Problem started two days ago. The car would struggle to get into first gear, from neutral at standstill, but with some resistance (NOT grinding) it would go (and same thing with second gear, with a bit less resistance.) Third and Fourth were fine, and Fifth gear was also a struggle.
Next day everything worked normally, the entire day.
This morning, reverse became impossible (gears would grind) and first gear will NOT go at all, not even with a little bit of resistance. However when I DO try to shift into first, the car "grabs" like it wants to pull forward, only it can't fully get into gear.
This model's brake fluid reservoir apparently doubles as the clutch fluid reservoir. The fluid is JUST above the "low" point, but I have no brake fluid nearby (thought I'd top it off in case that might have something to do with it.)
What is the likely culprit- possible failed clutch/ slave/ master cylinder?
What might account for the intermittent periods of normal functioning, followed by worsening of the problem?
Chat GPT says there could even be an electrical issue, but no relevant codes came up with my OBD scanner.
Car is not driveable in this condition. What else could it be, or what should I try?
Vehicle is Scion tC 2005, 146,000, mostly highway miles. Front wheel drive. Normal driving only, no clutch or transmission abuse.
Clutch pedal feels normal, no sponginess.
No visible leaks at clutch master cylinder.
