Elise S1 - clutch not engaging

[chucklebutty]

OK, it's my own fault as she's sat in a garage for exactly a year un-used. Todaty was going to be MOT day. It started up fine and then I tried to engage reverse, the clutch pedal moves freely and feels normal weighting but the clutch does not seem to be engaging at all. With the car turned off, I can get all the gears as usual. I expect that something has "seized", any ideas what that might be and whether it's a WD40 overnight and try again thing.

Help and ideas are appreciated...

[rogersavery]

Sounds like the clutch is stuck and not disengaging

Put it in 1st - clutch down, brakes on and try starting it - does the car jump forward?

If it does then the clutch is stuck to the flywheel - but doing the above might free it?

[chucklebutty]

Can't do that going forwards Roger, it's nosed into the garage. But it did exactly that in reverse. So I might try it again to dislodge it... Thanks...

[chucklebutty]

Problem solved, thank you. So I tried to put it in reverse and start with brakes on 3 or 4 times - no joy. Had found a website that said let it warm up first, 10 mins or so and then try in 3rd or 4th gear with brakes on.

Gave it some time running in neutral to let the heat soak, then stopped and re-started in 4th gear with a big clunk from the rear. All is back to normal again. Spot on diagnosis Roger!!