I put my foot on the clutch as usual, and the pedel went straight to the back of the footwell, at the same time a plastic clip spring off.

On investigation I was able to push together the little white nylon clip attached to a ball at the end of the clutch rod together, pull the clutch back, refitting the clip. However as soon as I push down the clutch the same thing happens.

The white nylon clip looks a little worn, but I can't believe this clip is all that all that holds the clutch pedel together?

I wonder if the cluch has become stiff, however you always have to apply some pressure to depress the clutch and I can't see how the clip is enough to hold the pedel together even under normal use.

Has anyone else experienced this problem / fixed it!??

Sounds like the pedal retainer has broken. Has been covered on here before, tried a search?

Lummox

I have tried a search for "stuck down clutch" and "pedal retainer" didn't come up with anything to answer the problem.

Is the "pedal retainer" the little back plastic clip that has the angled plastic to operate the switch?

The white nylon clip that sits over the ball attached to the rod, is a little worn, is this all that takes the pressure from the clutch?

I think this pedal construction might be specific to the Fabia (1.9d) I have had a look at my mates (newer) Seat Ibiza, which is almost identical in setup, accept it has one single molded pedal, which is far stronger.

Does anyone know if the clutch on the Fabia relies on the white nylon plastic clip to take all the pressure of the clutch? I can replace this part, but I wonder if I'm missing something, as this doesn't seem enough to take the pressure?

Dont mean to sound stupid, but what does a pedal retainer do?

I think its the little piece of plastic that hold the pedal in place. What I can't work out is how its strong enough to do this job in the first place.

Could someone have a look at the pedal in their Fabia and see if I am missing something, a photo would be amazing!

Here we go

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/fabia/bugger/16357/?highlight=clutch+pedal+broken

Brilliant

Thanks Lummox, that's exactly the parts I have. I take from the post the cause is more likely to be a problem with the clutch cylinder and replacing the clip isn't likely to fix the problem?

I think its an issue with the pedal, and if I remember correctly the replacement part is a modified item the same as the Ibiza one.

that would make sense, its a rubbish design!

I'll get straight onto my local dealer tomorrow morning.

So got the car back from the garage today,

Interesting. I came on here today to look for "Clutch stuck down" ! I set off in my 52 Octavia TDi yesterday and after two or three clutch down/up I discovered to my horror that I was now in a two-pedal motor car!. Luckily no traffic about and I had space to do a 180 and get back home again. This morning (I had to borrow the wife's car for yesterday as in a hurry) I lifted the pedal back up (now why didn't I think of this yesterday?) and normal service has been resumed. I Think I might look at it a bit closer.

Interesting. I came on here today to look for "Clutch stuck down" ! I set off in my 52 Octavia TDi yesterday and after two or three clutch down/up I discovered to my horror that I was now in a two-pedal motor car!. Luckily no traffic about and I had space to do a 180 and get back home again. This morning (I had to borrow the wife's car for yesterday as in a hurry) I lifted the pedal back up (now why didn't I think of this yesterday?) and normal service has been resumed. I Think I might look at it a bit closer.

Search for 'sticking master cylinder'

That sounds just like it - but it wasn't cold yesterday morning! It's under a 1 year warranty from the dealer who sold it to me 6 months ago so I'll give them a bell tomorrow (Sorry sir, that's not covered.., fingers crossed!)

Known issue with a modified part so that gives you something to play with.

Yep agreed - known issue with a modified part that is also apparently the subject of an additional 1 year extended warranty over and above the norm (didn't help us though as it failed beyond the extension!)