From neutral into 1st or reverse problem

[erb13]

When the car is stationary with the engine on I sometimes have a problem shifting into first or reverse and many times the only solution is to stop the engine, put the car in gear and restart the engine with the clutch engaged. It is never a problem when the car is moving or the engine is off. One mechanic told me he thinks one or more of the "fingers" on the clutch pressure plate is bent and the only solution is to replace the pressure plate.

Does this make sense? The problem is erratic and I have gone for days with no problem and then have a day when it almost never works or is extremely stiff going into first. I do not want to open up the clutch unless I have to.

erb13
1998 SVT

 

[BrApple]

Have you bleed the clutch yet? that has helped many before. The one other instance I have spoken to someone about that was just like this sadi it went away when he replaced his clutch ...

also when its in gear with the clutch out and you rev it up the car move when on flat ground?

 

[SVTJON87]

this may sound stupid but i had a similar problem when i first got my car and the bolts where loose on my shift tower that holds the shifter.

its worth a look. just pull the shift boot up and look.

 

[mattsBLK99cSVT]

i had the same problem i pulled the boot up wiggled the shifter and it shook like a big butt, then i tightened it down and now all is well although i had to tighten it down once a month

 

[erb13]

Thanks for the info. I'll pull up the shift lever boot tomorrow and look for loose bolts. I know the clutch hydraulic lines have never been bleed and will look into doing it.

erb13

 

[rollinstylee]

...although i had to tighten it down once a month

Blue Loctite...mine hasn't loosened since.