I have a 2006 MN6 coupe. Got the car back from the dealer a few days ago (It spends a lot of time there). Anyhow I noticed that the clutch pedal only seemed to be coming up about half way. Pulled up on the pedal when I got home and things seemed to be OK for a day. Today however it happened again where it stayed near the floor and would not accelerate. Smelled like the clutch was burning up. Anyone else out there have a similar problem to this?

 

Oh yea, do a forum search.
First thing check and probably replace your clutch fluid. Do a search for 'Ranger', and follow his instructions.

There was a TSB on this for '05's anyway:

https://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/globa...ssetId=P800014

I fixed my '05 using a 50 cent window track lock:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...00/ppuser/6747

That part clamps onto the clutch arm, and effectively reduces the clutch throw. That eliminated the problem in my '05.

 

Drain and replace clutch reservoir with DOT4 fluid at least every 1000 miles. Now that it's gunked up I would replace it every 100 miles until it's clear for a while. Hopefully it's not too late.

 

There must be more to this than meets the eye. My fluid has looked like crap for nearly 2 years, still does, and I never changed it. I don't race, but several back to back all out 1/4 mile+ runs recently demonstrated no clutch problem.

 

And what does GM advise on replacing clutch fluid?

 

The morons doing burnouts at the dealer probably didn't help the situation...........

 

Your dealership have a christmas tree and waterbox too?

 

I experienced this in my 06 as well. The dealer is most likely going to tell you "it will either get worse or go away," or they will want to replace your clutch flywheel and cylinder as they did in mine (search "GM Buyback Experience" if you want to know how that went). When I asked them about changing my clutch fluid they thought I was crazy. They are the ones who are misinformed.

The homeopathic solution to the symptoms you describe is changing your clutch fluid. I'm sure when your clutch pedal got stuck midway it was under hard acceleration, leaving you with a burnt clutch odor because of the pedal not disengaging completely. You are going to have to keep changing your clutch fluid until it's clear. Search for Ranger's thread "Clutch Pedal Woes." This type of do it yourself service is something your dealer would never tell you about, but could save you from unnecessary grief and aggravation! Let us know how it turns out.

 

What I've learned:

(1) clutch pedal issues have plagued C5/C6 owners since the beginning.

(2) GM has been replacing the whole clutch and hydraulics as a "fix" but that fix does not last.

(3) Owners that change their clutch fluid regularly have a very low incidence of pedal woes.

If a clutch does not currently stick, that's good. If it does begin to act up, suggest you start changing the fluid.

Along those lines, you might ask yourself why GM puts DOT4 fluid in the C6 clutch (and wraps the hydraulic lines) while still using DOT3 in the car's brakes. I'd suggest that GM knows that heat is a serious issue.

When the clutch on this LS1/2/6/7 is subjected to a less-than-fast (e.g. slow) release on a street launch or a high rpm shift, the clutch gets very hot. And this clutch does not react well to that heat. Hence my advice is to refrain from anything but a fast release.

Given GM's reliance on LUK clutches for the LS-series, I doubt the issue will be resolved except by going with an aftermarket replacement.

Of course, I could be dead wrong about all this. But until that is demonstrated, I plan to keep with minimal slip of the clutch and frequent changes to the fluid.

With that said, here are the threads to read, and heed, if you wish to get the clutch working properly again and keep it that way:

Clutch Pedal Woes--Fluid Impact

C6 Clutch Hydraulic Fluid--the Chevy Spec

Clutch Pedal Woes--Fluid Changing Kit

A picture of the GM packaging and that of the OEM provider This post states incorrectly that the GM fluid cannot be mixed with any other brand. That's false. I've mixed Prestone DOT4 Synthetic into the stock GM fluid in my clutch hydraulics without any problem.

Ranger

 

Thanks for all of your input. This is very helpful.

 

Did GM address this issue in the 07's?

 

No, the issue appears to be inherent in the design of the LUK-made clutches with which all LS motors are equipped.

What GM did do as a step is move to DOT4 brake fluid in the clutch and heat shield on the clutch hydraulic lines.

Ranger

 

Nice picture; note that the GM label on the can on the left does not even completely cover the Pentonsin can !

Since the Pentonsin can stated that the fluid complies with SAE Specification J 1703, I looked it up. One of the requirements is a compatability test, which is described as mixing the subject fluid with the Standard SAE Compatability Fluid. And what is that? Ah-ha, a mixture of six commercial brake fluids, including those from GM, Dow Chemical, Wagner-Cooper, Hoechst and Toyota. The SAE spec requires what Ranger has proved empirically - that you can mix any reputable DOT 4 brake fluid with the GM fluid without fear.

.

 

my opine do none of the above. its still under dealer protection? call em say its me again send the flatbed,ya should have u turned when it happened and left it . so many clutch issues i may keep my 01 coup for a few mo. my z06 is due end of oct and I WILL NOT BE CHANGING FLUIDS EVERY WEEK OR REMOVING SPRINGS UNDER DASH. an angery tanker is not a sight to take lightly. hope ya get it right i,ll be watching for updates about ya. good luck pardner

 

The clutch today remained half way. Would NOT come back without me pulling it up with the lip of my shoe. After that, it went away.

Is it the beginning of something bad?

ONLY 2400km on the c6z!!! It did smell like something burning for a bit.

I'll report again if it re-occurs.

btw pulled the fuse for the mufflers. I like the added noise. sounds more like my old '04 z06!!

-zBill.

 

Sounds like time for a little clutch fluid exchange...

 

What a pain in the #@@, does the Z06 have this problem?

 

vjones,

It's generally useful to read a thread before posting a question which may already be answered in copious detail....Just a thought.

Not sure how long you've been driving C5s/C6s or your style of driving. If you've never personally encountered clutch pedal issue, congratulations.

Ranger

 

So there you were, driving down the road, cruise set to 35 mph when all of a sudden the clutch pedal dropped to half-mast and the fragrant aroma of eau de clutch was in the air. Image that....

Might help sort out the issue were you to provide just a bit of insight on the circumstances that just may have provoked the pedal issue.

But let me guess. You launched the car or you were hammering the throttle from a slow roll together with some clutch play. Just a guess....

Ranger

 

Ranger,

STOP sign. Rev the engine high, let the clutch out and away I went. (just went for a ride without my fuse for the exhaust...wanted to hear her rev a bit)

Drove about 1/2 block and the pedal remained half way. Continued my gear change from 1 to 2 then to 3. Noticed the pedal half way and then I decided to pull the pedal clutch up with the side of my shoe. That's it. After that, nothing. ALL NORMAL. (some smell).. Clutch returned to full play and I continued my drive. No further issues.

Did I damage anything? BTW I don't think this means I should change the clutch fluid, does it?

What's next?
-zBill.