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Driving off smoothly in first gear
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 1:37 pm
by Nivaze95
So I’ve had a Polo 1.0 TSI R-line 115HP manual 6 speed for a while now but no matter what I do I always have a jolt when moving off in first gear.
I’ve tried different methods. Bite point then gas, gas before bite point etc. The only way to smoothly drive off seems to be with just the clutch but that’s too slow in normal traffic.
The jolt seems to happen the moment the clutch synchronizes after holding it at the bite point. The weird thing is I can move off in second gear just fine.
Anyone else had this issue and found a way to move off smoothly?
Re: Driving off smoothly in first gear
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 2:16 pm
by Maarten
Manual or DSG?
I suspect manual, but to be certain.

Re: Driving off smoothly in first gear
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 2:30 pm
by Nivaze95
Yeah, manual 6 speed.
Re: Driving off smoothly in first gear
Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2024 6:30 pm
by Simonz
Hi there
I have the exact same problem - 2023 1.0TSI Life - impossible to set off from stationary in 1st gear without a lurch as the clutch takes up drive. I've tried everything like you say, slow release no gas, more gas as biting point engages, or lastly setting revs to 2,000 before letting out clutch. The last option seems to smooth it out, but I wonder if clutch will last with that type of use. I did think the engine mounts were faulty, making the engine move around more and this movement is creating the jerky feeling. It does shake a bit when you start up, you can see the gear stick move. Might be they have messed about with the engine mapping, it's worse than my 2020 model and before that 2018 model. When you fully release the clutch it lurches as if the revs drop too far before it picks up again. Getting fed up with it so might swap it for an auto or hybrid - dream of a smooth take off, not much to ask.
Nivaze95 wrote: Mon Jul 15, 2024 1:37 pm
So I’ve had a Polo 1.0 TSI R-line 115HP manual 6 speed for a while now but no matter what I do I always have a jolt when moving off in first gear.
I’ve tried different methods. Bite point then gas, gas before bite point etc. The only way to smoothly drive off seems to be with just the clutch but that’s too slow in normal traffic.
The jolt seems to happen the moment the clutch synchronizes after holding it at the bite point. The weird thing is I can move off in second gear just fine.
Anyone else had this issue and found a way to move off smoothly?
Re: Driving off smoothly in first gear
Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2024 7:05 pm
by Nivaze95
Simonz wrote: Thu Jul 25, 2024 6:30 pm
Hi there
I have the exact same problem - 2023 1.0TSI Life - impossible to set off from stationary in 1st gear without a lurch as the clutch takes up drive. I've tried everything like you say, slow release no gas, more gas as biting point engages, or lastly setting revs to 2,000 before letting out clutch. The last option seems to smooth it out, but I wonder if clutch will last with that type of use. I did think the engine mounts were faulty, making the engine move around more and this movement is creating the jerky feeling. It does shake a bit when you start up, you can see the gear stick move. Might be they have messed about with the engine mapping, it's worse than my 2020 model and before that 2018 model. When you fully release the clutch it lurches as if the revs drop too far before it picks up again. Getting fed up with it so might swap it for an auto or hybrid - dream of a smooth take off, not much to ask.
Nivaze95 wrote: Mon Jul 15, 2024 1:37 pm
So I’ve had a Polo 1.0 TSI R-line 115HP manual 6 speed for a while now but no matter what I do I always have a jolt when moving off in first gear.
I’ve tried different methods. Bite point then gas, gas before bite point etc. The only way to smoothly drive off seems to be with just the clutch but that’s too slow in normal traffic.
The jolt seems to happen the moment the clutch synchronizes after holding it at the bite point. The weird thing is I can move off in second gear just fine.
Anyone else had this issue and found a way to move off smoothly?
Sounds like the exact same issue as me indeed. Mine is a 2020 model.
Have you been back to dealers with your problem?
Re: Driving off smoothly in first gear
Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2024 6:25 pm
by TrebleTA
Sounds like a sticky clutch, worn most likely.
Have you tried putting in 4th gear and keeping handbrake on Pull away see if it slipping, also after Tring that see if it pulls better in 1st