1997 Ford KA once engine is started,cant get in first or second gear,reverse gear is also hard.

Car: Ford KA
Year: 1997
Variant: 1299 manual
Categories: Electrics, ECU, Warnings & Lights
i have had no warning before today that would suggest the clutch or gearbox was on its way out.i got in my ka this morn and couldnt get it in first or second gear without REALLY forcing it.it does go into reverse but not smoothly.could someone please help advise me as to what this could be and if anyone knows how much it would cost to sort the problem.
many thanks
Posted: Aug 28, 2010 (13 years ago)
Could be either clutch master cyl . or slave cyl fault .You could check fluid level in clutch tank and top up if required , though if needing fluid it would indicate one or both cyls leaking .Could try bleeding , but if cyls leaking , probably pointless .Need to get it checked out .You can also get clutch plate drag /sticking , which can cause this mostly worse in first and reverse .
Posted Aug 28, 2010 (13 years ago)
Regarding cost , this is from Ford Ka site and gives an indication of cost if it is clutch slave cyl which means taking out gearbox to replace .


Thu Jan 29 2009, 07:38PM







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It would be daft not to change the bearing & slave cylinder when having a new clutch fitted. Otherwise all the expense of removing the gearbox again if they fail later.

My daughter paid £330 for a complete clutch & slave cylinder at Mr Clutch last November. ( did a good job ) BTW.

Hope this helps you .
Posted Aug 28, 2010 (13 years ago)
are you able to select gears with engine off?if not then check your gear selector linkage.if only does it with engine running then go with whitinghame diagnosis
Posted Aug 29, 2010 (13 years ago)

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