Greetings all. I have a 1991 Toyota Corolla with manual transmission with some clutch and gear problems. I have limited automotive knowledge so i was hoping to get some help here. My clutch is really loose and there is a lot of play when i push it up and down, it bounces back on pressing it down and releasing it. It was getting really hard to put the car into gear and now it is almost impossible. When i have the clutch completely pressed down it is almost impossible to get it into the first or second gear. I can however get it into reverse occasionally, however it starts moving immediately and occasionally stops on getting into that gear. I noticed that once i tried putting it into 3rd gear with the clutch pressed very firmly down (loose as it is) and it moved very slowly forward. What i can understand is that the transmission seems to be fine. Its seems that the clutch is not being completely depressed for the gears to be put it in. To my fault, i haven’t changed the oil in some time also. My question is what exactly might be happening here that might be the cause?

More importantly, I’m concerned about knowing how to get this fixed and if anybody could provide me with a rough estimate of how much it will cost me (South Carolina region) ? I’m a struggling graduate student in school and don’t really have a lot to spend on the car. If its expensive, I’ll be forced to sell it off. Thanks in advance!!

Bugs

Your clutch is not "releasing". I do not think that your clutch is adjustable. Hydraulic actuation. The clutch surfaces and possibly the "throw-out" bearing are not operating properly. They will need to be inspected by a qualified tech and probably replaced. If you continue to drive the car, the transmission will be you next problem. Cost for replacement of clutch and throw-out..$1000 or so.