Clutch issues

[Michael_Js]

Originally Posted by O2BQIK

I'm so disappointed and disillusioned. But to state facts:

My dealership (Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, TX) originally was very helpful and went so far as to replace the clutch in an effort to resolve the issue. When it didn't, they said, "well, that's actually normal." I escalated to GM customer service but eventually got the same answer. A fellow Camaro5 member then helped me escalate it within GM via a very helpful GM employee. He submitted the issue for me internally which got me in touch with the "GM Executive Office." The person handling my case there was initially very sympathetic and agreed that a new vehicle should not have these problems. She arranged for a GM regional service manager to come see my car. I demonstrated the issue for him on my car and on a dealer stock car. He spoke with the Camaro brand quality manager and the clutch engineer, who said they had never heard of this problem before, despite all the people on this site who say they have the same issues and that they've reported it. Based on the fact that they haven't gotten any complaints to that level except mine, they've decided that it's not a big enough issue to spend resources on. Everyone with GM that I've spoken with previously agreed with me that these issues are not "normal" and should not be acceptable, but now they are all towing the company line. One went so far as to tell me that if I didn't like it, I can call the Better Business Bureau. That's the last thing I ever thought I'd do, but I guess I will.

If anyone has any suggestions or ability to escalate further, I beg you to help however you can. As it sits now, my 2010 Camaro is the last GM vehicle I'll ever buy, and I'll be putting it up for sale. I can't enjoy it anymore.

That's just BULL!! I know those of us who got the clutch fixed must have some kind of order or reference number. You should compile all of them and send them to you inside contact. Sorry for your troubles ;( So far, my sticking of the clutch has not resurfaced...

Michael J.

[Rage]

Hey Michael_JS... If you do get that order or reference #, could you PM me a copy? I have a feeling that I'm gonna need all the help I can get!

[nascar14fan]

Ok just started a petition thread check it out and sign up. If your talking to anybody on here with the issue make sure they know its on here. Lets see how many of us are out there. O2BQIK I talked to a ex GM employee today and he cant beleive we are having this problem but told me everything to do that looks like you have done already. He said they used to call that problem a Hydro Static Lock. Told him how my master/clutch cap is leaking and he replied thats the problem there is air and dirt getting in there and causing the clutch to stick. So even if someones cap is not leaking the caps are not tight enough and could still be sucking air and dirt. We need people to sign this petition and print this thing off and show them how many of use are having a problem. I have a new cap coming this week but Im not letting them put it on yet till I feel Im out of options.

[Rage]

Originally Posted by nascar14fan

Ok just started a petition thread check it out and sign up. If your talking to anybody on here with the issue make sure they know its on here. Lets see how many of us are out there. O2BQIK I talked to a ex GM employee today and he cant beleive we are having this problem but told me everything to do that looks like you have done already. He said they used to call that problem a Hydro Static Lock. Told him how my master/clutch cap is leaking and he replied thats the problem there is air and dirt getting in there and causing the clutch to stick. So even if someones cap is not leaking the caps are not tight enough and could still be sucking air and dirt. We need people to sign this petition and print this thing off and show them how many of use are having a problem. I have a new cap coming this week but Im not letting them put it on yet till I feel Im out of options.

Great idea...let's hope it gets us somewhere

[DBAKER]

Originally Posted by Hebe4

The only time I had stinky clutch syndrome was while driving onto wheel ramps (my fault), followed by slight clutch chatter.
Try this: When the car is cold, do a couple of 1500 rpm 2-3, 3-4 power shifts with quick clutch work. It smoothed out my clutch and now engages about midway with about 1.5" of free play at the pedal.
I've also found the clutch engages more consistently if I release the pedal quicker under normal driving. It's not as precise as the good'ole clutch fork days but you will get used to it. I have not yet experienced a stuck pedal, knock on head.
The hurky jerkys are more related to a cold engine and goes away after a few blocks.

Thanks for the tips. The dealership called yesterday and told me they are replacing my clutch assembly and will let me know in a day or so what they think was the problem. I'm amazed that GM is stumbling on something as fundamental as a clutch. I assumed when I ordered the Camaro that the clutch design would have already had the kinks worked out on the LS3 . Well, at least they are doing something about it on my Camaro.

[O2BQIK]

Originally Posted by DBAKER

I'm amazed that GM is stumbling on something as fundamental as a clutch. I assumed when I ordered the Camaro that the clutch design would have already had the kinks worked out on the LS3 .

Me too, and you would think that, wouldn't you? Before the car arrived I told my wife I wasn't worried about losing my warranty if I decided to modify the car because it's not like the powertrain is new. Sure glad I decided to wait, cause I have already used the warranty more than I thought I would in the life of the car.

[Rage]

Being jerked around again! I love the corporate "we cant fix it till its broken" response...... After pleading my case with a tech...I forced him to accompany me on a drive. Then I challenged him to drive the car in an acceptable manner. I cant tell you enough how much this put him on his guard! I will keep you updated on my progress.

[GUMBALL]

Just took delivery of my 1SS M6 on 3/27/10. I have 8000 miles now but 6000 are interstate trips. I noticed the clutch smell two weeks ago while pulling out of a driveway on an incline. My pedal hasn't stuck yet. It's not user error, I've driven a stick for 28 years. My clutch also grabs at the very top which I don't like. I appreciate all that you and others have written on the subject. I will complete the petition tonight. If we log all our complaints directly to the NHTSA.gov site, they will open a TSB based on multiple complaints. GM may pay more attention when the info comes from NHTSA.

[Rage]

Really about to trade in this car...Only 650 miles on it. Getting jerked around by Chevy again. Unless I can reproduce the clutch pedal sticking, they wont do anything.

[O2BQIK]

Rage...don't give up yet. Tell them it is a safety issue, and I truly believe it is, because you could be pulling out into oncoming traffic and then you can't get the clutch pedal out. Show them these threads...I printed several out and brought them to my dealer. Let me see about something...will PM you ASAP (might take until Monday due to time of day now)...

[nascar14fan]

I agree dont give up yet! This is the best looking car on the road right now. We need more vin#s and got some connections lined up for when we get these things all together. This is not over yet.

[ssummit camaro]

i hope all you all get yours issues resolved i ordered a 2011 and thinking about either cancelling or changing to a auto

[intense1]

I too have ordered a 2011, and been watching these clutch issue's very closely. I'm a bit disappointed in GM for not taking these problems seriously. I can understand the dealerships reluctantancy to do anything, but the manufacturer should acknowledge the problem. I hope GM gets the message, and does something soon. Good Luck all, and don't give up.

[carfansince73]

If this is a dup, I'll delete it, but I did a quick search and didn't see it.

Edmunds Long Term Camaro with tranny issues

Make sure you page down... it's not pretty. :(