My daughter has a 2008 Justa. I'd estimate 125k miles. She just called to say she is having a hard time shifting. I suspect it's a synchro issue. However, it suddenly appeared. It wasn't a gradual progression. She says the clutch pedal feels normal.
On a maybe related note, she had someone put a code reader on it a few days ago for an unrelated issue (needs rear brakes). He said it also had a code for a clutch switch. A quick search turns up that the switch is a safety switch for the starter. Is there any possible link between the switch and engaging the synchros?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

A bad clutch safety switch can prevent the engine from cranking but shouldn't affect shifting.

For the hard time shifting and its sudden appearance I'm suspecting the clutch hydraulic system is bad or I would think more likely (and this is my experience) the clutch hydraulic system fluid is bad. At least this is what was the problem when (with another brand of car) the clutch became impossible to engage smoothly and butter smooth shifting turn into a crunch fest. And seemingly just happened overnight.

Long story short I had the brake and clutch fluid flushed/bled. Brake fluid because the brake and clutch hydraulic systems shared fluid.

After this flush/bleed operation the clutch action was superb and the transmission once again buttery smoothy. No crunch.

The brakes felt ok before this fluid service and were fine after.

 

Hmmm, shared reservoir makes me wonder if her brakes are so bad that the fluid level dropped too low to operate the clutch. Is that even possible?

 

Yes! First thing to check.

 

Just to follow up in case this helps someone down the road...
The shifting issue was fluid related. Her rear brakes were so bad the fluid in the reservoir was low. It was above the low line, but not by much. The intake for the clutch hydraulics is right at the low level line. I think that the normal bumping and sloshing from driving caused the clutch fluid line to intermittently suck in air.
I replaced her rear pads and rotors. Bled the lines, then bled the clutch. Lots of air came out of the clutch line. The slave cylinder itself looked clean with no obvious leaks. She's been driving it for a week with no issues. While the car was here, I changed out the clutch safety switch too. Five minutes and a few bucks, easy peasy. I noticed the pedal return spring was broken too. I don't think that really matters, but I'll replace anyway as it's only a few dollars.

As always, thanks to everyone for advice and support. This is a great community!!

 

I think I need to flush/bleed mine. I was in Wisconsin last week and woke up to -12 degrees Thursday AM. My clutch pedal was soft and took a while to come back up. Still worked fine but made me question the fluid. Might have some condensation in it.

 

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. It tends to absorb moisture from air it comes on contact with. And given the brake fluid reservoir is vented to atmosphere it is exposed to a lot of air over time.

If the brake fluid has been in service for >2 years then it has enough water the fluid should be flushed and the hydraulic system bled.

 

I have only owned it a year so no idea if it ever has been changed. I was guestimating a flush/new fluid would rectify the situation. Now I just have to find the time.