I have a 05 Tacoma with 6 spd manual. It is a daily driver and not a wheeler. I have 31K miles and other than a MAF sensor replacement its been great.

So last night I wash it and leave it out over night in 35 degree weather. get in it this morning and the clutch is slipping like a big dog. Mostly when engaging 1st, 2nd and Reverse. Almost shutters as I let the clutch out....

I thought at first I had frozen my parking brake but is fully disengaged and not dragging. It appears to be getting worse as I drive....

Any ideas why washing the truck would cause the clutch to start slipping? I know that sounds crazy but it was fine before I washed it and next day its hosed. I did not wash the undercarriage nor wash the engine compartment - meaning water should not have gotten into a sensitive area.

Any ideas?????

On a related note - where is the clutch fluid reservoir? I wanted to check the fluid but can't find it.

Thanks,
- COZ

 

the clutch fluid res SHOULD be on the driver side NEXT to the master brake cylinder. its a little res. uses DOT3 or DOT4 fluid. not sure what fluid, but you get my point?

 

I don't see how washing a truck could affect the clutch. Maybe it's just coincedental that the clutch started slipping when you washed it. It could be just worn out.

 

Oz - yep thats where I looked and NADA... Weird... I'll get the book out tonight and find it. A mechanic buddy who has worked on my previous toyotas told me he thought it would be in the same place.

Eric - I agree about the wash but seriously it drove fine home, I park and wash it, start it in the morning and notice it immediately reversing out of the driveway. And yes it could be worn out but 31K street miles and I'm pretty easy on it - just doesn't seem right.

It's weird in that its more noticeable in 1st and 2nd gear. A friend thought it might be the slave cylinder since he had a similar issue years ago but he was leaking. I ASSUME I'm not leaking since Ive found no fluids and the pedal itself feels fine.

Oh well just thought someone else may have had a similar issue. If I figure it out I'll post something....