My first gear seems like it refuses to grab until the very top of the clutch release, while all of my other gears seem to grab immediately when the clutch is about 3/4 the way released.

I dont think this is the clutch slipping.. I don't know how to explain it.

For example, I can be sitting at a standstill and give a little gas while releasing the clutch, then at the very top of the clutch release the car will gradually start to move (clutch begging to engage), and then just catch and go (with a little lurch) . I do not have this problem when the car is on a slant, going up hills, the clutch engages smoothly(<--- This is why I don't think it is slipping) , and I can just gas and go, and going down hill I can just gas and go.

And sometimes when I pull out of my driveway and go to drive down my hill, I go to shift from 1st to 2nd and while shifting out of 1st, it feels like my clutch is Sticking, and does not want to shift out of first. Again, this is hard to explain clearly.

Is there any reason why only 1st gear could be slipping/ not engaging? All of my other gears shift like butter, and grab like crazy.

It just feels like something isn't working right down there
(oh and of course theres the normal clunking when going into gear)
6800 Miles, Never Launched.

 

Where is your acd set at? That also might be the traction control. Try switching the traction control to off by simply pressing the button on the left side or you can also press it for a short while and wait for the beep, then try driving the car again simulating the same diving style.

 

I can't help but wonder if this also occurs in reverse. Here's why I ask. Normally drivers will keep their foot on the clutch pedal much longer when leaving from a stopped position (as done in first and reverse). The greater time on the clutch pedal requires that the systems hydraulic pressure be maintained for a longer duration.

If you had an internal bleed by issue in the slave or master it could easily account for why you have a different engagement point and feel when releasing the pedal in 1st and reverse. If you had popped a seal in either cylinder you would be leaking fluid and I assume that you have checked for this. If not, the I suggest it as a good place to start.

Look under the car and on the firewall for evidence of leaky fluid. Also check the reservoir and insure that the fluid level is correct. Let me know what you find and I will be happy to assist you further. Thanks!

 

Yes, This does occur in reverse as well, it just seems I cant engage smoothly MOST of the time, for the sole reason that it just wont grab until a certain point.

 

Sure! But realize that the the engagement point should be consistent because the geometry of the clutch shouldn't change. If this is a hydraulic issue, as air moves throughout the system it will displace fluid differently leading to an less than consistent pedal feel and engagement point. I suggest bleeding the system to see if that makes a difference. Let me know. Thanks,

 

Checked my clutch reservoir (same as brake reservoir if i"m not mistaken) and its right between max and min, so definitely in operating range. Any Suggestions?

 

Did you try bleeding it again! I suggest using a mighty-vac and urge you to connect both to the bleeder (off the slave) and the reservoir to insure that you get allm the air out. This is the most thurough way to bleed the system. Give it a shot and let me know what the results are. Thanks,