500 Slow moving traffic and duologic gearbox

[MopsW]

Hi everyone,

I have just joined the forum as my 17 year old daughter has just bought a 2012 Fiat 500 with the duologic gearbox. I drove it the other day in automatic mode and whenever I was stuck in slow moving traffic and had to either stop or drive at a very low speed the car started beeping at me and a warning about the clutch over heating appeared. It also beeps if you have to set off from a standing start at a roundabout.

I looked at the Fiat manual for the duologic and it did not seem to help.

I am totally non technical and so any help you can give would be appreciated.

The dealer has been no help at all.

Thanks

 

[p6baseunit]

Hi everyone,

I have just joined the forum as my 17 year old daughter has just bought a 2012 Fiat 500 with the duologic gearbox. I drove it the other day in automatic mode and whenever I was stuck in slow moving traffic and had to either stop or drive at a very low speed the car started beeping at me and a warning about the clutch over heating appeared. It also beeps if you have to set off from a standing start at a roundabout.

The dealer has been no help at all.

Thanks

Some more detailed information would help! How many miles has this car covered. How long ago was it purchased from a car dealer?

If the car has reasonable mileage under it´s belt it may be time for a replacement clutch.

If the purchase was very recent, I would say return it to the dealer as it´s not fit for purpose and you are discovering why the last person got rid of it!

Could be a whole list of reasons.. but it´s a 7 year old car now and unless very low mileage, they aren´t as durable as a similar Toyota!

Some electrical dualogic issues start when the battery begins to fade...

It could also be a warn clutch or release fork

 

[p6baseunit]

Hi everyone,

I drove it the other day in automatic mode and whenever I was stuck in slow moving traffic and had to either stop or drive at a very low speed the car started beeping at me and a warning about the clutch over heating appeared.

You suggest that if you switched it to manual, it no longer did this??

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi.

No weird smells associated with this 'clutch issue'?

Charlie

 

[portland_bill]

The duologic is a manual gearbox and normal clutch, operated by hydraulic servos controlled by a computer. No matter how good the computer and servos (and Fiat will not have spent any more than absolutely necessary), they will never be able to 'feel' like a human.

In stop/start traffic, most drivers will be able to feel the clutch bite, and use it gently to avoid excessive slip. The duologic is less capable and results in more clutch slip, and a hotter clutch. At some point, the temp sensor will get upset, which is what you experienced. The duologic prefers to move away a little more positively, then engage the clutch fully. Difficult in slow traffic queues.

If its normal use will include such traffic regularly, this is probably not the type of transmission for the job. A normal manual, if able to be used, or a proper auto with a torque converter (fluid) drive would suit that better.

If the situation allows, let the traffic move further before moving, then set off and drive the short distance before stopping again. This is likely to annoy following traffic, especially after several times, so needs awareness and care. Once moving, it should be able to trickle quite slowly before the clutch disengages, so a slightly later move away, then trickle once the clutch is fully engaged will help.

2009/10 BSM used these for learners. There were a lot of clutch overheat issues when carrying out manoeuvres.

 

[DaveMcT]

A Duologic clutch can be worn out in under 30,000 miles so it's likely you'll need a new clutch.

The clutch as it's totally servo controlled so selecting "manual" wont make any difference to clutch life. In traffic, keep the revs no higher than necessary to pull away. Don't bother in inch forwards just because the drivers in front cant get on with moving. TBH I do this with a manual car as I cant be bothered with the unnecessary hassle.

 

[richiesgr]

Hi

I've the same type of gear box it's really not like an automatic gear far from it.

The only advice I can give you start to use the manual shifting it's like having a manual gear without a clutch
it's super easy and work great plus you're in control on the car.