General Mk3 recall

[alexb]

I've just got off the phone with the lovely girl at Thames Fiat (Jacqui) regarding the **** clutch on the Mk3 Punto.

She explained that Fiat haven't actually mass produced a replacement clutch/flywheel as yet, but Fiat UK have modded a few assemblies and fitted them successfully...

THERE'S GOING TO BE A RECALL

Needless to say she didn't know when though.

Woopee!

 

[wolfracepunto]

What about the clutch on the mk2?????!! Mines been back to the garage three times now, had new clutches/flywheels/slave cylinders, and its still awful

 

[PuntoMK3]

so will it meen a new clutch, because my clutch is going a but stiff.

 

[alexb]

To be honest I don't exactly know what they'll be doing, and I guess it'll be for the Mk2's as well.

All I know is that they've now done the necessary mods to the clutch/flywheel/whatever the bloody hell it is, and are going to recall the lot once they've manufactured enough to satisfy demand (of which there's going to be a lot!).

As far as I can work out (on mine anyway), the fly wheel warps, damaging the clutch cover assembly. So to my mind, it needs a new clutch cover (not the whole thing) and the flywheel (which is bolted onto the clutch).

 

[FeeYat]

My clutch has been fine. Won't turn down a free one though!

 

[wolfracepunto]

My clutch has been fine. Won't turn down a free one though!

leave it!! it its not broke dont fix it

 

[FeeYat]

Very true!

 

[almcluskey]

What's the deal with the clutch? I've got a mk 3 Sporting that's done about 1600 miles, and the clutch is far from perfect. What are the symptoms?

 

[wolfracepunto]

When the cars been driven around, using the gears often, it becomes sticky and (recently) mine judders at the biting point. Like I say, its never been right since I got it brand new

It spoils driving the car, especially when im in traffic stopping/starting makes it really difficult and annoying to drive

 

[ChrisUK]

On my mk2 it you push the clutch down just after bitting point it gets super stiff and wont move any further the only way i can describe it is a old sports car clutch like in a jag e-type.

 

[almcluskey]

When the cars been driven around, using the gears often, it becomes sticky and (recently) mine judders at the biting point. Like I say, its never been right since I got it brand new

It spoils driving the car, especially when im in traffic stopping/starting makes it really difficult and annoying to drive

Ah, sounds familiar! Guess mine'll be going in as soon as they announce it then.

 

[alexb]

When the cars been driven around, using the gears often, it becomes sticky and (recently) mine judders at the biting point. Like I say, its never been right since I got it brand new

It spoils driving the car, especially when im in traffic stopping/starting makes it really difficult and annoying to drive

That's when I really notice mine. Stop/start.

Well, I've got just under 3 years left until the car's paid off. They probably still won't have done a recall then.

 

[wolfracepunto]

You could always keep going back to the dealers so they replace it (with the same 'faulty' parts as before) but at least it would feel ok for a bit after the work has been done thats what i've been doing

 

[alexb]

Thames Fiat in Slough is refusing to do any work regarding clutches on until Fiat have released a fix!

Someone from Fiat called me yesterday asking whether I was satisfied with the car...Ha ha! I don't think the girl expected to be on the phone for half an hour with me ranting! She said she'd get in contact with the garage.

The wait goes on...

 

[dazm]

I have the same problem with the clutch on my mk3 punto....kangarooing on pull away ....been waiting 3mths for a new part with no joy....very poor service from "customer support" and service dept.

Previous mk2 was fine if a little basic, but this has made me rethink and i'll switch to something a little more reliable when this problem is sorted.

 

[nikeboy66]

glad its not just me Reg Vardy in Stockton tell me there is nothing wrong with my car, it can judder when pulling away and gear change notchy or grates into gear.

Very frustrating in stop/start traffic.

is the problem related to the notchy gear changing as well or just the juddering?

 

[alexb]

Ooh ooh!

The car's in at Fiat's now having the modded clutch fitted! Woopee!

The wonders of logging a complaint with Fiat UK!

 

[alexb]

...And now it's perfect! Like a new car!

How long it'll last is another matter...Grr

 

[danjohnson]

just to add to this thread - our mk3 active 1.2 8v is having a new clutch as it has always juddered when you pull away - part of the recall i think then - the garage said that they had done others....

 

[Citizen Smith]

I fitted 1 clutch today and 3 last week all on mk2 and mk3 punto's, and FIAT have recognised this as a fault and released paperwork relating to the problem.

Modified clutches have to be authorised by FIAT on a case by case basis and apparently are made per request ! and cannot be mass ordered.

Probably wont be a recall, as its not safety related.