Hey everyone,

So during the last snow I dropped the clutch a few many times as always (having fun) but this time one too many. Car doesn't move, if I put the car in either first second or third gears and let the clutch out, nothing happens. I do feel an incremental load like the clutch engaging the flywheel but nothing really. 4th/5th gear when I let the clutch out I hear a slight whining or rattle or something but its super faint and barely noticeable. RPMs seem to be slightly more affected also in these two gears. So no axles are snapped, so I assumed it was the transfer case, but I wonder if maybe the trans based on whats happening. Any thoughts? Please and thanks. Also the car is a 2004 X type 2.5 100K miles 5spd manual Chicago area

 

Could be a blown clutch.
Either way, it is going to be expensive.

 

Can you put it in gear without depressing the clutch, while the engine is running?

 

it will kill transmission

 

I very respectfully disagree.
If it will go in gear just as easy with the clutch pedal up or down, you can be 99% sure the clutch is destroyed. If the gears won't go in or grind somewhat with the pedal up, then the problem is elsewhere.

 

If it isn't the clutch then the transmission is killed anyway.

 

good point

 

I'll go test this now. And I agree, if good clutch it would have resistance when being pushed into gear and doesn't physically "go in" in my experience (with moderate force of course). Since I notice a slight rpm dip when engaging the clutch I think it should be fine but we shall see. I did notice a slight external crack in the transfer case thats rather hard to see but no leakage and its very fine. Could have been a speed bump/parking stop previous owner even issue, i dont know but it also could be internals shattering against it. It is hard to say what it is though as its very fine.

 

Okay just tested it out, and surprised I haven't already but its been an extremely cold winter. First gear goes in without pressing the clutch and all of the other gears do not or would grind if forced. Potentially transmission then? Any other ways to differentiate between trans and transfer case? Thanks in advance.

 

You could try jacking it up with all four wheels off the ground and try and spin them in and out of gear to see what happens.

 

It actually goes into all gears without pressing the clutch pedal in while the car is running. Car doesnt move. So maybe the clutch is blown?

 

Yes

 

Are clutches expensive to replace?

 

If you fix it yourself =
https://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts...waArWIEALw_wcB

Shop average cost =
https://repairpal.com/estimator/jagu...placement-cost

 

Sorry but can't access Shop average cost link

 

Don't try; you'll run away screaming!

 

Yeah, sorta =

 

My dealer quoted me over $2,000 to replace the flex plate, meaning dropping the engine/trans, splitting the cases and putting it all back.
My independent mechanic quoted me under $1,000.
That should be the same labor, add something for the clutch kit.
Tell your independent mechanic it is a Mercury Sable or a Taurus or something, and not to worry about how its a Jaguar.
P.

 

Its the same engine and trans setup as a 2003 Lincoln LS.