HELP I've got an engine problem Options

[Akira_g4]

Alright so I was driving to the grocery store with my girlfriend. We went inside and then when we came out and got outside, I turned on the car and I couldn't get the car into gear. Also the clutch felt "different." and also the car was shaking like crazy!!! After trying forever I finally got into 1st gear and then I tried to shift and I couldn't! I had to force it into 2nd and then 3rd. luckily my house was like a mile away. But two times my car wouldn't let me get into gear on the way to my house. as of now its sitting in front of my house. I have no idea what's wrong with it. So what's the problem? can it be fixed? and how much will it cost to fix it?

This post has been edited by Akira_g4: Mar 18, 2008 - 2:53 PM

[malecrod]

You most likely have a clutch problem. But I would check the clutch fluid level, slave cylinder and the master cylinder for leaks first.
GL

[94TRDcelica]

Go back to the Grocey store and get some carrots, that always does the trick IMO!

If that doesn't work, as malecrod said check the fluid levels (Transmission fluid I think he meant though). If neccessary drain and replace, like an oil change!

Then check CV joints and signs of knocking in the transaxle!

Can you smell burning kevlar from the clutch? Does it slip? Are there any noises?

[alltracman78]

Forget this

as malecrod said check the fluid levels (Transmission fluid I think he meant though). If neccessary drain and replace, like an oil change!

Then check CV joints and signs of knocking in the transaxle!

Can you smell burning kevlar from the clutch? Does it slip? Are there any noises?

And check this.

You most likely have a clutch problem. But I would check the clutch fluid level, slave cylinder and the master cylinder for leaks first.
GL

[Akira_g4]

alright well i took the car to Toyota since i'm not too good with cars and i couldn't find the problem and they said something about the slave and master cylinders were exhausted or something like that? And that the pressure plate? was worn out. I don't quite remember what was said because they called my house and talked to my mom because i wasn't home, so i dont have the full details. But they said it was going to cost about 1700 to fix everything. I have 180K on the odometer and and all engine parts are original. Does this price sound right? I do have the money to fix it, but that would pretty much wipe out my checking account.

[DEATH]

No - that's absolutely rediculous pricing. It sounds like they are just guessing as to the potential causes of the problem cause they listed the first 3 things I would check. You can get a clutch job elsewhere with an OEM style clutch for $500 or a little more. Furthermore, changing the clutch, master and slave cylinders and bleeding the hydraulic system is really very easy and straight forward even if you've never done it before. I'd find a friend or relative who has experience changing clutch and get them to at least oversee you doing the work and save a bunch of cash and gain some experience.
First thing I'd do is change the slave and master cylinder [since that's what they told you - I have no idea what's specifically wrong with your car as I'm not there]. They are easy and require almost nothing else to be removed. If that doesn't fix the problem - move on from there to the clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing.
Hope this helps you some.

This post has been edited by DEATH: Mar 19, 2008 - 11:45 AM

[GriffGirl]

Or if you are unable to do any of the above stuff on your own and don't have a friend who can help you, call around and get quotes at other places. Tell them what Toyota said was wrong, that way your quote will be based on "worst case scenario". I'd hazard to guess that if you had ALL of that work done at a regular mechanic's shop, it'd run you about a grand, which is still a lot but it's 700 dollars less than Toyota wants to do the work.

[D-Man]

Yeah, dealer work is expensive. If your not keen on doing the work yourself, than google up some shops and start calling and price checking. Remember to always go with the 2nd cheapest. The 1 cheapest is that cheap for a reason... In my experience, it always works out well.

This post has been edited by D-Man: Mar 19, 2008 - 12:18 PM

[Akira_g4]

alright cool thanks guys! i knew 1700 was a little steep. well ill start calling around and see what help i can find.

This post has been edited by Akira_g4: Mar 19, 2008 - 12:42 PM

[nnesto]

Im kinda late but what did you mean by the clutch felt different? Real soft?

[addictions]

when my clutch went out i took it to the local toyota dealership and they priced me $1200 for the labor and the parts i made a few calls and got a shop do do it for 700 with parts and larbor and warrnety so ya good luck hope you get a batter deal b/c having no money sucks......... funny thing is if i jsut did it myself it would have cost under $300 but i was scared and the wife was telling me i would mess it up and then have no car and then it would be all my fault and then the world would come to an end and every one would die b/c of me not putting a new clutch in rite!!!! ok so ya i got carried away i made the last lil bit up she never said that lol