Clutch Problem--2012 S4
#1
Clutch Problem--2012 S4
I have a 2012 S4 6MT. This is my third manual car. I've never had a clutch problem before this afternoon and need some advice.
I was in line in traffic. As the car in front of me moved forward, I put the clutch in to select first to roll forward. Clutch stayed stuck to the floor. I then noticed an awful burning type smell. As the clutch was in, I took the car back out of first and tried to pump the clutch pedal a bit. Nothing happened.
I then turned the car off, hoping that something would get reset upon restarting. The clutch pedal came up, but not really in response to anything, and the smell worsened.
I then push the clutch back in to try to start the car. I got a message on my dash saying that car couldn't start without depressing the clutch. But it was already in. I tried several more times, each time getting the same message about pushing the clutch in. Finally, it started.
I drove home, but at one red light had to go back to 1st and experienced a very jerky start. The clutch pedal now feels very light to push in and out.
Last week at my 5000 mile service I told the technician I felt an odd vibration in the clutch pedal. He took it for a drive and agreed that he felt a weird vibration that he never felt before. He checked on TSBs and said nothing came up for the clutch. We agreed to reschedule a new appointment to give more time to look at the clutch. No one at audi thought there was anything significant at that time.
After today's experience, I called my dealer. They agreed it sounded bad and made me an appointment for tomorrow to drop off the car. They said they would give me a loaner as it may take a few days to fix. Interestingly, I did not notice the pedal vibration after this incident, but did notice the lightness of the pedal.
Any idea what this could be? This is a brand new car (purchased 12/2011) and the thought of the clutch being an issue this early makes me sick.
I appreciate any input. Thanks.
I was in line in traffic. As the car in front of me moved forward, I put the clutch in to select first to roll forward. Clutch stayed stuck to the floor. I then noticed an awful burning type smell. As the clutch was in, I took the car back out of first and tried to pump the clutch pedal a bit. Nothing happened.
I then turned the car off, hoping that something would get reset upon restarting. The clutch pedal came up, but not really in response to anything, and the smell worsened.
I then push the clutch back in to try to start the car. I got a message on my dash saying that car couldn't start without depressing the clutch. But it was already in. I tried several more times, each time getting the same message about pushing the clutch in. Finally, it started.
I drove home, but at one red light had to go back to 1st and experienced a very jerky start. The clutch pedal now feels very light to push in and out.
Last week at my 5000 mile service I told the technician I felt an odd vibration in the clutch pedal. He took it for a drive and agreed that he felt a weird vibration that he never felt before. He checked on TSBs and said nothing came up for the clutch. We agreed to reschedule a new appointment to give more time to look at the clutch. No one at audi thought there was anything significant at that time.
After today's experience, I called my dealer. They agreed it sounded bad and made me an appointment for tomorrow to drop off the car. They said they would give me a loaner as it may take a few days to fix. Interestingly, I did not notice the pedal vibration after this incident, but did notice the lightness of the pedal.
Any idea what this could be? This is a brand new car (purchased 12/2011) and the thought of the clutch being an issue this early makes me sick.
I appreciate any input. Thanks.
#2
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maybe have something wrong with clutch? there have been a few. I have not had any problems with my clutch.
hopefully will be resolved to your satisfaction.
Bruce
hopefully will be resolved to your satisfaction.
Bruce
#4
I'm not very mechanical, so is that a big deal? I read some posts around the net saying this could lead to issues with the clutch and flywheel because of the burnt smell. Hopefully its not to huge a problem.
I am safe to assume that there should be no issues with this being a warranty item?
#5
Last time I checked, the whole clutch is warrantied for 12K, so you should be covered. Even if you were beyond the 12K limit, I would expect something like the throw out bearing to be covered. Even under abuse, that is not something that should go that quickly. I think what may wear it out faster might be things like keeping the clutch pedal depressed for long periods or making a habit of resting your hand on the shift ****. But none of these should wear out your throw out bearing this soon. Disclaimer: I am not an amateur mechanic and it could be something other than the bearing
#6
Hi there, I have a 2011 A4 Quattro 2.0 T. I have suffered what you are talking about, which I found elsewhere on the internet referred to as "Sudden Clutch Failure." If you look at the NHTSA (Nat'l Highway Traffic Safety Administration) it is a "known issue" on 2009-2011 Audis. I have now suffered Sudden Clutch Failure TWICE, once at 4,800 miles and then a second time just recently, at 31,000. The first time, okay following lots of discussion, Audi covered the repair under the warranty. This time Audi is insisting on "driver influence." I have been driving manual shift Volkswagens for 40 years -- living in a big city with lots of traffic (the worst possible miles for a clutch) -- and have never, ever worn out a clutch. And here's the thing, the clutch is not just worn out -- it is in a "molten state." I had the same thing as you -- only I was on the freeway when my the pedal stuck to the floor. I am going to post my case separately, maybe have a look and see if there are any similarities? Good luck.
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