Maruti Suzuki WagonR: Intermittent clutch issue at slow speeds

Since it happens infrequently, the service centres are not able to replicate the issue during the visits and on inspection they find no mechanical faults.

BHPian Malyaj recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have a 2013 WagonR which has done just over 60K kms. Of late I am facing a problem with the clutch while shifting at slow speeds. It does not happen all the time (probably about 5% of time), but when it does, it is rather bothersome. What happens exactly is this:

1. Pressing the clutch even after releasing the accelerator results in the engine groaning like it does when you accelerate in neutral
2. After shifting the gear when the clutch is released, even very slowly, the car lunges forward and the engine groans again for a second
3. When this problem first started about a year back, switching off the car for some time and restarting used to make the problem go away, but not anymore
4. This happens at slow speed, i.e. changing from 1-2 and 2-3 only, in both directions.

Since it happens infrequently, the service centres are not able to replicate the issue during the visits and on inspection they find no mechanical faults. Any idea on what could be happening here? I am planning to visit another service centre, but would like to go armed with some knowledge, as I don't want them to recommend replacing a ton of items hoping something will hit the target.

Clarification: When the car goes into this bad mood, it remains in the bad mood during the entire drive and has to be driven very carefully. What I meant by 5% of the time is that it happens during 5% of the trips.

Thanks

Here's what BHPian abhi9044 had to say on the matter:

I am no expert but seems like a TP Sensor issue to me. Was the throttle body ever opened for cleaning? If so, get the TP Sensor calibrated. If TP sensor is fine, my second suspect would be the Idle valve and/or the ECM. But again, I'm sure experienced BHPians can help you out in a much better way.

Do you also find difficulties in shifting gears too? You may try adjusting the clutch pedal freeplay and see if there's any improvement.

Here's what BHPian ObsessedByFiat had to say on the matter:

The symptoms as described above point to a shot clutch release bearing or a fried clutch plate and flywheel.

I am no expert, but a similar thing used to happen in my Nano AMT and when opened the clutch assembly we found that the clutch plate was reduced to just a thin paper.

Increasing rpm on throttle input when the clutch is released point to the fact that the clutch plate is not functioning at its optimum.

On a slight incline, if you release the clutch gently, what happens? Does the car move forward or die down?

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.