8 left me stranded...possible clutch issue?
 

I was leaving this evening, got about 2 blocks before I needed to slow down and stop before a stop sign. The car acted as if I weren't pushing in the clutch - though I was- and jerked forward a few times before dying. I tried to restart it, but it wouldn't start. I had to push the car off the road. I got in and tried to start it again, it made some grinding type noises, but it started finally. I couldn't, however, shift out of neutral. I also started smelling something hot.

I have, in my own mind, concluded it might be the clutch, but I am no mechanic. I searched for bad clutches in the forum but couldn't find the answer I was looking for. Any help would be appreciated.

I have a 2004 with 102k miles, engine replaced under warranty at 33k. I have owned this car for a year and a half.

Not that I've noticed, but to be frank, I frequently drive with music at a somewhat loud volume level, so I'm not sure I'd have heard it.

Got the car home, pulled it behind my dads pickup. It started up ok, but it won't go into any gear. It makes a grinding sound when you try to shift into any gear. I'm pretty convinced its the clutch but I don't know if you just replace the whole assembly or If there is a way to determine if its a specific part of the clutch. I do not know how old the current clutch is.

Check your master, slave, and lines. If operational and no leaks then you have a job ahead of you. Transmissions gotta come out to see what's up with your clutch assembly. If i had to guess i would say your clutch is toast. But always check the simpler stuff first. Good luck too ya.

Have your dad watch the clutch fork while you depress the pedal, if it moves a good distance then its clutch related more than likely. If it barely moves most likely master/slave issues. I'm betting the slave cylinder took a shit and the smell was fluid on the exhaust/engine. Just some ideas

Take note of this question. He knows of what he speaks. The clutch peddle assembly is a common failure point. Check it first before you start tearing apart the car.

2004-2008 RX-8 Clutch Pedal Assembly Warranty Extension Program
Special Service Program (SSP) 82

Thanks for all the responses. Have a buddy who works on cars that's gonna help me take a look at everything and teach me to work on it too Monday. Sucks being without it, but I did want to paint my oem rims and fix my heated seat...lol