[dtaylor]

Hi,

After doing close to 21,000 miles I have started having a clutch problem when setting off in 1st gear, but only when cold. When pulling away it will noticeably slip at the biting point before engaging. I have no problem changing gears. Once I have been driving for fifteen minutes or so there is no problem. It has been like it for a little while but progressively getting worse.

Just wondered if anyone else has experienced similar and also, despite the clutch being a wearable part... I would expect it to be replaced under warranty being just over a year old and after relatively little mileage. I have driven many cars for considerably more miles without needing a new clutch.

I'll have to get it booked in.

 

[Argyll]

Could it be that the electronic parking brake is not disengaging (pads stuck due to cold conditions?). Try releasing the brake before setting off to see if it makes a difference.

 

[dtaylor]

Hi... No... I don't like to say I hold it on the clutch but on the occasions I do... when applying the throttle to pull away... something will slip a little when under load. It is a little like the wheels spinning but more internal. Under normal circumstances when the electronic parking brake disengages it is exactly the same... when cold... the brake will release but something will slip before engaging. It has progressively been getting worse over the past couple of months. I mentioned it when I took it in for its first service a couple of weeks ago but as it only happens when cold they didn't experience it. Maybe not be the clutch itself but something related. Just a hassle to have to take it in again.

 

[Argyll]

It's often easier to take the car into a good local independent who has no axe to grind. Always best to leave the car with them the night before and let the mechanic start it up in the morning. He/she will know right away if the clutch is slipping. Actually, it wouldn't surprise me after 20,000 miles as components can fail for all sorts of reasons.

I suspect that "modern" mechanics are so reliant on computer diagnostics that they never learn traditional methods of detecting problems. Best leave it to someone used to getting their hands dirty.

 

[OSL282]

I suspect that "modern" mechanics are so reliant on computer diagnostics that they never learn traditional methods of detecting problems. Best leave it to someone used to getting their hands dirty.

There are no "modern mechanics" there all 'technicians' who, without a diagnostic computer to tell them what's wrong, will waste your time and money.... They won't actually repair anything, only change an expensive part which you pay through the nose for.

BTW a clutch is a 'wear and tear' item so expect to have fun (more likely to be pain) trying to pursue any warranty claim.

 

[dtaylor]

I took my car back to my Audi dealer last week. They had it overnight so they could experience it when cold the following day. They checked it out and reported no fault found.

A little frustrating but guess I need to wait until it starts happening more frequently. My only concern though is that I will struggle all the more to claim under warranty the more miles I do.

Will see how things progress.