What to Do When the Clutch Plate is Stuck and Won't Release?
2 Answers
When the clutch gets wet and rusts, causing adhesion, it can make shifting gears difficult while driving, produce gear collision noises in the transmission, and may even prevent gear engagement. In such cases, first drive the car to an open area. With the engine off, engage first gear, then press the clutch and start the engine. The car will lurch forward. Use the strong torque difference during the lurching moment to break the rusted and adhered parts inside the clutch. Then, press the clutch halfway and drive for a while to resolve the issue.
I've encountered the issue of clutch disc sticking several times, mainly due to prolonged parking or rust adhesion in humid environments. I remember once leaving my car under a tree unused for months, and the clutch simply wouldn't disengage when I tried to drive. Never force it in such situations - safety first. You can try starting the engine when cold, shift to neutral, then have someone gently push the car while applying some force to loosen the adhesion. If that doesn't work, immediately contact a repair shop as they may need to disassemble it for cleaning or check if the clutch fluid level is low. Prevention is key - park in dry locations and take short drives regularly to keep the clutch active, which can minimize such troubles. If you're really in a hurry, consider temporarily taking public transport or a taxi rather than risking DIY fixes.
