Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Clutch Toasted by the Dealer - What to do?

[MR V]

I took my truck into the dealer due to lack of power and engine light was on. The problem was the ECM was bad and was replaced under warranty. I pick it up on Friday and the porter who brings your truck around seemed to be having a hard time driving a six speed. I could see him bringing it around and it sounded like he was in fourth gear driving trying to drive slow in the parking lot. He brings it into the service bay for me to pick up and all I could smell was clutch burning (he noticed it and so did the service writers). I asked if the emergency brake was on and he no. I asked if he was slipping the clutch and he said he did a little to slow down for traffic in the parking lot. It was 5:30 PM and everyone was gone except for the service writers. I had them document it on my work order. They wrote, "strong clutch or brake smell upon customer picking up vehicle". Driving it home seemed to be ok (4 miles). I parked it in the garage and the smell was still so strong I moved it outside. I have not drove it sense. Will this odor go away? I my clutch fried or is just some undo wear? I am looking for suggestions on how to handle this situation (both with my clutch and the dealer). I am sooooo mad...

 

[Dieselnutz]

The smell will go away in a few days. I smoked mine pulling a sled. It should be fine but I would make them put a clutch in it. Show up Monday morning with it still stinking a raise HE!! with the service manager. I don't know how it would have slipped so bad unless he tried to do a 3rd or 4th gear burnout. Mine lasted about 10-12K after I did it. Then it went south quick. I would try to make them put in a SouthBend.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Remove the EZ before you take it in Monday or they will try and blame it on that, and then void your warrenty to boot.

 

[GMincher]

This is the reason I'm so anal about other people driving my stuff!!!! Sometimes you don't have a choice, and I'm VERY glad the service writers were sitting there as witnesses.

I've been in situations were I smoked the clutch much more than I would like, but with no lasting bad effects.

I'm not sure if slipping the clutch across a parking lot is enough to kill it, but it sure didn't help it any!

 

[Grizzly]

I took my truck into the dealer due to lack of power and engine light was on. The problem was the ECM was bad and was replaced under warranty. I pick it up on Friday and the porter who brings your truck around seemed to be having a hard time driving a six speed. I could see him bringing it around and it sounded like he was in fourth gear driving trying to drive slow in the parking lot. He brings it into the service bay for me to pick up and all I could smell was clutch burning (he noticed it and so did the service writers). I asked if the emergency brake was on and he no. I asked if he was slipping the clutch and he said he did a little to slow down for traffic in the parking lot. It was 5:30 PM and everyone was gone except for the service writers. I had them document it on my work order. They wrote, "strong clutch or brake smell upon customer picking up vehicle". Driving it home seemed to be ok (4 miles). I parked it in the garage and the smell was still so strong I moved it outside. I have not drove it sense. Will this odor go away? I my clutch fried or is just some undo wear? I am looking for suggestions on how to handle this situation (both with my clutch and the dealer). I am sooooo mad...

Keep us informed as to what the dealer is going to do. Who's the dealer? If it gets ugly call the tech rep on there toll free number. I've had good results doing that, Good luck.

 

[MR V]

Everyone thank you for the feedback and suggestions. The dealer is Draper Dodge in Saginaw, MI. I am going to have a talk with the service manager on Monday. I will see what he has to say about it.

 

[JRagland]

Whatever you do, do not go in there demanding a new clutch with an EZ or other mod parts on it, especially when they are so easy to remove. Don't chance it, take that stuff off. The EZ didn't burn up your clutch, but don't give them the chance to say it did. I never condone trying to get warranty work with a highly modified engine, but this is different.

 

[MR V]

Here is my update. Today I went to see the service manager at the dealer. I told him what happened. He reviewed my work order and signed it acknowledging that it happened. He then went out to see if it still smelled like burnt clutch. It did, not as bad as Friday. Next he wanted to drive it. So we went for a little drive. It felt ok to him, as it does to me. He did notice how close the gears are and tried to take off in 3 gear a couple of times. He thinks this is what the porter tried to do. He said if the smell does not go away in 2 weeks, he wants to know about it. Also he said if I have any problems, that they would take care of it. I documented what he said on the work order under his signature. If anything more happens, I will let you know.



Everyone thank you for your feedback.

 

[steved]

I'd make sure it is still smelling burnt when I took it back in... clutches are not cheap and they shouldn't have some shaved monkey who can't drive stick in your truck... simple as that.



steved

 

[PC12Driver]

I dunno... it's pretty tough to unburn an organic clutch. Once they slip bad they're never the same. Not to mention the scorch marks that are undoubtably on the flywheel.



Getting a little smoke out of the clutch is one thing. Smoking the clutch so bad that it stinks for days afterward is going above and beyond. That clutch will never be the same. Thousands of miles were taken off of it's lifespan. If it was done to my clutch, the dealer would be buying me a new one.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

when you drive it to the dealership, start out in 4th at every stop... they'll replace it for ya

 

[ABeattie]

Wow

If I where you I would at least hook it up to a heavy load to see if she slips. With a load you will definatly see if it is gone.

 

[hammersley]

Obviously he has taken MILEAGE away from

Your CLUTCH that you will have to replace earlier than you wanted to... ... I would see if they would give you a written agreement for a Clutch Replacement Discount in the future... ... ... .

 

[Grizzly]

If I where you I would at least hook it up to a heavy load to see if she slips. With a load you will definatly see if it is gone.

You can also hold your foot on the brake, hard, with your toe on the accelerator and release the clutch with your other foot, at the same time, to see if the clutch slips.

 

[DTroy]

I agree, the clutch has taken a beating. Mileage was taken off and even more importantly, holding power.



I've abused a number of clutches in different vehicles and ruined a stock Dodge clutch. The Dodge would slip at progressively lower and lower power settings.

As stated before, organic material just isn't up to the task. Not the mention the overheated mating surfaces.



You don't want to have to tow something one day and find out that the clutch is totally unreliable.



It should definitely be changed.

 

[WestTN]

I really doubt he did very much damage just driving around a building.

 

[Grizzly]

I really doubt he did very much damage just driving around a building.

You know, I have to agree with you. I bet the dealer employee drove around with the emergency brake on, even though he said he didn't. I think he just didn't want to admit it. I believe one could look at the rear brakes and tell if they have been smoked.

 

[MR V]

Thanks for the additional feedback. I know the e-brake was not on, because that was the first thing I checked while the porter was still in the truck. Next I checked each brake for a burnt smell and it was only coming from the engine area. The smell is gone now. I agree some miles were taken off the clutch, but I cannot imagine that much when he just drove it for maybe 1/8 - 1/4 mile in the parking lot. I guess time will tell.