On a couple of occasions now have noticed when reversing up steep hill and slipping clutch, a rather vile smell emanating from engine bay. Anyone any ideas what it is -perhaps clutch lining burning?

Doesnt smell like the usual clutch smell more like strong pigs s..t

Exhaust gases getting into cabin??

Exhaust gases getting into cabin??

I thought the ventilation system switched automatically into re-circ mode when reversing to stop exactly this?

I thought the ventilation system switched automatically into re-circ mode when reversing to stop exactly this?

Its not exhaust gasses-they are sweet smelling compared with this!. Its something I think to do with clutch slip

I thought the ventilation system switched automatically into re-circ mode when reversing to stop exactly this?

Its not exhaust gasses-they are sweet smelling compared with this!. Its something I think to do with clutch slip

No smell going forward even under load with a caravan

Try to do it without slipping the clutch and see if the smell goes away.

I've found it very difficult to reverse without slipping the clutch. The gear ratio is too high in my opinion. It's much to fast to travel even at 1000rpm safely.

Perhaps clutch lining burning?

You've answered your own question

Quite a few threads on here regarding reversing when towing, especially with caravans, even more so uphill.

Best avoided as it is shortening the life of your clutch. Expensive but others have used those elctric powered caravan movers instead?

You've answered your own question

Quite a few threads on here regarding reversing when towing, especially with caravans, even more so uphill.

Best avoided as it is shortening the life of your clutch. Expensive but others have used those elctric powered caravan movers instead?

It seems looking at other threads that this is a common problem. Will speak to Skoda and get their view.

Edited 5 November, 201114 yr by morganic

Morganic

I get that smell when I reverse my caravan into storage with my Citroen C5. Went on a caravan reversing course and was told not to slip the clutch, but I find I have to; like you say, you go to fast. Also told by a mechanic it's because asbestos is not used any more in the linings!!!! don't know on that one.

Will have to see when I get my Octavia 4x4.

It seems looking at other threads that this is a common problem. Will speak to Skoda and get their view.

I definitely had this problem when reversing up a country lane that was only one lane wide. I did nothing more than find the balancing point and then creep up the hill 10m to a point where I could turn round que lots of smoke and a smell that can only be described as "organic". Steep cliff on other side so if I'd of dukes of hazarded it by letting out the clutch straight away I'd probably not be here. My car is very new and when I took back in they recognised the burning clutch smell and tried to infer that I had been driving around with clutch down. Will give evidence on someone elses behalf if it helps, would like to do something as this a very obvious design flaw. They said that they will charge me to look at the clutch if it's just wear and tear but it seems like this is the problem.

Am I right to be hacked off or is feathering the clutch in reverse on an incline an act of insanity? When I was learning this was called clutch control and I was definetly taught to do it...

Have you tried changing your socks?

Have you tried changing your socks?

LOL