Netmammal
New member
I had the clutch go on my 2012 Sportwagen TDI. It did not go like clutches have gone in the past for me from wearing out (ie starts slipping at highway speeds ) It went almost without warning, several times the pedal did not return when I released it, and then, it just would not return. No funny noises, no smell. Bad thing was, this was only after ~30,000 miles. Seems way too short for me.
Since I'm through the VW warrantee, I brought it to my local mechanic. He found a service bulletin on it that made him think I should take it to VW, so I did. The guy out at the front desk was so blown away by the condition of my clutch, that he took photos of it after it was out. I can't remember if I actually looked at them or not, I'm not a gearhead, so it wouldn't mean much to me anyway. Basically he said the clutch was completely destroyed.
...So $1,300 later, I'm driving again. Problem is, I'm nervous that I caused this to happen, but I also secretly think this was a faulty clutch from VW that should have been partly covered by VW.I'm hoping folks hear can clear that up for me.
I've driven stick for 20+ years, though the last 5-10 were mostly on automatic. Other than some infrequent stalling during the first 10,000 miles, I'd say I have adapted pretty well to diesel.
On the other hand, I am driving much differently, I'm trying to hypermile, and would often put in the clutch and coast. The other difference is that I downshift more (I think?) so that while coasting up to a light for example, I'd be using my momentum to keep the engine running, as opposed to fuel.
I work out of my house, so I don't have a long commute anymore, so I would say 80% of my miles city, and then 20% are highway, since I often get better mileage than my wife's prius on road trips.
Although the VW dealer claimed there were no service bulletins (actually said the mechanic knew of only one, and it was for traditional worn-out-clutch symptoms, not mine.) Problem is, I have gone back to look at that service bulletin, and it totally matches my symptoms, so now I really don't trust them. Worse, the service bulletin is full of words, but says nothing about what is really wrong. Is this what VW does when they know they have a problem thats their fault, and they don't want customer to know? I could post the bulletin if anyone wishes.
So I am unsure if I am at fault, and I should change my driving habits, or this was VW's fault, and I should do battle with them (will be harder since the repair happened months ago.) ...Or is this some sort of fluke, and one clutch out of hundred goes like this, and its nobodies fault?
I a long-time lurker here, but I really appreciate this forum!
Thanks,
-Dave F
Since I'm through the VW warrantee, I brought it to my local mechanic. He found a service bulletin on it that made him think I should take it to VW, so I did. The guy out at the front desk was so blown away by the condition of my clutch, that he took photos of it after it was out. I can't remember if I actually looked at them or not, I'm not a gearhead, so it wouldn't mean much to me anyway. Basically he said the clutch was completely destroyed.
...So $1,300 later, I'm driving again. Problem is, I'm nervous that I caused this to happen, but I also secretly think this was a faulty clutch from VW that should have been partly covered by VW.I'm hoping folks hear can clear that up for me.
I've driven stick for 20+ years, though the last 5-10 were mostly on automatic. Other than some infrequent stalling during the first 10,000 miles, I'd say I have adapted pretty well to diesel.
On the other hand, I am driving much differently, I'm trying to hypermile, and would often put in the clutch and coast. The other difference is that I downshift more (I think?) so that while coasting up to a light for example, I'd be using my momentum to keep the engine running, as opposed to fuel.
I work out of my house, so I don't have a long commute anymore, so I would say 80% of my miles city, and then 20% are highway, since I often get better mileage than my wife's prius on road trips.
Although the VW dealer claimed there were no service bulletins (actually said the mechanic knew of only one, and it was for traditional worn-out-clutch symptoms, not mine.) Problem is, I have gone back to look at that service bulletin, and it totally matches my symptoms, so now I really don't trust them. Worse, the service bulletin is full of words, but says nothing about what is really wrong. Is this what VW does when they know they have a problem thats their fault, and they don't want customer to know? I could post the bulletin if anyone wishes.
So I am unsure if I am at fault, and I should change my driving habits, or this was VW's fault, and I should do battle with them (will be harder since the repair happened months ago.) ...Or is this some sort of fluke, and one clutch out of hundred goes like this, and its nobodies fault?
I a long-time lurker here, but I really appreciate this forum!
Thanks,
-Dave F