Audi A1 2012 1.6 TDi won't start - "Clutch" Message

[gared007]

Hello, purchased this car in September from Arnold Shark (yeah I know).

It has run flawlessly, I took it yesterday to do some Christmas day hillwalking, no issues at all. It's been sat since about 2pm yesterday in the driveway. Went to start it at lunchtime today, got in, closed the door, depressed clutch and turned the key but I got a "Clutch" message. It doesn't appear to be registering that the clutch is depressed so makes no attempt to turn the engine over. The electronics all work fine indicating there's not a battery issue.

I've been in the footwell with a torch and can see no issues with the clutch mechanism itself.

Does anyone have any solutions?

[dave87]

If it is similar to the system on my Porsche then there is a microswitch which detects when the clutch has been depressed. If this has stopped working, then the car will not register that the clutch is depressed and therefore will not allow the car to start.

Do you hear a click when you depress the clutch pedal? It will be fairly quiet, but I can definitely hear it on mine.

[cptsideways]

Them quality VAG switches at it again, give it a jiggle or pull the plug & stick a paperclip in it to make it work to get you home.

[gared007]

I tried disconnecting the battery to try and reset the software electronics. It didn't fix the problem either. I think the sensor is part of the clutch slave cylinder which is inaccessible as far as I can see. I've ended up getting the vehicle recovered to a local garage (covered by my breakdown) for them to inspect it. The mechanic that came out initially suspected a starter motor issue, but ruled that out which still hints its just the clutch sensor.