Hi all. My clutch died on my seicento sporting and I had to have it replaced. I seem to have a bit more power and it's much nicer to drive, but I've noticed that in 3rd gear it sometimes momentarily loses power around 25-30mph, especially on gradual inclines. Almost as if the brakes are being nudged briefly. It doesn't result in slowdown, but I can feel it happen and there seems to be a bit of power loss to accompany it. I can change up to 4th and it goes up the same hill with no issue at all.

I noticed today that every now and then, the gear changes are slightly rubbing and other times completely smooth.

Any ideas what's going on? Should I take it back to the garage?

Sounds odd. I would get the garage to check the gear linkages over.

Also the clutch cable needs manual adjustment so this might be worth checking.

If it's an earlier single point injection spi engine they can have a flat spot when cold. Also the battery was probably disconnected and the ecu may still be learning for a little while.

Hope it clears up

Thanks for replying. It's an 03 model, but I've never noticed it before the clutch was replaced. It's doing the same thing in 2nd gear now, so I'll take it in for a check. I get the feeling that the engine brakes at a lower speed now. 2nd gear used to be happy just over 20mph, but I can hear that it revs a bit harder at that speed now.

Do not drive the car one inch further without checking the gearbox oil level.

D

Had new gearbox oil after the clutch was replaced. There's no suspect noises from the gears and it changes as smoothly as it ever did. No signs of a leak either.

I'm hoping purf is onto something with either the cable needs adjusting, or the ecu needs time to learn. Didn't realise they did that and the battery was definitely disconnected, as the cover was off when it came back.

I'd still be checking that gearbox oil level......

D

Finally got half a day to myself, so took it to the garage... the clutch was a bit slack, so they adjusted it and it feels much better.

The power problem is being caused by misfiring. Apparently the coolant temp sensor needs to be replaced and it should soon be driving like new!

The sensor next to the thermostat which is right above the gearbox which they removed? It could be a coincidence, I suppose...

Make sure they fit a new one and don't just reconnect the wires to your existing one...



Ralf S.