Vauxhall Astra often gets stuck in gear,

Car: Vauxhall Astra
Variant: 1.6 Petrol manual 5 speed
Model Year: 2014
Categories: Gearbox & Clutch
I first noticed the problem when sitting at traffic lights with the car in first gear and the clutch depressed, as the lights were taking a long time I decided to take it out of gear and release the clutch, but it would not come out of gear! I had to turn the engine off then press the clutch to get it to Neutral.
Since then, it has happened a few times and I now try to remember not to sit with it in gear and the clutch depressed, this is during the very hot spell (30 degrees so wonder if that has a bearing on the problem).
Additionally, I have been unable to get it out of reverse after reversing into my drive, having again to turn the engine off.
Posted: Jul 23, 2021 (3 years ago)
Could be a hydraulic problem , check the master cyl level and for any signs of leak at pedal push rod . If not may be general clutch assembly wear entailing replacement .
Posted Jul 23, 2021 (3 years ago)
On closer inspection, the reservoir was not full (could not say how low as not able to see into/through the white plastic container). But removing the top could see it was not full. Stupid positioning of the reservoir, not easy to get to in order to remove the top and not enough light to see the level. At a quick glance it looked OK!!
Nipped to Halfords for some fluid to top it up, and while parking experienced clutch drag whereby the car crawled forward while in gear and clutch depressed.
Now fingers crossed the problem is fixed and the reservoir stays full (i.e., I do not have a leak), worrying that the reservoir also does the brakes as losing those would have been dangerous.
On the other hand if clutch problems show up first it is a good early warning! But the level warning light on the dash did not alert me to the problem, although it does illuminate for a few seconds when turning on the ignition (as they all do).
I cannot recall ever having to top up brake/clutch fluid in 30 years of owning cars.
Posted Jul 25, 2021 (3 years ago) Edited on Jul 25, 2021 (3 years ago)
Update Dec 2021
Finally got round to booking it into Vauxhall dealer, total waste of time, they said they could not 'see' any issue, no leaks etc (I could have told them that!, indeed I did!).
They reckon they will have to take the gearbox out and would need the car for a week.
I think it is timer to go back to small local garage.
Posted Dec 9, 2021 (2 years ago)
Replying to post by Trev:
Update Dec 2021
Finally got round to booking it into Vauxhall dealer, total waste of time, they said they could not 'see' any issue, no leaks etc (I could have told them that!, indeed I did!).
They reckon they will have to take the gearbox out and would need the car for a week.
I think it is timer to go back to small local garage.
Hi, just wondered if you got this sorted as I’m having the same problem & already had new clutch fitted. Thanks
Posted May 20, 2022 (2 years ago)
Replying to post by Rich:
Hi, just wondered if you got this sorted as I’m having the same problem & already had new clutch fitted. Thanks
I’ve been having the same problem with my Astra K 2016 have had the gearbox and clutch replaced . Have been driving it for 3 weeks and it was fine and the same issue is back. The gear is getting stuck have the clutch fully pressed down and unable to take it out of gear. Happening in 1st 2nd and Reverse. Can anyone help.
Posted May 27, 2022 (2 years ago)

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