1997 Escort Clutch Issue

Hi and thanks to anyone who can answer this!

I have a 97 Ford Escort with over 204k miles. The issue is my clutch...

Right now the vehicle will not shift into gear unless I press the clutch pedal ALL the way to the floor. The shifter has free play between the 1st and reverse gear. It is getting worse and sometimes it doesn't want to engage.

If I pump the clutch pedal, sometimes it gets better kinda like the brakes but I do not know how to bleed the clutch at this point or know where the problem is coming from.

What could it possibly be and how much would it cost (estimate range) to fix by a mechanic?

Thanks a bunch...
Ben

This is the same problem my brother seems to be having with his car, I would assume that the clutch is in need of replacement but i am not sure do u have enough fluid in your slave cylinder? My brothers is full so thats not the problem on his.

Welcome to AF. The fix is to bleed the clutch at the slave cylinder. The master cylinder is at the end of the clutch pedal shaft and the slave cylinder is at the tranny. You can do it yourself with a minimum of tools.

1.Remove the rubber cap from the bleed valve at the slave cylinder. Fit a tube over the bleeder valve and put the other end in a container of brake fluid.

2. Have someone pump the pedal several times then hold it to the floor.

3. Loosen the bleed valve to let the air escape. When bubbles quit flowing from the tube tighten the valve.

4. Keep the brake-clutch master cylinder at least 1/2 full or air will be sucked back into the system.

5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until no more air bubbles come out of the tube.

You don't have to take it to the dealer to get this done. Any car repair place can do it. Expect a minimum of 1 hours labor even though the process takes only 30 minutes. Expect to pay $50 to $60 to get it done. This should include the adjustment of the pedal if needed. If either the master cylinder or the slave cyinder needs to be replaced expect to pay $200. Thanks for visiting Automotive Forums.

Thanks for the info! I had my car towed (clutch was not working at all) to a shop here in Vegas. Just down the street about 15 minute walk. Anyways, they found that the master cylinder had a major leak in it. It had brake fluid everywhere.

The total cost estimate was about 265 for replacing the cylinder and getting the clutch bled. I will let you all know how it turns out once I get the final call to pick it up and drive! Thanks for the information!

Ben