I start having the starting issue, it became really difficult to get the transmission into gear. I've tried pumping the clutch a few times to build up pressure, but it's complete luck to get it into 1st or reverse from a stop.

I just got home for the night and I'll be checking the clutch master cylinder tomorrow morning for leaks.

Is it safe to say that these are two separate problems that happened to show up at the same time?

 

[Chuckles89]

Check to make sure the clutch pedal bracket isn't broken. It seems to be a fairly common problem.

 

[Howitzer]

I don't believe in coincidence, whether in women or vehicles. I don't have nearly as intimate experience of 2nd gen as I do 1st gen, but as Chuckles stated, that would be a good place to start. I would check mechanical issues such as linkage and hydraulic lines, first

 

[itgogitrev]

I checked both the CSC and CMC today, no leaks and everything seems to be in working order. I did pull out as much fluid as possible and put some new stuff in since it was jet black. I'll bleed it as soon as I can get a helper.

I'm going to take a look under the dash and look at the bracket. I faintly remember pushing the clutch down two days ago and felt a little 'ping' in the pedal, the pedal pressure felt like it dropped a little bit.

Time to pull out the seat and take a look.

 

[itgogitrev]

It's the bracket.

Looks like someone tried to weld it when it was still installed. No bueno...

I think instead of pulling it and trying to salvage it, I'm going to bite the bullet and buy one, or at least buy a used one that hasn't been hack welded.

 

[Howitzer]

Any pictures? I'm curious

 

[itgogitrev]

Sure thing, I'll run out in a sec and get one.

 

[itgogitrev]

Here we go.