2002 Pontiac Sunfire Clutch Problems

[bern1_90007]

Hi,

2002 Pontiac Sunfire with 37,000 miles on it. A few days ago, I started it and then stopped and turned off the engine. When I tried to start it again, I noticed the clutch petal was all the way down and would not come back up. Thus, I could not shift it into any gear to move the car. I towed it to a local shop and at first, the guy thought it was the master cylinder? Now, he says its the entire clutch and he has to remove the transmission and engine to fix it and it will cost around 1,000?? Any advice would be very helpful as I know nothing about this problem. With such a new car, I cant imagine why this would happen. The auto repair guy says its probably a manufacturer error and not something i did.

Since i bought it used, I doubt its still under warranty but i'm checking on that nonetheless.

thanks.
Brenda

[GTP Dad]

Before you authorize repairs have the mechanic only fix the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder. It is possible that the clutch is burnt out but the hydraulic clutch and the clutch itself usually don't go at the same time. If you need to have the clutch replaced, have it done later. This sounds like he is trying to make some money off your lack of knowledge of car repairs. Unless you ride the clutch or the car has been abused there is no way a clutch went bad in 37K miles.

[elindso]

I just last week got my mother a 2002 sunfire with 33,000 Km or 20,000 Miles.
Almost exactly the same story on the clutch. Pedal to the floor, would start but not go into gear. This happened when she was driving over to my house. Lots of smoke and clutch smell. My mother has driven standards for 50 years with no problem.
The difference is that the used dealer is honorable and will have it fixed.

Is this someting that will happen again? I sure hope not.