GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cause

Action

DEFINITION: The clutch pedal may feel spongy, or it requires very little effort to operate.

Review Symptoms - Clutch and perform the necessary inspections.

Air in the hydraulic system

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

Clutch master cylinder reservoir fluid level low

  1. Inspect for leakage in the clutch master cylinder, clutch hose assembly, hose connections, and the clutch actuator.
  2. Repair or replace any faulty components.

Incomplete pedal return

  1. Inspect the pedal for full return.
  2. Clear any obstacles that may interfere with the pedal operation.
  3. Adjust the switches on the clutch pedal/bracket assembly. Refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch Replacement .
  4. Replace the clutch pedal return spring, if available. Refer to Clutch Pedal Replacement .
  5. Replace the clutch pedal/bracket assembly. Refer to Clutch Pedal Replacement .

Clutch incorrectly installed

Remove the clutch and install it correctly. Refer to Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement .

Clutch mounting bolts loose or broken

  1. Remove the broken bolts.
  2. Replace the broken or loose bolts, and tighten all bolts. Refer to Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement .

Clutch actuator cylinder worn or damaged

Replace the clutch actuator cylinder. Refer to Clutch Actuator Cylinder Replacement .

Contaminated hydraulic fluid

  1. Inspect the clutch hydraulic fluid for contamination of water.
  2. Inspect the reservoir cap for being faulty if water is present.
  3. Inspect the clutch hydraulic fluid for dirt or debris.
  4. Inspect the clutch hydraulic fluid for contamination of mineral oil. If contaminated, replace the clutch master cylinder, clutch hose assembly, and the clutch actuator cylinder. Refer to Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement and Clutch Actuator Cylinder Replacement .
  5. Flush and bleed the clutch hydraulic system if the above conditions are found. Refer to Hydraulic Clutch Bleeding .