Revs go up but no acceleration?

Hi,

I have a W reg (2000) 406 Diesel HDI estate. I've started noticing a problem when I'm using 3rd, 4th and 5th gears (but mainly 4th and 5th). If I put the accelerator flat to the floor, the revs shoot up by about

500-1000 but the car does not really accelerate much. Then you get a sudden surge of traction, the revs go down again and then slowly creep up as the car accelerates. The problem does not seem to occur under gentle acceleration, only when you ask for an instant surge of power.

Does anyone recognise these symptoms? Could this be a clutch problem, if so how serious?

Thanks.

Dominic

Reply to
dominic.martin
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Hi,

I have a W reg (2000) 406 Diesel HDI estate. I've started noticing a problem when I'm using 3rd, 4th and 5th gears (but mainly 4th and 5th). If I put the accelerator flat to the floor, the revs shoot up by about

500-1000 but the car does not really accelerate much. Then you get a sudden surge of traction, the revs go down again and then slowly creep up as the car accelerates. The problem does not seem to occur under gentle acceleration, only when you ask for an instant surge of power.

Does anyone recognise these symptoms? Could this be a clutch problem, if so how serious?

Thanks.

Dominic

Reply to
dominic.martin

Sounds like your clutch is slipping Dominic. Replacement is a likely prospect. Until then drive it without doing any of that 'surge of power' stuff and it won't get any worse. Are you new to car driving?

Reply to
jim.

No, I'm just not a mechanic. Thanks for the confirmation.

Dominic

Reply to
dominic.martin

wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

It's classic symptoms of slipping clutch. I have a Citroen Xantia with same hdi engine. I'd taken up the play in the clutch pedal by putting a plastic washer (plumbing bit) on the cable at the lever on the transmission case. These units have automatic clutch adjustment but it leaves a lot of free play at the pedal on the Citroen. The car only had 35,000 miles up when I put a fuelling booster on the injection system - magic, another 27bhp-wow! Just after fitting the booster, up a long steep hill I booted it up and got a soupcon of clutch slip so went off and had a new clutch fitted. Should have just taken off the plastic washer from the cable. The clutch plate wasn't much worn and the guy told me that the Citroen doesn't suffer with the alleged problem I'd read about on the Honest John review on the Daily Telegraph motoring website. Clutch replaced for £220 from a local clutch specialist - they use only original equipment- Valeo with a six month warranty, and do it in less than four hours.Don't pay more,-this is in Ellesmere Port. The mechanic told me that there have been a few instances of the Peugeot clutch breaking up because they use hydraulic operation on the release mechanism and the Citroen is cable. With hydraulic, the clutch bearing is always in rubbing contact with the clutch pressure plate and they have been known to get hot, run out of lubrication and seize up. It's a rare event, don't worry about it, but seeing as you need a new clutch, make sure they replace the release bearing at the same time. The clutch has to be replaced very soon, it just gets worse until you ain't going anywhere - quite soon. For inf on the power boost, go to Eastcoast Racing website. I'm still getting 45 to 48 to the gallon and it goes like the proverbial. Tows a caravan like it wasn't there and returns 30mpg average through France and Spain. DaveK.

Reply to
davek

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