Auto Doc: 2010 Optima clutch problems - Newsday
Dear Doctor: I have a 2010 Kia Optima with a five-speed manual transmission with 39,000 miles. When I depress the clutch pedal and try to shift gears, it just grinds and will not engage any gear. I brought it back to the dealer who said it appears to be a defective pressure plate or thrown bearing. He also said the whole clutch assembly will need to be replaced at a cost of $1,500, a repair not covered by warranty. Dear John: The clutch is considered a wear item and is not covered under the powertrain warranty. I have installed many clutches over the years and always put in writing that the clutch, pressure plate, and release bearing have a one-year warranty for defects (but not if the clutch is burned out). It sounds like there is problem with the clutch disc or pressure plate. Dear Doctor: I have a 2004 Toyota Sequoia with 170,000 miles. I've had my brakes replaced and the brake fluid purged and replaced, but the light still comes on for no apparent reason. Dear Alan: I would start for testing purposes, passing the float sensor in the master cylinder to see if the light still comes on. This can be done by unplugging the wire connector at the master cylinder. Dear Doctor: I have a 1992 Toyota pickup with 67,000 miles. Source: www.newsday.com
