Dark Comfortmatic Clutch fluid

[Meg and Sue]

The clutch fluids dark even though it has been replaced recently.
1. What is the cause?
2. Will it eventually lead to master cylinder failure?

Many thanks

 

[Robert1351]

TJ Vickers,Trench Road,Telford will do it for a price as long as they can get your van in.
Ours was to big so we called in at Adams Morey on the way to Spain.

Thanks. I did email them as the phone was unsuccessful and am waiting for Ian Vickers to return from holiday tomorrow and hopefully reply. Van is only 6.6m so I might strike lucky…

 

[Burge]

Please let us know how you go on , ask for me if ours will fit 7 Mtrs if there as good as A/M might give them a go as that is closer, Chris.

 

[Robert1351]

Please let us know how you go on , ask for me if ours will fit 7 Mtrs if there as good as A/M might give them a go as that is closer, Chris.

Must admit I’m still contemplating using AM as they seem to be “belt ‘n’ braces”. Much depends on software available at Vickers and their interpretation of what the job entails (ie two types of fluid and resetting of “kiss point”.)
We’ll see….

 

[Burge]

I think they do sound "The Dogs Dangly Bits" for carrying out this Job reading the Posts on here , think in the New Yr we will see about having a Run down there & stay somewhere for a day or two make a Trip out of it. I know our Van has only done 12K I'm the 2nd Owner but as just 5 yrs Old don't know if it's ever been changed so piece of mind, then Cambelt & Water Pump nxt job ,Chris

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[Lenny HB]

It's not a big job and AM just been bigger up on here. Any Fiat garage or decent independent with correct software should be able to do it. My garage said they'd do it for free when in for service and just charge £14 for fluid.

Part of the service with A&M.

 

[rb62]

Must admit I’m still contemplating using AM as they seem to be “belt ‘n’ braces”. Much depends on software available at Vickers and their interpretation of what the job entails (ie two types of fluid and resetting of “kiss point”.)
We’ll see….

I spoke to the workshop manager who seemed to know all about it and what was required,just a bit pricier than AM !

 

[Robert1351]

I spoke to the workshop manager who seemed to know all about it and what was required,just a bit pricier than AM !

Mmm. Food for thought, thanks. Also:


And:


This guy clearly doesn’t use MES software so there’ll be no 15 pumps to expel air, nor resetting of kiss point but my system is currently working well. It’s just that the fluid needs changing.

The dot 4 reservoir isn’t up to 10cms from the top (as far as I can tell) and I might obtain a laptop plus MES software just for the sake of expelling any air.

How hard can it be?

 

[growly_bear]

Mmm. Food for thought, thanks. Also:


And:


This guy clearly doesn’t use MES software so there’ll be no 15 pumps to expel air, nor resetting of kiss point but my system is currently working well. It’s just that the fluid needs changing.

The dot 4 reservoir isn’t up to 10cms from the top (as far as I can tell) and I might obtain a laptop plus MES software just for the sake of expelling any air.

How hard can it be?

This is on my to-do list and also the AFT fluid. I've got the Mes software, but it doesn't give much guidance. For example the clutch drain process is this:

The test should be performed if tubes or components of the hydraulic circuit have been disassembled or reassembled. It should eliminate any air in the circuit. Clutch bleeding lasts about 1 minute.
The following is necessary for proper execution of this function:

• engine off (Stop&Start function not active)
• keep the brake pedal pressed for the whole operation
• clutch actuator OK
• clutch position sensor OK

WARNING: Keep the brake pedal pressed for the whole operation.

If the brake pedal is pressed for the duration, at what point is the bleed nipple open/closed and new fluid introduced or topped up?

 

[growly_bear]

This is on my to-do list and also the AFT fluid. I've got the Mes software, but it doesn't give much guidance. For example the clutch drain process is this:

The test should be performed if tubes or components of the hydraulic circuit have been disassembled or reassembled. It should eliminate any air in the circuit. Clutch bleeding lasts about 1 minute.
The following is necessary for proper execution of this function:

• engine off (Stop&Start function not active)
• keep the brake pedal pressed for the whole operation
• clutch actuator OK
• clutch position sensor OK

WARNING: Keep the brake pedal pressed for the whole operation.

If the brake pedal is pressed for the duration, at what point is the bleed nipple open/closed and new fluid introduced or topped up?

So after a bit of research, the clutch fluid is gravity bled, then I presume the Mes process ensures that all air is out of the system...

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[Burge]

So after a bit of research, the clutch fluid is gravity bled, then I presume the Mes process ensures that all air is out of the system...

Hope it goes OK for you..... think I'll leave ours to the Experts

 

[growly_bear]

Hope it goes OK for you..... think I'll leave ours to the Experts

I'm sure that the the1andonly will be able to confirm...

 

[Robert1351]

Mmm. Food for thought, thanks. Also:


And:


This guy clearly doesn’t use MES software so there’ll be no 15 pumps to expel air, nor resetting of kiss point but my system is currently working well. It’s just that the fluid needs changing.

The dot 4 reservoir isn’t up to 10cms from the top (as far as I can tell) and I might obtain a laptop plus MES software just for the sake of expelling any air.

How hard can it be?

Oops! 1cm from the top looks better (cmmm? Noooo!)

 

[Robert1351]

This is on my to-do list and also the AFT fluid. I've got the Mes software, but it doesn't give much guidance. For example the clutch drain process is this:

The test should be performed if tubes or components of the hydraulic circuit have been disassembled or reassembled. It should eliminate any air in the circuit. Clutch bleeding lasts about 1 minute.
The following is necessary for proper execution of this function:

• engine off (Stop&Start function not active)
• keep the brake pedal pressed for the whole operation
• clutch actuator OK
• clutch position sensor OK

WARNING: Keep the brake pedal pressed for the whole operation.

If the brake pedal is pressed for the duration, at what point is the bleed nipple open/closed and new fluid introduced or topped up?

The guy in the video just syringed fluid out of the reservoir to make room for the new stuff, opened the bleed valve (any air there would rise into the new fluid in the other syringe) and pushed new fluid into the system. Old fluid rose into the reservoir and, presumably, was syringed out before the process was repeated until clear, new fluid filled is in the reservoir at the right level.
If I had MES software I’d guess at running the bleeding process after the sluicing out. But then again I might not run it at all as the method in the video wouldn’t let any air in. Has anyone with the software run this procedure or know how it should be used?

 

[Robert1351]

This is on my to-do list and also the AFT fluid. I've got the Mes software, but it doesn't give much guidance. For example the clutch drain process is this:

The test should be performed if tubes or components of the hydraulic circuit have been disassembled or reassembled. It should eliminate any air in the circuit. Clutch bleeding lasts about 1 minute.
The following is necessary for proper execution of this function:

• engine off (Stop&Start function not active)
• keep the brake pedal pressed for the whole operation
• clutch actuator OK
• clutch position sensor OK

WARNING: Keep the brake pedal pressed for the whole operation.

If the brake pedal is pressed for the duration, at what point is the bleed nipple open/closed and new fluid introduced or topped up?

I found this on a Fiat Forum post. “Clutch Drain” seems to be the operation for expelling any air in the system if you have MES as you have indicated. The wording does suggest that this is done after reassembly. It depends on whether changing fluid counts as messing with “components”. I would have thought not, contrary to what I had initially assumed. The procedure appears to be superfluous. But I guess you could do it if you want to be sure. Apologies for any confusion.

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[the1andonly]

I used a vacuum system for changing the DOT4

Brake/Clutch Bleed on a X290

On a manual gearbox this could be done as part of a brake bleed, Using a vacuum bleeder. The comformatic bleed is beyond the scope of this guide. How to use pump. Fit pump line to open hole in lid. Fit empty line to the hole with a pipe fitting...

www.fiatforum.com

I was advised that unless the ABS system was dismantled you should not use the MES ABS procedures. I presume changing fluid is not as messing with components is also applicable to the clutch.
Robert1351 can you point to the thread on FF. I cannot find the procedure you mention.

 

[rupert]

I've done the procedure a few times It don't take long, I found it best to vacuum fluid out so its not spilt all over
Just follow the instructions and all will be well. Pushing fluid in from the bleed nipple carries the risk of pushing dot 4 fluid past the
seal of the master cylinder into the hydraulic fluid, although I think it unlikely

 

[Robert1351]

I used a vacuum system for changing the DOT4

Brake/Clutch Bleed on a X290

On a manual gearbox this could be done as part of a brake bleed, Using a vacuum bleeder. The comformatic bleed is beyond the scope of this guide. How to use pump. Fit pump line to open hole in lid. Fit empty line to the hole with a pipe fitting...

www.fiatforum.com

I was advised that unless the ABS system was dismantled you should not use the MES ABS procedures. I presume changing fluid is not as messing with components is also applicable to the clutch.
Robert1351 can you point to the thread on FF. I cannot find the procedure you mention.

I’m getting a bit dizzy from looking at so many posts but the two FF threads appear to be

Changing clutch fluid comfortmatic | FIAT Ducato

Any information on changing the clutch fluid on a Fiat ducato 3.0 maxi multijet 2009 it’s the comfortmatic robotic clutch Can this be done by syringing out the reservoir then cracking the bleed valve then auto pressure bleeding

www.fiatforum.com

and

Comfortmatic Gearbox/ Clutch reprogramming West Yorkshire? | FIAT Ducato

Hi. I've just had a full clutch kit inc DMF fitted but the garage can't do the gearbox reset and clutch bleed as they don't have the correct program on their OBD reader device. Does anyone know anyone in West Yorkshire who could do this rather than a Fiat Professional main dealer. Many thanks in...

www.fiatforum.com

I hope this helps.
Robert

 

[the1andonly]

Robert1351 thanks, some topics generate numerous reposts occassionaly with conflicting info which is why I always search (not a topic im particularly good at) and look for guides both here and FF.

 

[daimlermg]

The clutch fluids dark even though it has been replaced recently.
1. What is the cause?
2. Will it eventually lead to master cylinder failure?

Many thanks

I went through this problem on my Cathago c tourer as my fluid hasn’t been changed for 10 years. So much for servicing.
Below is the sequence of events before I had a new clutch master and slave cylinder and while they were at it a new clutch plate installed.


Fault Symptoms

Motorhome stood for 8 months
Difficult getting a gear upon starting resulting in “GEAR NOT AVAILABLE’
Dot4 Clutch fluid flushed – Gears now available. And now drives as normal

Driven for approx. 60 miles and taken for MOT. Garage said Problem was P2915-72 Actuator stuck open.

Motorhome stood for one week and “GEAR NOT AVAILABLE’ again
Dot4 Clutch fluid flushed – Gears now available. And now drives as normal

Stood again for a few days and driven to test clutch. After test the clutch bite point dropped to 800 to 900 RPM almost at tickover.
Dot4 Clutch fluid flushed – bite point back to 1100 – 1200

Stood again for a week and “GEAR NOT AVAILABLE’ again
Dot4 Clutch fluid flushed – Gears now available. And now drives as normal.

Stood again for a few days and “GEAR NOT AVAILABLE’ again
Dot4 Clutch fluid flushed – Gears now available. And now drives as normal


Dot4 fluid flushed with a syringe through the Bleed nipple and sucked out of the reservoir with a syringe. No air found only black fluid.
In total system has been flushed 8 times and two liters of Dot4 used.

Cost to have the work done at. Fiat professionals. £4600

So if your fluid is just black flush it out but if you’re getting the gear is not available then you are probably going to have the same problem as me.
I hope not

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[Burge]

Just spoke to Simon at Adams Morey , very helpfull Guy , said should be changed every 2 yrs or 30K ish £147 Inc VAT , Shall be booking in the New Year