2002 Ford Focus Clutch slips only when cold

PFOUNTAINE

MEMBER
2002 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
82,000 MILES

I purchased this car used 2 months ago. The previous owner had a 3-stage clutch and 12-lb flywheel installed a while ago.

The car just started to slip when shifting, only in the morning, only when cold. Once the car warms up, no slipping. It slips just after I've completed the shift.

The car also now has a small rattling sound when at a stoplight and my foot is off the clutch, in neutral.

It does not chatter or skip when shifting, there is no noise, no smell, no rough feeling.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

The noise is most likely the throw out bearing. As far as the slipping, are there any leaks between the engine and trans?

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Monday, May 10th, 2010 AT 1:36 PM

PFOUNTAINE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

No leaks that I can tell. I do have an oil leak, but it is from a cracked oil pan, which I am going to replace this weekend.

The slipping only happens when cold, and when I first engage in 1, 2nd or 3rd and accelerate even modestly. I use little gas pedal for the first 5-10 minutes of driving so as to not burn the clutch.