I just purchased a 2000 Sonoma and have some questions. It is equipped with the 2.2 litre I4 and a 5 speed manual transmission. When coming to a stop it stubbornly refuses to downshift into first most of the time. This may sound weird but if I double clutch or stop and go into reverse then try it will go. Could this be a bad slave cylinder for the clutch or what?????
Tranny symptoms
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Molson02536
New member
Start with the simple and check your clutch fluid in the reservoir first, top it off if it's low and if that does not help. Your going to have to bleed the system, but inspect your clutch cylinder for any signs of leak and repair.
GM's preferred method to bleed the system, is to use a vacuum bleeder, below is a bulletin from GM about it. If you do not have access to a vacuum bleeder, your in for a lot of hassle as the systems are really a bear to get to bleed manually. The manual way is the same as bleeding brakes, except your only bleeding one cylinder.
Subject: Info - Improved Bleeding Procedure for Hydraulic Clutch Release System #01-07-31-002B - (11/01/2006)
Models: 2007 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (including Saturn)
2007 and Prior Chevrolet and GMC 6-7F T-Series Medium Duty Tilt Cab Models
2007 and Prior Isuzu F-Series Medium Duty Tilt Cab Models
2006-2007 HUMMER H3
This bulletin is being revised to add model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-07-31-002A (Section 07 -- Transmission/Transaxle).
This bulletin is being issued to inform dealers of an improved procedure to aid in the ease of bleeding the clutch hydraulic system for the above listed vehicles. This procedure can be used anytime air is introduced into the hydraulic system.
Following this procedure may also reduce the number of unnecessary parts replaced for low clutch pedal reserve and high shift effort.
1. Verify that all the lines and fittings are dry and secure.
2. Clean the dirt and grease from the reservoir cap in order to ensure that no foreign substances enter the system.
3. Remove the reservoir cap.
4. Fill the reservoir to the proper level with the required fluid.
5. Attach the J 43485 (Adapter) to the J 35555 (Mity Vac), or equivalent.
Important: Brake fluid will deteriorate the rubber on J 43485. Use a clean shop cloth to wipe away the fluid after each use.
6. Place and hold the adapter on the reservoir filler neck to ensure a tight fit. In some cases, the adapter will fit into the reservoir opening.
7. Apply a vacuum of 51-68 kPa (15-20 hg) and remove the adapter.
8. Refill the reservoir to the proper level.
Repeat Steps 6 and 7.
If needed, refill the reservoir and continue to pull a vacuum until no more bubbles can be seen in the reservoir or until the fluid level no longer drops.
Caution: The vehicle will move if started in gear before the Actuator Cylinder is refilled and operational. Start the vehicle the first time in neutral to help prevent personal injury from vehicle movement and see if the transmission will shift easily into gear. Pump the clutch pedal until firm (to refill actuator cylinder). Add additional fluid if needed.
Test drive vehicle to ensure proper operation.
Start with the simple and check your clutch fluid in the reservoir first, top it off if it's low and if that does not help. Your going to have to bleed the system, but inspect your clutch cylinder for any signs of leak and repair.
GM's preferred method to bleed the system, is to use a vacuum bleeder, below is a bulletin from GM about it. If you do not have access to a vacuum bleeder, your in for a lot of hassle as the systems are really a bear to get to bleed manually. The manual way is the same as bleeding brakes, except your only bleeding one cylinder.
Subject: Info - Improved Bleeding Procedure for Hydraulic Clutch Release System #01-07-31-002B - (11/01/2006)
Models: 2007 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (including Saturn)
2007 and Prior Chevrolet and GMC 6-7F T-Series Medium Duty Tilt Cab Models
2007 and Prior Isuzu F-Series Medium Duty Tilt Cab Models
2006-2007 HUMMER H3
This bulletin is being revised to add model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-07-31-002A (Section 07 -- Transmission/Transaxle).
This bulletin is being issued to inform dealers of an improved procedure to aid in the ease of bleeding the clutch hydraulic system for the above listed vehicles. This procedure can be used anytime air is introduced into the hydraulic system.
Following this procedure may also reduce the number of unnecessary parts replaced for low clutch pedal reserve and high shift effort.
1. Verify that all the lines and fittings are dry and secure.
2. Clean the dirt and grease from the reservoir cap in order to ensure that no foreign substances enter the system.
3. Remove the reservoir cap.
4. Fill the reservoir to the proper level with the required fluid.
5. Attach the J 43485 (Adapter) to the J 35555 (Mity Vac), or equivalent.
Important: Brake fluid will deteriorate the rubber on J 43485. Use a clean shop cloth to wipe away the fluid after each use.
6. Place and hold the adapter on the reservoir filler neck to ensure a tight fit. In some cases, the adapter will fit into the reservoir opening.
7. Apply a vacuum of 51-68 kPa (15-20 hg) and remove the adapter.
8. Refill the reservoir to the proper level.
Repeat Steps 6 and 7.
If needed, refill the reservoir and continue to pull a vacuum until no more bubbles can be seen in the reservoir or until the fluid level no longer drops.
Caution: The vehicle will move if started in gear before the Actuator Cylinder is refilled and operational. Start the vehicle the first time in neutral to help prevent personal injury from vehicle movement and see if the transmission will shift easily into gear. Pump the clutch pedal until firm (to refill actuator cylinder). Add additional fluid if needed.
Test drive vehicle to ensure proper operation.
Txs for the info, I checked reservoir and the fluid looks nasty kind of greyish. It doesn't have a full mark I can see so I don't know if the level is right, it's less than half the way to the top. I do own a Mity vac if I must flush it, I wonder where the zerk is located? I guess I can trace it down from the reservoir. What fluid is recommended if not Dot 3 brake fluid???
Molson02536
New member
Your going to need a partner to bleed your system the manual way and yes you do use DOT 3 brake fluid in your system. Be safe and keep me posted, if you see that your clutch slave cylinder is leaking. Replace the lines also, it's not that hard of a job to replace the hole system and you can sleep at night that your not going to have any hydraulic clutch system issues. .
