575 SA Interesting (and expensive) Clutch Sensor Failure

Thought I might give you a heads up on a sensor failure that occurred on my 575 SA yesterday and uses the same parts in the 575M.

Driving along, I got the amber engine light came on. Car continued to run fine.

When I parked up I called local agent who said should not be a problem, just some sensor might be playing up but car should be OK to drive.

That is was until it stopped.......4 times. Each one with a little dashboard bleep and then the engine died. Only way to start up again was to open the bonnet and turn off/on the battery isolator to reset the elctronics. Bit embarassing to say the least sitting in a narrow Hong Kong road blocking traffic over and over again each time it died on me!!

Took it to the agent this morning (got there in one go!) who connected the SD2 computer and found the Clutch Position sensor had recorded intermittent faults and failure records showing positions "beyond max threshold". Basically, if the car was moving forward then no issue, but when the sensor failed and the car was stationary it assumed the clutch was fully engaged and performed an "engine off". Car would not start again until battery isolator reset

The fact that these "hard faults" are recorded in the ECU means that the amber engine warning never goes out, even after battery isolator off/on. They only go after an SD2 reset.

Replacing the little sensor? Easy!!

Just DROP THE GEARBOX to get at it!!!

Looking at a 3 days and over US$2K repair!!

Here are the SD2 diagnostics attached if anyone interested.

Has anyone experienced same or similar?

One good bit of news is that after 10,500 miles and 6 years, the clutch is only 20% worn, which is better than expected. Pity I still have to remove the gearbox anyway!!

FYI

PAUL
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Thanks for that suggestion. I have asked the agent to give me a view on doing that whilst they are "in there"

Thanks again
PAUL

 

Great idea but aargh!! I just want the car back while this weather is great and before the rain comes by the weekend!!

Anyway, I think I can wire them open myself no problem. It was adding a remote control to the solenoid that I would want IMSS to do for me.

PAUL

 

If you read above and the SD2 report, only 20% of the clutch is worn. If it had much more wear, I would change it.

I have asked for recommendations on the bearing but would appreciate any input on wear and failure rates, given the clutch being so good.

I will ask them to check the Flywheel

Any other views or ideas?

Thanks
PAUL

 

Thanks guys
I have asked them to measure the clutch to ensure the SD2 measurement is calibrated and correct at 21%.
PAUL

 

Here is the assesment by the local engineers at the agent for the clutch and bearing.....

"As for the clutch wear, it's calculated by the ECU from when the clutch is new, and is not affected by this sensor. We have visually inspected both it and the bearing, and it is consistent with the reported wear of 21%. The bearing is clean and dry, and they usually outlast the life of the clutch anyway."

I am picking the car up this morning. It is ready and the have only changed the sensor. lts see how it goes.

Thanks
PAUL

 

Got the car back. Turns out it did not take as long as expected to get inside the bell housing and replace the sensor. The job ended up (with some discount) at about $1.65K
Seems to be running pretty well now.

I saw another SA down there. In Grigio Titanium, roof very badly delaminated, but car looks as though it has had some use from the look at the wear/shine on the seats. First time I have seen it. I still maintain the body torsion on the glass roof when driving with roof closed, twists the glass and causes delamination. I only drive mine with roof down (except when I get caught in the rain) and it still looks like the day I got it.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

PAUL

BTW, one person I expected to "chip in" was Taz, but I dont seem to have seen any posts from him in the last few days. Unusual. He is soon missed!

 

If one of them is silver with brown leather, that is one of them that has delaminated!