I'm still very new to 500 ownership and i'm struggling a bit with the weight and action of the clutch.
The pedal has around 20-30mm of play before it becomes very heavy to depress, on release, there is a heck of a lot of spring back energy from the pedal and clutch control is non-existent. The resulting leap down the road is embarassing! I was told the clutch had been replaced, but I honestly can't tell whether it is a bedding in issue, or it is in fact old and worn out, or an adjustment issue.
Any thoughts?
Ant

What engine do you have? Regardless, this isn't normal. Clutch hydraulics are a known failure weakness (had problems with both our 1.2 Panda and my boy's 1.4 Punto over the last couple of years.)

Classic Fiat 500L (1971) so cable operated and a bit more agricultural than the Punto and Panda I think! But thanks.

The amount of play AT THE PEDAL on a 500 should be between 35 and 40mm (1-3/8in to 1-9/16in), so you could allow a bit more, but the lack of free play shouldn't increase the pedal load to the extent that you are describing. The clutch was replaced---was the correct pressure plate fitted? I would also check where the mechanic has attached the return spring. It should fit on the clutch operating lever back to a notch in the bell housing. When under the car, one can normally move the lever by hand (but not fully operate the clutch). The fact that the pedal returns very fiercely would tend to rule out a seized cable---but also check that the 'repairers' haven't put an additional spring at the pedal---there is only one return spring, the one on the clutch operating arm. If both these items are correct, the only option might be to heave the engine out and fit a correct clutch pressure plate---that way you would know that the correct part is fitted.

Thanks Hobbler, I will have a look tomorrow.
The clutch replacement was apparently done before I owned the vehicle, though it wasn't clear exactly how long ago, or by whom.
The whole thing has the feel of something 'sticking'.

Ant Knox said:

Classic Fiat 500L (1971) so cable operated and a bit more agricultural than the Punto and Panda I think! But thanks.

Click to expand...

DOH! sorry for that Ant. I picked your post up in "new posts" and didn't check the header as to what section of the forum you'd posted in. Feeling a right clot now! Hope it all turns out well for you.