Q: Does my car need a clutch replacement?

asked by on November 07, 2016

Primarily when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, the RPMs rev to 4000 or 5000 even when the clutch is released and the gas pedal is not even pressed that much, but the car barely accelerates. Then the transmission seems to correct and the car accelerates normally and the RPMs go back to normal. Shifting to other gears has similar effect but not as high RPMs. Does this mean the entire clutch needs to be replaced?

My car has 98000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Clutch is not working Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. It sounds like the clutch is slipping; similar to when an automatic transmission slips. The clutch disc provides the friction surface that allows the transfer of engine torque to the transmission. It accomplishes this by riding on the transmission input shaft and pressure is applied by the pressure plate against the disc and forces it against the flywheel. When the clutch disc is worn, it can start to slip. When it slips, the temperature of the disc can rise causing damage to the flywheel and pressure plate. I strongly suggest acquiring a qualified technician to perform an inspection to confirm the needed repair and avoid replacing unnecessary parts. YourMechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with an inspection of your clutch issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Broken glove compartment.
The problem you are having is not a common problem and the actual part that broke would need to be known. Is the latch broken or is one of the hinges broken? My recommendation is to have a technician check...
Ignition system problems.
In addition to the parts you listed it could also be the ignition cap and rotor. If any of these components go bad your car will not start very well or at all. I would ask for help from one...
Brake lights not working in a 2001 Ford Ranger
Hello. Determining the problem with your truck tail lights requires testing the light switch to ensure that there is power going to it, and power also coming out of it when the switch is turned on. Then, it's a good...
I shift warning light wont start
Hello there, It sounds like your vehicle has gone into a failsafe mode due to a transmission fault. In most cases a check engine light will also be displayed with the symptoms you have described. A few different components can...
nissa d21 z24 carburated strange rattling noise
Hello. In regards to your idle speed issue, I would recommend tuning and adjusting the carburetor until the correct idle speed is achieved. As far as the rattling noise goes, firstly I would check to make sure that the engine...
Smoke is coming from steering wheel column and there is a burning smell, loud noise from engine.
This sounds like there are two different problems, but the "something's burning" problem is critical. There is obviously an electrical short somewhere inside the steering column that has already done damage, and could lead to a sudden shutoff in traffic,...
Sometimes my car starts immediately and sometimes it takes between 5 and 10 tries.
Your mechanic's diagnosis and explanation could well be correct. This is classic symptom behavior of a failing ignition switch. The contacts become "burned" over time and over lots of "start" cycles. The repair is to replace the ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-switch-replacement)....
I have no tail lights but all other lights work
Hey there. You should check to see if you have front parking lights. If the front parking lights work, then the rear parking lights will have bad bulbs or sockets for the bulbs. The front and rear parking lights are...
My problem is Check Engine Light on. Cruise control does not work, loses power on hills, as if it does not want to pull hill.
Hi there. From the description you have provided, there is several possibilities for your vehicle's drivability problems. Your vehicle's Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) may help diagnose the lack of power and inoperative cruise control. Accessing the vehicle's computer for codes...

Related articles

How a Hydraulic Clutch System Works
If your car transmission has a hydraulic clutch, chances are you’re wondering exactly how it works within your shifting system. Most clutches, especially...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
If If you’re looking for an SUV, but don’t need much space or off-road capabilities, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport just might be the ticket. With it’s stand-out appearance that is sure to be noticed, it provides the features and...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Clutch Master Cylinder
Common signs include low or dirty fluid, difficulty shifting, and abnormal pedal behavior.