jerky starts
 

Hi,

I'm a new manual driver but I'm having trouble starting off smooth from a stop. I can upshift smooth and fine though. Any tips for a better start?

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Practise and lots of it. I would say it takes about a month or so depending how fast you learn.

It's okay to let the clutch slip a little as you're starting to roll. The jerky starts happen when you slowly let the clutch out and your car starts to grab on and moves a little, and then your instinct tells you to just let go of the clutch completely at that point because it's already moving. You just need to focus on continuing to slowly let off the clutch even as the car starts to roll, and apply throttle as you go.
Soon enough, you'll be able to get moving quickly and still not have jerky starts. Practice is all it takes! :thumbsup:

I agree with the two above. Practice, this was my first manual and it took a good 3 weeks of practice to get where I could start. Now I don't even think about it. When I was learning, I would go up to about 2000rpms and then hold that while I lifted off the clutch. My starts were usually smooth. I still have some jerky starts now, I've had it since August, but most of the time I don't even think about driving it. It's just like a part of me now.

Another thing I did, (might be bad, but I didn't smell the clutch so I don't think it was bad) was, when I started moving, I'd hold the clutch at that point only for half a second, but by then I was rolling and it was 100% smooth. Now I'm taking off from a light at like 600rpms when I look down at it. I apologize if this is confusing. I just know all too well what you're going through now.

Seat time. Practice on a slight incline and think of it as a training clutch...

It's a practice thing. Find a flat area and spend some time getting super familiar with the clutch take-up-- just let the car sit on the flat and practice slowly letting the clutch out. You may stall at first, but eventually you should be able to get the car fully moving in first just by feathering the clutch out at idle.

Once you're really familiar with where the clutch starts to engage and how quickly you can let it out without using the throttle, you may find it easier to judge normal accelerations when you are using the throttle. With practice, you should be able to start completely smoothly without using much throttle at all.

Practice finding the clutch engagement point. Just find an empty parking lot and just practice finding the engagement point without using gas. It takes practice and time to be smooth.

Best thing you can do is have the clutch pedal lowered.

Next thing is to bed in the clutch by slipping it judiciously.

The clutch pedal is too high, stock.

The clutch disc is very grippy and improves a lot with miles.

The clutch is pretty tricky on this car, let the clutch get to the engagement point once you feel it grab smoothen it out with a bit of gas. Should help minimize the jerkiness. You'll get it eventually.

Not the easiest manual I have ever driven, let the clutch out slower than you think you need to until you get the hang of it.

I think everyone agrees that this car has a tricky clutch.

Even experts stall the engine a few times before they figure it out. Beginners are in for a steep learning curve.

Eventually it isn't too bad but I still stall occasionally and I've been driving stick for 40 years and I've had the clutch pedal lowered.

My first experience with clutches was on atv's and dirtbikes. I learned pretty quick how to listen to the engine for take offs. I had the same problem for a bit driving a ~07 Saturn. Every person I have taught to drive a standard has had the issue. It is all in the footwork.

Easy "smooth" takeoff can be done with a 1200-1500 rpm launch.

I recommend finding the grab point. This is where the clutch starts grabbing enough to bog the engine slightly. As soon as this happens give it just enough throttle to bring it above idle. As you let the clutch out a bit more throttle will be needed. This ideally will need to be done in about 3-5 seconds to keep from frying your clutch. To make it easier to start getting the hang of it find a large parking lot with a slight slope. The car will start to roll a bit easier minimizing wear.

Right....
I must be a genius then.

I stalled at a light last week. Got the honk.

FML :lol: