1996 Suzuki Sidekick Logo
Posted on Jun 28, 2008

Clutch problems on my 1996 Suzuki Sidekick

I am having problems with shifting in my sidekick. I can drive short distances but as soon as I try to go 10 miles or so, I can't downshift or shift at all. We thought I needed a new clutch, so we put a new clutch in but are having the same problem. My friend comes to help me when it breaks down and he adjusts it and then it will be ok again for a short distance then same thing all over again! What can it be?
Carol

  • 2 more comments 
  • jritchie Jul 06, 2008

    i replaced my slave cylender n the clutch and the car wont go in gear the clutch arm is too far away from the arm on the cylender,.it wont operate the clutch and allow the car to start,...

  • achben Oct 29, 2008

    Exactly the same problem here

  • Anonymous Feb 24, 2009

    at a stop, i have to depress my clutch pedal to the floor, even then i have to fight with the shift lever to get it into gear. sometimes i have to turn the truck off and then put it into gear. i replaced my clutch/clutch assembly last year along with the clutch cable and i'm still having problems. HELP!!!!

  • Daphne George Sep 23, 2013

    I'm having the same clutch problem with my 1991 GEO Tracker as Carol's. My husband replaced three clutches due to defective and inferior Chinese parts. He also replaced the clutch pedal because the end of the shaft sheared off. The cable is also new, leaving only the clutch fork as the problem. Apparently this is a poorly made part which seems to be bending or twisting causing the clutch to be constantly readjusted. He is going to pull it apart AGAIN for the fourth time and will post results on Fixya when we have a solution. Yes, dustang25 was right, this part should be recalled and those involved should be compensated for the parts and labor trying to fix this problem. Personally, we have over $1400.00 in this project and STILLno working clutch. Daphne.

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  • Posted on Apr 08, 2009
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Check under the dash where the clutch cable hooks up to the clutch pedal the splines shaft to the clutch pedal may be worn on the shaft. Weld or replace the cheap made parts

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  • Posted on May 09, 2009
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On the 96 sidekick i haven't seen one with a cable, but what i have run into is a very cheezy piece on the end of the clutch tree under the dash. this piece is very flimsy and i have seen where they aren't perfectly aligned with the master cylinder shaft. this causes it to get mangled and not push in the master cylinder far enough to disengage the clutch. you can buy a new one from the dealer, but if the fork in the transmission or the throw out bearing is rough you may get the same problem again. i am going to fabricate one using good metal for my dads sidekick. i believe this is a major design flaw and the manufacture should recall this problem and make a good replacement part. i consider this to be a safety issue. anyhow, hope i helped somebody... dustang

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THE PROBLEM IS WHEN THE CAR IS COLD YOU CAN'T GET

try a full flush and filter.
hot ATF fluild flows more easy thru clogged filter.
or bad vac modulator or governor or its tiny filters.

you need a AT expert , if the flush dont work.
there are many on car tests.

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