Hi,

I have this odd problem and I dont know if anybody can help!!

I am using a Fabia 1.2 Htp 60 (07 plate), which I am finding it is very difficult to engage any gears when the car is cold.

The clutch is only 25k miles old and is fine - but when the temp gets really cold, the gears wont engage without a bit crunch! - even with the clutch fully depressed. Once warm (approach 20 mins driving) the clutch and gears are fine, although I have noticed that from the moment I owned it (18k miles) that the biting point of the clutch is very low down - about an inch off the clutch stop on the floor.

Is this cold clutch problem normal? and is there anyway of adjusting the biting point so its a bit higher up ( perhaps to help eleviate the cold clutch issue as well!)

Cheers,

Roger

Well we have another on here who's clutch gave up at 14000 and Skoda eventually fixed it so that would be my first point of call. Get the clutch checked out by Skoda and argue the low mileage. Its not a common problem and I reckon there'll be a lot on here with much higher mileage that 25k who have no clutch probs. Lets all know how things develop and hope it turns out OK

I did have a similar problem years ago on an old Pug 405, that had had a recon gearbox in.

Basically when they put the gearbox oil in they put the wrong vicosity in and essence it froze up, have you had your gearbox oil changed recently ?

Having said that the gearbox in my Kia Proceed is markedly more notchy in cold weather, must be why im looking to get a vrs

Hi,

I have this odd problem and I dont know if anybody can help!!

I am using a Fabia 1.2 Htp 60 (07 plate), which I am finding it is very difficult to engage any gears when the car is cold.

The clutch is only 25k miles old and is fine - but when the temp gets really cold, the gears wont engage without a bit crunch! - even with the clutch fully depressed. Once warm (approach 20 mins driving) the clutch and gears are fine, although I have noticed that from the moment I owned it (18k miles) that the biting point of the clutch is very low down - about an inch off the clutch stop on the floor.

Is this cold clutch problem normal? and is there anyway of adjusting the biting point so its a bit higher up ( perhaps to help eleviate the cold clutch issue as well!)

Cheers,

Roger

Hello Reg, it is one of three problems. Firstly, it may be the clutch disc sticking on it's splines or a faulty cover assembly. This will give the exact same symptoms you describe and does happen occasionally to any make of car. As the gearbox and engine warm up the plate slides more freely and the problem goes away. Secondly, it could be the hydraulic fluid needs bleeding. It uses the same fluid as the brakes and if the fluid is changed, sometimes checking the clutch operation afterwards gets forgotten. This is probably the most likely cause of your problem. Some small amount of air in the system on the side of the clutch may be present. Thirdly, the clutch is worn out (but this normally gives a high pedal bite point) or faulty. Strongly advise going to your dealer for a diagnosis and fix. As far as I am aware, on the HTP engine there is no clutch adjustment, it's automatic.

Edited 22 January, 201115 yr by Estate Man

Hello Reg, it is one of three problems. Firstly, it may be the clutch disc sticking on it's splines or a faulty cover assembly. This will give the exact same symptoms you describe and does happen occasionally to any make of car. As the gearbox and engine warm up the plate slides more freely and the problem goes away. Secondly, it could be the hydraulic fluid needs bleeding. It uses the same fluid as the brakes and if the fluid is changed, sometimes checking the clutch operation afterwards gets forgotten. This is probably the most likely cause of your problem. Some small amount of air in the system on the side of the clutch may be present. Thirdly, the clutch is worn out (but this normally gives a high pedal bite point) or faulty. Strongly advise going to your dealer for a diagnosis and fix. As far as I am aware, on the HTP engine there is no clutch adjustment, it's automatic.

Hi guys, thanks for your replies.

Estate Man was right - bled the system on Saturday morning and all is very good now. Even the biting point is much higher up - about half way. Thanks!

BTW - I spoke to Skoda dealer before doing this - explain all symptoms etc. They advised to not touch it and bring it in straight away - "it sounds like your clutch has gone - we will have to change it" !

They're not having my money that easily

Cheers,

Roger

Hi Reg...well done mate! Looks like you nailed it.

We have this problem on our HTP the last 2 mornings, gear lever set in concrete and won't move a millimetre.

Clutch pedal moves freely though ... Is this likely to be the same issue?

Hello B1ackb1rd, yes it could be. You have a hydraulic clutch and if there is a leak of fluid then that could be it. It is also something that must be looked into straight away as the same fluid feeds the brake system. But it can be other things too. Have you noticed a gradual degradation in the performance of the gearchange in the last few days either when hot or cold from start up? Is the clutch biting point low down near the floor? (indicating the system needs bleeding). Or is the clutch biting point very high up? (indicating a worn out clutch!). How do the brakes feels, nice firm pedal? Car stopping in a straight line without pulling to left or right? (yes I know, funny thing to ask isn't it when it's a clutch problem). It could be a gearbox issue but that's very unlikely as Skoda/VAG boxes are very reliable. Best advice I can give at this point is have the car checked at the garage if you are not feeling confident in examining the car yourself and bleeding the clutch/brakes etc. That's probably all it is just some air in the sytem, but remember that could indicate a leak that needs to be fixed. A good technician can tell you straight away. Good luck and post back if you can to let us know some answers and the outcome.

Many thanks Estate Man.

It's a new used car which has been nothing but trouble so far, I will be driving it for the next week and I'll do some tests as you describe.

Car brakes ok, but seems to baulk at downchanges making me think the clutch does need bleeing.

Can someone advise where I look for the bleed nipple, or is it obvious (dark nights, not had chance to look yet)