Easy way to diagnose clutch slipping issues?

[Prometheus03]

Hi all,

My 2004 Impreza RV's clutch is beginning to slip mainly in first gear and in higher gears under load or at high speeds. In first gear I can't get any more than 25-30km/h at 4500-5000 rpms (tried it just to see if it was slipping), 2nd and 3rd feel okay, 4th feels a bit sluggish and when I was driving on the freeway last time I got the cooked clutch smell when I went into 5th.

Is there an easy way to diagnose the problem, I bought it as a used car from a dealer so it is still under the used car warranty, but i just wanted to know if there was any sure fire way I could determine it was the clutch before I took it back in for them to have a look at?

Thanks!

[littlewhiteute]

5000 rpm and 30km/hr in first gear, the clutch must be slipping.

Wide open throttle in 3rd should get it to slip.

Eventually you won't be able to apply wide open throttle in any gear.

[pitrack_1]

Have heard along the following lines. Note it is hard on the drivetrain, so only do it once or twice.

Drive along a flat stretch in third gear at a constant speed. Take your foot off the accelerator, then depress the clutch pedal and release it again (don't 'ease' the clutch out though). The engine/ drivetrain should take up again with a jolt. If it doesn't, your clutch is most likely on the way out.

You may be lucky and it just needs adjustment (if possible) on your vehicle. For example, my N13 Pulsar has a cable operated system that requires adjustment over time as the clutch wears.