2.0 hdi Clutch issue (C5 x7 2009)

[Steveo]

Good morning all
I have had this niggling clutch issue since I purchased the car in which when releasing the clutch from a standing start I have to ride the clutch slightly in order to set off I know this is a heavy car but this shouldn't happen on a 2.0 ltr diesel.
The car has had a clutch fitted via a Citroen dealer a few years ago (I have the receipt) and other than this issue the clutch is fine smooth and no noises.
I find this doesn't happen when I am on a slight downhill gradient and it doesn't appear to happen all the time.
I have noticed that when I release the clutch and watch the rev counter the revs drop significantly and without action from me would result in a stall.
I have read somewhere about a clutch switch that may be at fault and would appreciate any input on this matter.
I have driven many vehicles and works vans but never come across this issue, my previous Peugeot 407 2.0 hdi certainly didn't have this issue
No faults are shown on the car with Lexia
Any ideas?
Regards
Steve

[Peter.N.]

I have a similar problem wit both of mine although one is worse than the other. The engines seem to develop very little torque at very low revs, the red one will stall quite easily if you don't give it some revs - and often does. I think part of my problem is that I was driving a 2.2 Merc diesel just before I got my first C5 and that would pull away at tickover with no throttle at all, the C5s won't.

As I said, it seems to be common to those engines although the silver one is better its still its still a bit short in the low speed torque dept. If you have been used to driving a petrol engine not really a problem but these seem to have very little power anywhere near tickover speed, unlike most diesels.

In most other respects they are much better than the Merc, especially for ride comfort.

Peter

[Paul-R]

If you have the receipt check to see if a new dual mass flywheel was fitted at the same time as the clutch kit.

[JohnD]

I have a similar problem wit both of mine although one is worse than the other.

Mine is a 2010 X7 and it has the same fault. Easily stalled when pulling away.

[GiveMeABreak]

Those with electronic handbrakes will notice a slight momentary dip in revs as the brakes are released and the engine pulls away, so if you have not already manually released it, that should be factored in.

But I should also add that even with manual release of the EPB (which I use), I have also managed to stall it on a few occasions, so I try and remember to increase the power slightly to counter it.

[Steveo]

Hi Marc
No electric handbrake on mine
Is it a fault of the car?
I understand if it had a clutch switch they cut the fuel for economy do you think that could be faulty?
Although one positive thing to come out of this thread is that I am not alone

Thx
Regards
Steve

[Peter.N.]

Don't have such technical friperies

Peter

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi Marc
No electric handbrake on mine
Is it a fault of the car?
I understand if it had a clutch switch they cut the fuel for economy do you think that could be faulty?
Although one positive thing to come out of this thread is that I am not alone

Thx
Regards
Steve

There are no technical bulletins regarding the clutch and the only other issues concerning stalling are engine-related at idling, but these will almost certainly have a fault code associated with the symptom after a diagnostic.

All manual models have a clutch switch and additionally those with an EPB also have a clutch position sensor.

[Steveo]

Cheers Marc
Looks like living with it lol
Steve

[Steveo]

Hi all
This issue is still with me grr
I would be greatful if one of the experts can explain what the clutch switch actually does.

Re cap
When I am setting off from a standing start, I try to set off by slowly increasing the revs and releasing the clutch until it takes up the drive.
Ie normal driving
If the revs are increased to say 1500 revs and release the clutch the revs dive to around 500 before the car starts moving (anti stall kicks in)
I have tried to set off in first gear using tick over and the car moves away without further revs on level ground.
So I would like to know if anything other than the clutch switch could be the cause of the revs dropping like a stone as soon as I release the clutch pedal?
This does not happen when reversing
I have never had this on a car or van its a very strange feeling having to slightly ride the clutch to set off in first gear.

Regards
Steve

[GiveMeABreak]

The clutch pedal switch informs the engine management ECU when the driver presses the clutch pedal. It is one of the methods used along with the brake switch for disengaging the cruise control.

(1) Clutch pedal angle position sensor. The sensor is of an angular potentiometry type.	Key: "A1": Manual stop (Start of travel) "A2": Manual stop (End of travel) "B1": Clutch pedal released position "B2": Clutch pedal pressed down position The working travel of the clutch pedal position sensor is 62 degrees.

The Clutch position sensor's role is to continuously measure the position of the clutch pedal. As the pedal is pushed down, the sensor voltage (0.56V to 4.43V) decreases.

Be wary about removing this though Steve as it will require recalibration if removed using Diagbox.

You won't have Hill Start Assist, as that was only available with the electronic parking brake, so it won't be the slight 'hold' as you pull away from that system when on a gradient.

[Steveo]

Cheers Marc
Do all the C5 range ie VTI+ in my case have both sensors and do you think it could be a calibration issue or a faulty switch /position sensor
Regards
Steve

[GiveMeABreak]

No, as you don't have the Electronic Parking Brake, you won't have the clutch angle sensor (6) Steve - just the clutch switch (5).

I can't see anything here that would be causing your issue - the clutch switch is just a make or brake switch.

[admiral51]

Just a thought does it have a TPS that maybe not sending the correct signal when called for and thus sending it into anti stall mode ?
I know it revs the engine ok but maybe a communication error between ECU

Colin

[Steveo]

Ok Marc it seems a few of these cars have the same issue I just find it difficult to understand that it doesn't do the same in reverse, you just let the clutch out and off she goes.
And I suppose it blows the throttle position sensor theory as well because the throttle doesn't know the car is in reverse.
Just as a thought Mark would anything have to be recalibrated if the switch was temporarily disconnected (not removed)
Probably clutching at straws tbh but as far as I can see lexia doesn't bring anything up although I'm no expert with that either.
Regards
Steve