cr8n

I was merging into traffic on a slight hill - no power felt, so I revved it a bit, foot was completely off the clutch pedal - and nothing but the burning clutch smell.

Traffic behind me went around, I backed into the curb and tried the clutch again in both first and second gear - no engagement.

I turned off the car, pumped the clutch, fiddled with the gearshift, then restarted the car - it worked that time.

The smell of burning clutch was still in the engine compartment when I got home 5 minutes later.

Is it possible that the clutch pedal, or the clutch mechanism itself is sticking? If I had been making a left turn across traffic, I would not be here writing this - I would be in the morgue or ICU.

woofpup

If it smelt like that, then it was in fact engaging, but yes, it could have been a hydraulic problem, etc. that kept it from getting enough pressure to engage fully. Maybe the hydraulic fluid for the clutch is low/leaking? It doesn't sound like the clutch is completely worn out already...

If you feel safe doing it, I'd drive it around some and see if after some additional use it goes back to normal - you need to wear off the glazed surface it now has. Otherwise, if it still happens or if you don't feel safe, have the dealer check it out.

Is this your first manual? Not to be rude, just wondering...

Bob Petruska

Sounds like a defective clutch master or slave cylinder....go to dealer pronto!

EdP

It shares the same fluid reservoir, even though there are separate slave cylinders for brake and clutch.

cr8n

I've been driving manual transmissions since 1975:
Austin, 280Z, 280ZX, 300ZX, Pathfinder, Maxima, A4.

I have 6300 km on the A4 (since January 15), I hope it's not a defective clutch - but will get the dealer to check it out. I drove it around this afternoon, and it seems OK.

cr8n

Fluid levels are OK, no stains on garage floor.