Proper way to engage the clutch?

[DrunkenTiger]

ok this is a real newbie question

everytime I drive, I feel like I am burning the clutch and im beginning to get worried.

what is the proper way to use the clutch?

When I downshift, Sometimes I just depress the clutch and tap the gas alot to bring it up to a certain rpm, is this ok?

From shifting 2 to 3, Sometimes I dont let out the clutch all the way before giving the gas (I want to smooth transition). Is this burning the clutch or shortening its life?

From a complete stop to reverse, I find that use gas to back out is too powerful so I always end up feathering the clutch and the gas. Is there a better way to back out my car?

Your inputs and help would be Greatly appreciated

[DominicanLou]

Are you grinding it dude? Can you smell the "burn"... ;(

[DrunkenTiger]

Originally posted by DominicanLou
Are you grinding it dude? Can you smell the "burn"... ;(

nope i dont smell the burn

but then again i barely ever roll my windows down...

[TRD-CELICA-GT02]

Honestly seems like you're a newbie at driving stick. I suggest you just continue practicing. Over time you'll get the hange of shifting. It does seem like you're burning your clutch. I learned to drive stick when I got my Celi a few months ago. I noticed I was driving the same way. But now its all good. Just some time and practice will solve your problem. Both your feet just needs to get use to the pedals when you shift. After a few drives, you should be used to when to left go of the clutch and when to press the gas....

[LaW]

I have god's chariot and it shifts by will power alone. I havn't used my clutch since after the break in period was over

[DrunkenTiger]

btw... is our clutches supposed to make clicking sounds when they get depressed hard? it's kind of annoying and i was wondering if it was just my car. It doesnt click if I depress it slow but if I floor it, it clicks a little.

[TRD-CELICA-GT02]

Its not suppose to click. I really havent noticed any sound when I step on the clutch to shift. hMmm you sure its coming from the clutch? Maybe its a clickin of the shift knob thru the shift gates, Usually when you shift hard, that shiny washer type thing below the stock knob usually rattles a lil causing a clicking type sound.

[DominicanLou]

You'll smell the "burn" from the inside, coming from the shift/clutch. You said even w/windows up you don't smell it, which means you don't smell a burn period, which you should if you're grinding/misshifting.. Follow me?

Hmmz, anyway, I don't think you're grinding. Get a cheap civic and practice away. A CRX goes for about $200-$800. Better than replacing a $6-$9500 engine.

Later.

[SchumiFerrari]

As for the clicking sound... I hear it too sometimes (if we're talkin bout the same thing)... sounds kinda like a spring or coil when it gets struck.... to the best of my knowledge it's nothin to worry about....

[wahili]

ever shiftless clutch..ive only done it in a bmw..i thought it was pretty tricky to get the timing right but you gas it and lighten and shift really quick between the timing..

it works but dont try it in the celi : )

[bLaH1031]

I just got my 6 Speed last night and I've driven it a bit. I keep stalling. It's pretty sensitive. So far I've only driven it in parking lots because my dad does have an old car I can drive in the mean time but I really wanna get on the road with the Celica.

[97gpGT]

Push the clutch all the way to the floor and let it up SLOWLY until the car starts to roll forwards. Give it a little gas, not revving over 1500 (closer to 1000 is preferable) and SLOWLY let the clutch up. Once you can do this fine you can start letting the clutch out faster and gaining your MADSHIFTINGSKILLZ. This was the way I learned and it took me about 5 minutes to get it down. Whatever you do, don't get discouraged, you'll get it eventually. Good Luck! :)