Fiat Comfortmatic Clutch Life?

[phillybarbour]

What clutch life have people got from the Fiat Ducato Comfortmatic manual automated gearbox. Looking at buying one but have heard an odd bad storey. But as ever there could be lots of good experiences too.

I understand the gearbox and how it works but still wondering about clutch life. I have never bought a clutch in my entire life.

 

[Wully]

My big vans been ok with it only done just over 20k it’s been ok and I run pretty much loaded to capacity engine is 2.3 180 it can be a wee bit hesitant at junctions and roundabouts when you want to move of quickly I tend only to use gears manually when trying too preempt a steep hill coming up I’d rather have it than a manual. don’t know about longevity though

 

[Nabsim]

Theoretically it should last as long (or longer) than a manual as it will always be used properly (no bad habits). Can’t help apart from the theory as never had one, have had a few cars with electronic clutches though and they just differ by how manufacturer implements the tech, worse was a Citroen that also had paddle gear shift, didn’t like the paddles but in auto it was okay. Not done big mileages in any of those though, probably 30k but as I said at the start they should be reliable.

 

[Glass man]

Down hill

I can't help you with the life or reliability but I have found it quite the best auto going down hill, it quickly changes down a gear, or more if you break and holds the gear until you touch the accelerator. Very good .
But when you get to the top of a hill and the slope gets less it changes up and then down as it tries to get into a higher gear and then doesn't like it. If you have your foot on the accelerator then it will stay in a lower gear.
I understand it is trying to reduce the exhaust emissions. The Fiat does not have Adblue which most other sized vans do.

 

[Fisherman]

I have one and I like it.
Its not as good as a normal auto box, sometimes on rare occasions its gear changing leaves a bit to be desired.
But that is easily remedied by moving the lever up or down depending on requirement.
Going downhill I find it holds on to to low a gear with the engine screaming for a gear change.
The uphill button is good for steep assents when fully laden.
Overall I am pleased.

As for the clutch I would have thought it would outlast most manual clutches, depending on how you drive.
Have heard no bad reports about the clutch life.

 

[phillybarbour]

Thanks for the updates guys.

 

[Hughman]

Ours is 5.5 years old, on a Ducato 150. It's done 60,000+ miles all over Europe including Alps and Pyrenees and is still ok.

Don't know how much longer though

 

[Canalsman]

And how do you tell how worn it is?

With a foot operated clutch you can feel where the bite point is ...

 

[Nabsim]

And how do you tell how worn it is?

With a foot operated clutch you can feel where the bite point is ...

Never had this type of gear change wear out so not sure but I would think you would start getting clutch slip and maybe clunky shift. Probably a management light pop up as well