Hiya, this is my first post so i hope i do it ok. I have a ford focus zetec on a 51 plate and i have noticed over the last couple of weeks that the car has had slow acceleration but the rev counter goes really high. This happens when i change gears, but the car is fine and drives great on long journeys. Any advice would be great as i am not very mechanically minded, thanks very much Debbie.

 

could it be a slipping clutch????

 

sounds like the clutch is slipping

 

Thanks for the speedy replies, is this a costly problem and will it need sorting soon rather than later? I've heard clutch problems can be expensive I hope i dont have to sell a body part on e-bay lol

 

i'd say £300 ish all in but i'm guessing......

 

Test the clutch by from stationary try and set off in 5th gear. If it stalls the engine its ok. If it sets off and doesn't stall its in need of replacement. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks Stickertone and andi-p...... I appreciate your help i'm going to try the start in 5th gear thing so i'll let you know the outcome

 

dont overdo the 5th gear thing though, as you might glaze the clutch, if it doesnt stall and remains running then shut it down....

 

I'll make sure i stop the car straight away, thanks for that.

 

As said it's the clutch slipping, the parts themselves arn't that expensive, namely the clutch plate (Or friction disc as it's sometimes named) pressure plate and release bearing, rather it's the labour where the cost is (Gearbox has to be removed!)

NB: it's your clutch plate has worn but you always replace the complete assembley.

Also at the moment you will find your 'Bite' is right at the top of the pedal.

It's best to get it done as soon as you can, else you can end up glazing the flywheel which will then need to be skimmed!

Martin

 

just tried the car in 5th gear and the car stalled so i tried it again and it stalled. Dont know what to do now!!!! Martysmartie do you deffo think its the clutch slipping? I need the car for work tomorrow but i dont want to cause any more problems and more expense. How long of a job is it anyway does anybody know? Thanks again for all you help, Debbie.

 

By the sounds of it I would say so yes, but seen as I haven't seen it I can't say for sure.

Is the 'Bite' right at the top as I was saying?

It will be fine to drive to tommorow, all I was saying is you woulden't want to carry on indefiently with it like it is, not only that you will be using more fuel.

Another good test is to drive up a steep hill, if it starts slipping then or you need to change down a gear because it's just revving this is another indication!

It's not a quick job by any means, a good few hours I should think.

Martin

 

Thanks for that Martin, i am ringing the garage this morning hopefully they will take pity on me and do the clutch on the cheap lol Bloody cars..... there great when there working but when there not aaagh. Really appreciate everyones help and advice, cheers guys'

 

5th is too high a gear for a clutch test 4th is usually the one used and basically what you want to do is give it quite a few revs when setting off (learner style setting off) and see if it holds the revs when you bring the clutch up for a short while or whether the engine bogs down straight away.