Jack Dawson

Hello,

My Audi S5 6-speed has been great, routinely serviced etc. After returning from a 10-day vacation and firing her up, I got this annoying beeping with BRAKE indicator light. Audi can't get me in for a week so I drove around like this for a couple days. Today the clutch suddenly has to go almost all the way down to the floor mat to change gears. I nursed it home and couldn't even throw it into reverse to back into my spot, so I pushed it in. Dealer says brake fluid and clutch fluid draw from same reservoir, so added about 8 oz of brake fluid. BRAKE indicator is now off, but clutch issue remains.

In short, clutch pedal doesn't resist until almost at floor mat, and cannot get S5 into gear, unless the car if off. Shifts fine when car is off.

I realize whatever the problem is, it's likely terrible and expensive. However, between now and next Wednesday when Audi can see me, any ideas short of me doling out $4K for a new clutch? Thanks in advance.

Formeister

If the clutch/brake fluid reservoir was that low you most likely pumped air into the master and slave cylinder for the clutch. You need to bleed the clutch slave cylinder., similar to bleeding brakes.

AirtoMud

If your fluid was that low then you probably have a leak. Unless you've done any previous work to the brakes then your culprit is probably the slave cylinder.
Inspect the bottom of where the transmission bolts to the engine to see if there is any fluid leaking. Not guaranteed to see any if the seal is extraordinarily good but if you do see some then you've narrowed it down.
I personally wouldn't drive it until its looked into.
1) leaking brake/clutch fluid is bad and could be unsafe. Emphasis on brakes.
2) if its leaking into your transmission then it could cause your clutch to slip which will burn your flywheel and then you will have a big $ repair.