Hyundai Santa Fe (2010) Manual - Clutch Smell & DMF

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What do you think of Elon Musk? Have your say | No thanks
View Threaded
Sat 18 Dec 2010 10:58
Hyundai Santa Fe (2010) Manual - Clutch Smell & DMF - Jayveekay

Having bought this car new in September 2010, I've experienced the characteristic smell of the clutch burning on several occasions, usually when reversing up a slope or when skidding on ice. It appears I'm not alone amongst Hyundai owners, and I'm in the process of returning the car to the dealer for a full refund. However, it looks as though this clutch /DMF problem is widespread in modern diesels.

If I had selected an automatic version would I have still encountered this problem, or possibly another stack of issues please?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 18 Dec 2010 15:10
Hyundai Santa Fe (2010) Manual - Clutch Smell & DMF - injection doc
The problem with a clutch is that once its been burnt, the resins & binders properties have been altered & they will continue to smell everytime the clutch heats up!
Excessive use of the clutch or excess revs when pulling away, or holding on a hill will heat a modern clutch up exceedingly quick! Once burnt they often depoist some of the resin onto the flywheel as well.

The reason they get so hot is the fact that a diesel engine produces so much torque as very low revs so you don't notice your loading the clutch.

You won't experince this same issue with an Auto
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 14 Jan 2011 21:24
Hyundai Santa Fe (2010) Manual - Clutch Smell & DMF - nelryan
Hi I bought a new Volvo xc60 in march 2010. Within 6 months and with less than 10,000 kms on the clock, my car went "up in smoke" one evening when I was sitting in rush hour traffic. The dealer advised that I was riding the clutch. I am in my late 30s and have had a full license for over 15 years. I have driven both manual and automatic cars in that timeframe and have never had any clutch related problems. Anyway, 4 months and a few solicitors letters later and I find myself having to take back the car because apparently DMF clutches are so sensitive that the slightest pressure on the pedal can cause the clutch to burn out. I just dont get it but apparently I don't hav a leg to stand on legally. So, the sooner I can trade this car the better! Just a pity the dealer didn't point out the sensitive clutch when I was committing to a 55,000 euro car!!!!!!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link