Manual Transmission Clutches: Bleeding

NOTE: Bleeding is necessary if system has been opened or if air has been drawn into system due to low fluid level in reservoir.

CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer, memory systems and remote keyless entry transmitters lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. Information transmitters (tire pressure, door lock/unlock, seat position memory, etc.) if equipped, may not operate until reprogrammed. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION and appropriate POWER DOOR LOCKS & REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT before disconnecting battery.

CAUTION: DO NOT use silicone, mineral or paraffin base oil in clutch hydraulic system, or damage to rubber parts in cylinders may occur.

Clean cap. Remove reservoir cap and diaphragm. Fill reservoir and keep full throughout procedure. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect heated oxygen sensor connectors. Remove exhaust take-down pipe flange nuts. Remove exhaust intermediate pipe-to-rear pipe bolts. Remove front exhaust hanger bolts from bracket. Remove rear exhaust hanger bolts from intermediate pipes. Remove intermediate pipe assembly.
Remove driveline tunnel closeout panel. Attach hose to bleed screw on actuator and submerge other end in container of hydraulic fluid. Have an assistant depress clutch pedal slowly and hold. Loosen bleeder on clutch actuator cylinder to purge air from system. Tighten bleeder and release pedal. Repeat procedure until all air is completely purged and no bubbles are visible. Fill reservoir. Install diaphragm and cap.
Install driveline tunnel closeout panel and exhaust intermediate pipe. Lower vehicle. Apply parking brake and block drive wheels. Shift transmission into Neutral. Start engine and run at idle. Release clutch pedal. Depress clutch pedal and hold for 9 seconds. Attempt to shift transmission into Reverse. If gears grind, bleed system again.