Clutch malfunctions

As mentioned, the clutch can slip. Also, the clutch can pull. With a jerky clutch, the car moves jerkily, i.e., the transmission of the engine speed to the drive wheels is uneven. These malfunctions can have various causes.

The engine or transmission mount is defective or the mounting bolts are loose. This means that the power unit is subject to vibrations when the clutch is engaged.

The lining on the driven disk is burned or hardened, i.e. there is no uniform friction between the clutch and the flywheel. This can happen, for example, if another vehicle is towed a long distance.

The pressure plate was deformed due to severe overheating, i.e. the friction surface became uneven.

In all cases, the clutch and driven disc must be removed to find the cause of the failure.

If the clutch fails en route or no longer engages or disengages, you can continue your journey at least to the nearest workshop or to your final destination. You can even change gears. If the clutch fails while the vehicle is in gear and the gear needs to be disengaged, release the throttle and shift the lever to neutral. If the gear sticks, you can add a little gas until the shift lever is released.

To move off without a clutch, proceed as follows:

1. Turn off the engine and engage first gear.

2. Turn on the starter. The vehicle will jerk forward until the engine RPM matches the drive.

3. If the engine is cold, it must first be warmed up so that it does not immediately stall. If you drive on a flat street in second gear, you can drive to the nearest workshop.

4. If you wish to attempt a higher gear, pull away in first gear as described above and rev the engine to 1000 rpm. Let off the gas a little and shift the lever to neutral. Fully release the gas pedal and press the lever into the second gear position. When the engine speed and gearbox speed are equal, the gear will be engaged. If the time between engagements is too long, the throttle must be added again in order for the transmission to engage. Upshift only at low speed, engage second gear at 20 km/h, third at 25 km/h, fourth at 35 km/h. Hardly it comes to the fifth gear.

5. When downshifting, the RPM must be increased to enable the next gear to be engaged. Ease off the gas a little, disengage the gear and gently step on the gas pedal. At the same time push the lever towards the next lower gear. If the RPM is correct, the gear will engage immediately. Also, when shifting to lower gears, the driving speed must be reduced to keep the shift under control. If there is a rattle, the shift mechanism should be checked again. Thanks to synchronization, switching is carried out easily.