Can I Force the Gear if the Clutch is Flooded and Won't Engage?
2 Answers
Do not attempt to force the gear. If the engine stalls due to water ingress, never attempt to restart the vehicle. Instead, wait on-site for the car to be towed away. Below is relevant information about water-damaged vehicles: Concept: A water-damaged vehicle refers to a car that has been submerged in water, typically meaning the engine and transmission have been soaked, with water levels exceeding the wheels and seats, and prolonged contact between underbody components and water. Such vehicles pose significant risks, as electrical circuits are prone to short circuits and potential fires. Insurance: There are two types of insurance related to water damage: the most common is comprehensive vehicle insurance, and the other is called special engine loss insurance, commonly known as flood insurance.
I always drive very carefully. If the clutch gets waterlogged and you can't shift gears, you must never force it. Forcing the gear shift can cause the clutch and transmission components to collide harshly, which can easily wear out the gears or burn out the friction plates. In severe cases, it might even completely ruin the transmission. I once heard from a repair shop mechanic that fixing such damage can cost several thousand dollars, not to mention the towing fees. Waterlogging usually happens after driving through water, where water seeps in, or when parking in a flooded area during rainy days. If this happens, don't panic. First, park the car in a safe spot, check if there's water in the clutch slave cylinder, and try to drain it. If you can't handle it yourself, call a tow truck immediately to take it to a professional repair shop. Make it a habit to avoid driving into deep water and regularly inspect the clutch system to prevent issues before they arise. Safety is the top priority—forcing a gear shift is too risky and not worth the gamble.