6th Generation - struggling to select gear

[Duracell]

Hello

I'm looking for some help. I have a 1996 Celica 2.0 GT and recently started struggling to select 1st gear, sometimes forcing it in which just feels horrible. Today, I couldn't get it into any gear at all - including reverse but managed eventually to nurse it home.

 

With the engine switched off I can select all the gears easily. I checked the clutch fluid and it's almost at maximum - maybe a few mm below.

 

I'm wondering if you guys have any ideas? I was thinking changing the clutch fluid would be a good place to start. Also, the bloke I bought it from in May said the gearbox oil was changed recently. I didn't ask what grade so I'm also thinking changing the gearbox oil might be worth a shot.

I really hope it isn't the gearbox or clutch.

 

Thanks

 

[alan333]

Probably the clutch.  How is the biting point?

[Duracell]

The biting point is low which seems normal to me. Having spend most of the day googling it seems a faulty clutch slave or master cylinder could cause problems engaging gears.

[alan333]

If the bite point is very low and gear selection is difficult, it's telling you the clutch isn't properly disengaging.  It could be the clutch, or as you say, the hydraulic operating system.

[Konrad C]

To confirm it is hydraulic, pump the clutch pedal a few times, then see if the biting point and clutch feel changes. If the biting point is higher then the hydraulic system is the issue. Also if hold the pedal down for about a minute, does the clutch feel like it is starting to bite more, like you are raising your foot?

The there is the visual checks for leaks.

[Duracell]

Thanks for your thoughts guys. I'll try pumping the clutch a bit tomorrow and check for changes in biting point.

[Duracell]

Quick update: I got my foot under the clutch pedal and pulled it a bit towards me and I can now select gears. Clearly there's an issue somewhere with the clutch but it's working again at the moment and I'll get the clutch checked properly come MOT time next month.