Manual Trans won't go into gear

[Olensbro]

On my way to work I stopped at a light, as normal. When the light changed and I tried to shift into gear, it would not go. It didn't want to go into ANY gear. After several attempts, I finally got it to slip into 3rd and made it to work. There have been no previous warning signs, such as noise or slipping and if I start it in gear, it lurches forward. I've been told that this suggests nothing major to be wrong with the clutch itself. I also still have a strong pedal. I was told that suggests the master cylinder is fine and that I should start with the slave cylinder, my initial hope of the culprit. Not too mention the fluid was slightly above min and pretty dark.

New slave installed. New fluid bled through until there was a solid, clear stream. Pedal still strong, maybe even a little more so. Still not wanting to shift into gear properly. After several attempts, I did get it to go through the gears but not easily, not consistently, and though they aren't really grinding, you can hear the metallic ting of them wanting too. Tried more bleeding with no luck.

Haven't done anything with the master cylinder other than check fluid. I have found many similar scenarios online (many different vehicles types), but no answers. At least none that worked for me. Some had even changed the MC, with no luck. Thought I'd try posting here before moving on to the MC. Any input appreciated?

[Crvett69]

does it shift into gear ok with engine off?

[Olensbro]

Yep, shifts just fine when not running.

[Crvett69]

not sure if nissans have the same issue as the toyotas but on my dads truck the clutch pedal bracket was cracked and bracket would flex when you pressed on clutch instead of pushing the rod all the way down. also will want to make sure slave cyl moves about a inch when you press on pedal

[Stealthee]

I've seen issues where the clutch will pop a spring and leave you with decent pedal pressure, but not release for shifting. It could also be a busted finger on the pressure plate.

[Olensbro]

Originally Posted by Crvett69

not sure if nissans have the same issue as the toyotas but on my dads truck the clutch pedal bracket was cracked and bracket would flex when you pressed on clutch instead of pushing the rod all the way down. also will want to make sure slave cyl moves about a inch when you press on pedal

I been wondering how far that arm should move. Of course I never got to look before there was a problem, but to me, it looks like it has room to move more if it needed to. Gonna try re bleeding and pay more attention to distance.

[Olensbro]

Originally Posted by Stealthee

I've seen issues where the clutch will pop a spring and leave you with decent pedal pressure, but not release for shifting. It could also be a busted finger on the pressure plate.

Could either of these things happen quiety while idling at a stop light? Seems like there would be some sort of racket during or after the fact. I guess anythings possible.

[Stealthee]

Anything is possible. I popped a spring on a clutch once out of no where. I went to downshift to slow down for a turn and there wasn't much of a noise but the car all of sudden didn't want to shift. I was able to rev match to get home.

It took a bit of checking and diagnosing, but as soon as I dropped the trans I found the spring pushed through the clutch face.