The invention relates to a detection device (D1) that is provided on a vehicle including a manual gearbox coupled with a heat engine via a clutch, and a status sensor generating a first or second piece of status information depending on whether or not the clutch pedal is pressed down. Said device (D1) includes analysis means (MA) arranged, in the presence of a first piece of status information and when safety conditions are met, such as to determine a deviation between the effective and inertial torques of the heat engine, then detect an effective clutch status when at least one selected primary criterion related to said deviation is met, and decide if there exists a risk of surge in the current speed of the heat engine if the engaged ratio is changed, in the event that said effective clutch status is detected and when at least one selected secondary criterion related to the current speed is met.