GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Aids

If the clutch pedal feels spongy when depressed, check for a faulty master cylinder or a faulty concentric slave cylinder parts.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step explains there parts and the operation of the clutch system.

  2. This step inspects for a faulty master cylinder.

  3. This step inspects for a faulty concentric slave cylinder.

Step

Action

Yes

No

DEFINITION: The clutch pedal feels spongy when depressed.

1

Did you review the clutch symptom operations and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Clutch

2

Inspect the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir.

Is the fluid level low?

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Fill the reservoir with clean brake fluid.

Is the reservoir properly filled?

Go to Step 4

-

4

Bleed the clutch hydraulic system. Refer to Hydraulic Clutch Bleeding .

If the vehicle is equipped with the ZF S6-650 manual transmission there is no bleeding required, you must manually pull up the clutch pedal and pump the system 25 times.

Does the clutch system work?

System OK

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect the clutch master cylinder.

Is the master cylinder faulty?

Go to Step 6

System OK

6

Replace the clutch master cylinder. Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement .

Does the clutch work now?

System OK

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Remove the transmission. Refer to Transmission Replacement in Manual Transmission NV-4500.
  2. Inspect the concentric slave cylinder.

Is the concentric slave cylinder faulty?

Go to Step 8

System OK

8

Replace the concentric slave cylinder. Refer to Clutch Concentric Actuator Cylinder Replacement .

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Diagnostic Aids

9

  1. Install the transmission. Refer to Transmission Replacement in Manual Transmission NV-4500.
  2. Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 1