Has anybody else smelled their clutch burning?.....

[furrydogs]

or do I need to learn how to drive? The other day I was backing up a steep driveway that required some negotiating around trees and loose gravel and by the time I was done I thought my clutch was on fire because of the smell. I have noticed the same smell twice since then so I am a little concerned. I do admit that when I was backing up the driveway I never let the clutch all the way out because I was trying to get the right balance of speed and power.That's the other observation I have: It seems that when I let the clutch all the way out when backing the Vibe goes way too fast for a simple parking lot backing maneuver.

[LadyHwk750]

[QUOTE]or do I need to learn how to drive? QUOTE]Possibly. The only time I smell my clutch is when I'm doing it incorrectly (per my boyfriend). Mainly it happens if I rev the engine too much with the clutch not fully disengaged - like if I panic on a steep hill (which hardly ever happens anymore).Haven't had any problems with excessive speed backing up. I have noticed that the car responds more energetically in reverse than other cars I've had. I just find that more fun.

[savedbyzero]

I've also noticed that it doesn't take much to slip this clutch. Maybe I'm just use to my Stage 2 that was in my Sunfire? It seems to slip quite easily. I'm actually gonna have it check sometime soon. I've drove a standard for 11 years, now, and this one is definitely different!

[tau166]

Only burned mine once trying to get my tire aligned in the slot for the automatic car wash. I wasn't aligned right and I had to get over a little hump and revved it too high with the clutch partially out. OK, I know I should just wash it myself, but it was winter and I have no garage. Anyway, just once. Smelled like rotten eggs.

[abe98gt]

My driveway is really steep too. It's better to let the clutch out fast and just drive up the driveway than it is to slip it all the way. It's okay for your engine to be pulling around 1300~1500 rpm in a low gear like first or reverse.

[lordyogi]

the clutch in the GT's is tricky, whenever, which is rare, i let me friends drive it they always stall out at first because they are used to the other cars they have driven not grabbing, but slipping a lot more. I burned mine a few times, but you will get used to it. nothing like smelling it after you get done with a run at the track slippin it from 5k, couple more of those i think im gonna need a new clutch. but we are supposed to burn up non warrantied parts right?yogi

[savedbyzero]

This is really making me want to get mine checked out. It slips way down the RPM range. I mean there's slipping when you're revving, then there's slipping when there should be none. HHMMM? TRD Clutch coming to my vibe soon?