Why does the clutch not spring back and fail to engage gears when pressed down?

[Derrick]

There are two main reasons for the failure where the clutch does not spring back and fails to engage gears when pressed down: either the clutch return spring has fallen off or broken, or the clutch pedal is broken. Below is more related information: Reasons and solutions for the clutch return spring falling off: The clutch's rebound is achieved by the return spring. Therefore, when the clutch return spring falls off or breaks, the clutch cannot rebound. If the pedal does not rebound, the engine's power cannot be transmitted to the transmission, resulting in the vehicle losing power. When this fault occurs, simply replacing the clutch return spring will resolve the issue. Reasons and solutions for the clutch pedal breaking: If the clutch pedal breaks, the pressure applied by the driver to the clutch pedal cannot be transmitted to the transmission. This problem can only be solved by replacing the entire clutch assembly.

[OIsabelle]

I've encountered this situation several times myself. When the clutch pedal is pressed down, it won't release or spring back, making it impossible to shift gears - an absolute nightmare while driving. The most likely cause is a problem with the hydraulic system. In manual transmission vehicles, the clutch operates via hydraulic pressure. If there's leakage or air bubbles in the master cylinder causing insufficient pressure, the pedal won't return after being depressed. Other common causes include aging or leaking seals in the slave cylinder, or ruptured hydraulic lines that cause fluid leakage, which can render the entire system inoperative. Additionally, if the release bearing wears out and gets stuck, it can also cause the clutch to remain in the depressed position. My advice when this happens: don't force gear engagement. Pull over immediately to inspect. Open the hood and locate the clutch fluid reservoir (usually a small container near the brake master cylinder) to check if the fluid level is adequate. If it's too low, you'll need to find the leak point. For safety, it's best to call a tow truck and have it professionally inspected at a repair shop rather than attempting DIY fixes that might worsen the problem. Unattended clutch issues compromise driving safety and can easily damage transmission gears, leading to much higher repair costs. Regular checks of clutch fluid levels and avoiding half-clutch driving habits can effectively prevent such issues.