My clutch problem is the opposite of slipping. It does not release with the pedal fully depressed. The problem evidenced as a balky shifting into first and reverse. These are classic symptoms of a clutch not releasing. This symptom developed over time and was adjusted once by the dealer to improve shifting. By 2000 mi and out of warranty, it basically could not be shifted into reverse with the engine running. After discussing with another M3W owner, I decided to first bleed the clutch hydraulic lines to check for air. Big mistake! Opening the valued let out a lot of fluid indicting that the system was pressurized and the throw-out must have been preloaded. Manually moving more fluid out gave no air. Now minus the previously preloaded clutch the transmission cannot be shifted into any gear.
Has anyone had this clutch problem? What should be done? I assume it is the slave cylinder self-adjuster that is responsible for the preloading? So far the shifting has not returned to its original poor but better than now state. Should I be doing a lot of clutch pedal pumping? If it were to return to prior bad state, I would adjust the clutch pedal stop giving more movement of the master cylinder. Anyone have any suggestions on this? I have tried to purchase a Mazda Miata (assuming that is what the transmission and clutch is) shop manual or a Haynes manual for adjustment advice but can’t yet find a version for later models (2013 and later) on line.
I’m about to take this to an independent Miata mechanic but still wonder if I could adjust it myself.
