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How to Diagnose a Slipping Clutch in Your Car

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For many drivers, shifting a standard transmission automobile is an essential part of the driving experience. Unfortunately, if you drive in a highly congested area with many stops, you may have developed some bad shifting habits that can result in a slipping clutch or stripped gears. You could read books, or even go to school to learn how to diagnose a slipping clutch, but here's a start in terms of identifying this issue. These details refer specifically to hydraulically operated clutch mechanisms, and may not apply to clutches with mechanical linkages.


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    Notice if you smell something burning coming from under the hood. This may be the result of an oil leak or even damaged electrical wiring (both serious, but not clutch-related issues), but it can also be a sign of a slipping clutch.
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    Take the car for a drive. See if it takes more RPMs from the engine to achieve a certain speed. This can also be an indicator your car needs a clutch replacement.

Community Q&A

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  • What does it mean when the car is in gear and the clutch is engaged, but when given gas it just revs higher?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Even if a gear is selected, pressing the clutch is effectively placing the car in neutral. It should be the same effect as having the car in neutral but not pressing your clutch down.
  • How can I remove the clutch from my car?
    wikiHow Contributor
    You have to remove the transmission, which could be tough for someone with little to no experience.
  • Do I need to buy a new flywheel when replacing the clutch?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Flywheels can be resurfaced. If the flywheel is worn beyond the specifications, then it should get replaced.
  • When I pop the clutch, my car won't go into gear. It skips gears. What should I do?
    wikiHow Contributor
    The clutch needs to he replaced.
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  • You can cause excessive wear on the clutch if you drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal. You should keep your foot off the pedal when driving unless shifting or starting the vehicle.


  • The clutch pedal movement may not be the best indication of the condition of the clutch, since not all automobiles depend on a hydraulic clutch master cylinder for release. Some automobiles are dependent on a mechanical release and the clutch will often require adjustment as it wears down.

Things You'll Need

  • Wheel chocks
  • Flathead screwdriver

Article Info

Categories: Transmission Parts

In other languages:

Español: diagnosticar un embrague deslizante en tu carro, Italiano: Verificare se la Frizione dell’Auto Slitta, Русский: диагностировать износ автомобильного сцепления, Português: Diagnosticar uma Embreagem Deslizante em seu Carro, Deutsch: Eine rutschende Kupplung in deinem Auto erkennen

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