AboutMp2 Expertise I prefer to answer questions relating to the Miata since this has been my area of specific
expertise since 1991. I can answer questions relating to the other Mazda models however
some limitation of expertise may reduce my accuracy.
Experience Mazda technician since 1987, shop owner and specialty are regarding the Miata since 1991 covering mechanical, electrical, trim and body. Specializing specifically in drivability concerns.GKHS 1985, BVC 1987, MNA 1989, ASE Master Technician Mechanical 1995, ASE Master Body/Paint/Collision 1996
Education/Credentials GKHS 1985, BVC 1987, MNA 1989, ASE Master Technician Mechanical 1995, ASE Master Body/Paint/Collision 1996
Question Hello,
Last evening my '99 Miata stranded me. I was downshifting from 3rd to 2nd to make a turn and it would not go into gear. I coasted to the side of the road and tried to get it to go into any gear with no luck. I left it there and my husband and I went back 4 hours later and the car shifted into all gears fine.
I left it with our mechanic today and he drove it all day without any problems. Have you ever heard of such a problem? It only has 19k miles.
Thank you for you help,
Leigha
Answer The clutch hydraulic system consists of two main components. The master cylinder and the slave cylinder. When you push the pedal you actuate the master cylinder (a fluid pump) that in turn actuates the slave cylinder (a hydraulic ram). This action disengages the clutch disc itself and allows you to shift while the engine is running.
Your inability to shift is either due to low or no hydraulic fluid in the system or a failing part. It is not unlikely to have an older low mileage car suffer from rubber part failures as time eventually catches up before miles.
The Miata is the most reliable car you will ever own, there are very few things that will leave you sitting on the side of the road calling for a tow. Clutch Hydraulic failure is one of them.
Suggestion;
Get two new assemblies (both parts) and swap them new before they end up leaving you sitting again.
Prevention;
Keep a pint of DOT 3 brake fluid in the trunk to top off the master cylinder if it ever runs low. In an emergency you can spoon fluid from the larger Brake Master cylinder and share some with the smaller clutch master cylinder.
If it happens again DO NOT force it into gear as you will break something more costly. Rather be sure the fluid level is good and SLOWLY pump the clutch pedal as much as 30 times before trying to engage it into gear, usually (not always) this will get you going at some rate.
In the meantime, until the parts are replaced, avoid sitting still with the clutch pedal depressed, if you have an internal leak it will loose fluid pressure while you sit on the pedal.
Hope this helps you understand and overcome this common normal maintenance problem.
Happy Miataing,
service@miatashop.com
"if your good at what you do you should be well paid"
