Clutch going out on car

I possibly need a clutch replacement. I detect a burning smell along with a noise that sounds like a pressure plate is wearing out. My four cylinder is starting to produce black smoke from the engine area.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello, from what you are describing, it is possible that you’re having a clutch problem. Also keep in mind that black smoke could also mean that fluid is leaking from somewhere. I would suggest having a certified technician come out to test drive your car, as well as inspect it to determine the cause of your clutch issue.

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This is a sign that your clutch is overheating and that your clutch plate is beginning to wear out. Sometimes this can be accompanied by smoke from coming underneath the vehicle. The burning rubber smell is usually caused by riding the clutch, which is most common in slow-moving, bumper to bumper traffic.
If you`ve got a bad clutch, the signs will be anything but subtle. The smell of a clutch gone wrong is potent. It might smell similar to burning brakes, but has been described as a sickly, heavy stench. Some people have related it to sulphur or gun smoke.
The smoke will be visible as you sit still, it might be a lot harder to spot while you are moving. Riding the clutch is often a cause of clutch failure – and indeed it is the most common cause of both the smoke and the burning smell.
If you experience a burning smell coming from the clutch, it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Driving the vehicle with a burning clutch can cause damage to other parts of the drivetrain, including the transmission, and can pose a safety risk.
Warning: Driving your car while the clutch is broken will quite likely cause further damage either to the clutch, the gearbox, the shifter, or your starter motor. Use it as a last resort only.
The smell goes away after around 2 minutes.
If your clutch is overheating, it is likely slipping. A slipping clutch will not stay engaged to allow the power transfer between the engine and the transmission. A slipping clutch is a clutch that needs to be adjusted or replaced if it cannot be rebuilt.
You can either remove your clutch, open the drum and replace the tension springs or you can simply get a new clutch to replace the old one. New tension springs will ensure that the clutch stops smoking, as it will start engaging at the optional RPM range again.
The main symptoms of a burnt out clutch could range from loud noises to putrid smells of burning rubber. However, a clutch pedal continuously slipping, erratic acceleration and difficulty changing gears are also problems you may experience with a burnt out clutch.
Car Talk researchers have found that the cost to replace a clutch can range from $750 to $2500, depending on the make and model of the car you drive.
The average cost for a Clutch Replacement is between $1,253 and $1,428. Labor costs are estimated between $584 and $737 while parts are priced between $669 and $691.
It is technically harmful, but if it only happened one time, and you don`t notice any difference now, you`re fine. If it happens a lot you can damage your clutch (or other parts) but once in a while is fine (if not exactly desirable).
It is technically harmful, but if it only happened one time, and you don`t notice any difference now, you`re fine. If it happens a lot you can damage your clutch (or other parts) but once in a while is fine (if not exactly desirable).
The smell goes away after around 2 minutes.
The smell goes away after around 2 minutes.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Shifting from 2nd to 3rd, car stopped going fast. Now it won’t go at all.
ANSWER : It is possible that your clutch has failed. The sound you are hearing is likely due to the clutch not engaging with the engine due to it being worn. I would recommened having your transmission inspected by a qualified transmission expert to determine if your clutch requires replacement in order to resolve this issue. This inspection may require removal and partial disassembly of the transmission in order to verify that the clutch has failed.

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I bought a used car 2010 nissan versa and when I go uphill it slows down alot. When going uphill it says go 60mph I am at that sp
ANSWER : Hi there. When a car is slow to accelerate it can be caused by multiple issues, ranging from fuel systems that are clogged or damaged to an ignition system component failure. It is also possible that something in the driveline system is dragging which causes the lack of acceleration. Since there are so many different possible issues, the best way to start the diagnosis process is to have a professional mobile mechanic from our team come to your location and complete a car is slow to accelerate inspection.

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Car won’t move. I can start the car but when I put the shifter in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ect. The car will not move.
ANSWER : The transaxle is not engaging internally to the axle shafts inside the transaxle or you have one or both axle shafts disengaged from the transaxle. The fact that the speedometer moves when gear is engaged and clutch is released shows the speed sensor in the transaxle is getting turned.

You will need to have the vehicle raised and the axles inspected for broke or stripped shafts. If the axles do not have anything visually wrong with them then hold one wheel and try to turn the other wheel while transaxle is in gear, with engine off, to see if the wheels are locked together. When you spin one wheel the other wheel should turn in the opposite direction. If it does not then the problem is in the transaxle differential gears and the transaxle would need to be removed and disassembled to find the broken internal components.

If you need some assistance with this, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to diagnose your acceleration issue and help make the necessary repairs to get you going again.

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My car won’t go past 35mph
ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you provided, your vehicle has problems with the transmission again. You stated it will not shift into 3rd gear again, like before the transmission was rebuilt. If the transmission is again the problem, it should be covered under warranty. It could be a faulty shift solenoid. The shift indicator not reading properly could be a faulty transmission position sensor. If this is an overall lack of performance issue, according to your last statement, then possibly you have a restriction in the exhaust system. I recommend having your vehicle’s problems inspected and diagnosed by a certified technician from YourMechanic.

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I put the wrong key in my car and a few weeks later my car just shut down and it will not start I believe it’s the computer but…
ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you

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My clutch is not working Entire clutch repair or clutch master cylinder repair? How do I check the cylinder?
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the slave cylinder to the clutch and see if the piston is all the way out. If the piston is all the way out or its not touching the clutch fork, then the release bearing has broken and the fork has moved into the clutch. If the slave cylinder is relaxed and the fork is against it, then the clutch pressure plate has sprung a pressure spring. If the pedal can go down but not all the way to the floor, then the clutch needs replaced with a new release bearing. If you need further assistance with a clutch replacement, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

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my car refuses to go into gear and the clutch paddle looks fine and the clutch wire is ok , but when the car is turned off it gear
ANSWER : This could be a problem with an internal transmission component, such as a gear synchronizer, but a defective clutch pressure plate could exist as well. The clutch system would have to be inspected and if no obvious issue exists (in terms of "travel" or need for adjustment) and yet the shift problem persists, the usual course is to remove the clutch/transmission assembly for careful inspection and rebuilding if necessary. If you would like a definitive diagnostic, please request a clutch/transmission inspection and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

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Battery and oil light come on when trying to start car, take keys out try again car starts no problem and lights go away
ANSWER : Of course, don’t switch gears without being fully stopped, unless your Owner’s Manual or the manufacturer has alternative advice. However, the gear shift issue has no relation to the no-start problem you are describing. Inasmuch as you only have 6,000 miles on the car, the "constant on and off" that you believe has occurred is meaningless in comparison to the expected total vehicle service life. That is, assume what you perceive as "constant on and off", during merely 6,000 miles, might be equivalent to using the car "normally" for three years. A new car should be trouble free for at least 5 years, unless there is a defect, so your "constant on and off" is not a causal factor for any fault on the vehicle. What you might have is a defect in the ignition switch, or perhaps the immobilizer system, but if the problem is not in the switch itself, clearly there is an electrical problem.

If your vehicle is under warranty, by law the dealer MUST repair the issue you are describing within a prescribed time frame and number of "attempts", otherwise the dealer will run afoul of Federal and state Lemon Laws that give you very specific rights, and recourse (contact an Attorney; we are Mechanics, NOT attorneys). Consequently, if the vehicle is still under warranty, to save yourself money do be sure to seek a resolution from the dealer. If the vehicle is not under warranty, obviously a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could identify the electrical fault and resolve this for you. If you want to go that route, please simply request a no start diagnostic -electrical system and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

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