Mysterious clutch problem!

Tiny
DJENSUN
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 FIAT SCUDO
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 42,000 MILES
Dear members of this website. I really hope you can advise me on the next problem with my vehicle listed above MJ.

Bought last year, converted it to Camper, replaced clutch (garage) last spring. Drove no more than 6,000km since. Borrowed the Scudo to a friend who took it for a long trip through Germany and at one point I get a phone call that the clutch is slipping. Road assistance shows up, tells my friend the clutch is gone and needs replacement. Insurance pays for transport of Scudo back to Switzerland. Scudo arrives back in Switzerland after some weeks (summertime). My garage guy gets in the Scudo and drives off no problem. Calls me that it looks fine. I pick it up, drive it intensively for a couple hours. Uphill, downhill, engine breaking, low speed in higher gears (where it usually shows if a clutch is slipping) but nothing that looks anything like a broken clutch or any other problems. My friend drove for some time on the German Autobahn that day (I was wondering it might be something which only happens when hot) but the problem only showed up after being parked for some hours and then driving off again in a town.

Now to me it usually is quite clear when a clutch is going. Can it be something with the hydraulic clutch cylinder? Any ideas where to look for? Since the problem is not obvious, I am reluctant of taking the Scudo for longer trips.

Please advice, thanks in advance.

Kind Regards,

Wouter
Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 AT 12:28 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Please understand, this vehicle isn't offered in the US, but I will try my best to help.

The hydraulics really wouldn't cause it to slip unless the slave cylinder is binding and not fully releasing the release bearing. Is the clutch pedal free-moving and fully returning?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
DJENSUN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi Joe! Thank you for your reply. The clutch pedal seems to be functioning perfectly fine, it returns to its upper position no problem without any friction. I do hear a little ticking sound from around the clutch area when the engine is off and when the pedal is on its way up, but I assume this is the clutch re-engaging. There is no friction using the clutch pedal, it feels normal. It is a very mysterious problem; you'd almost wish for an obvious defect. ;)

Thanks again Joe.
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Thursday, October 12th, 2023 AT 8:13 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

The only other thing I can think of is if from running it hard on the Autobahn, there was a coolant or oil leak that got on the pressure plate causing it to slip.

Also, when you indicated hearing a click, is that when you release the clutch or depress it?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, October 12th, 2023 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
DJENSUN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
When I depress the clutch pedal so when the plates connect I hear a light 'clicking' sound, its a little louder when the engine is running (and gears are in neutral).
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Saturday, October 14th, 2023 AT 12:28 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

That is odd. I have a feeling it could be the pressure plate. However, if it is working properly and not slipping, I would recommend driving it to see if it changes. I say that because at this point, we aren't sure which direction to go. There may be nothing wrong and perhaps the person that drove it thought it was slipping.

Let me know your thoughts.

Joe
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Sunday, October 15th, 2023 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
DJENSUN
  • MEMBER
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Hi Joe! Thank you for your advice. I will drive the Scudo myself for some time and see if the problem returns at some point. Will keep you posted.

Thanks again!
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Monday, October 16th, 2023 AT 5:36 AM

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