Car trouble...

[Pubey]

We have a 52 Renault Clio. Really reliable motor, until recently. Been finding that occasionally (maybe once a fortnight) it won't start. It'll crank but it never catches. However every time after about 5 mins of trying it'll finally start.

I'm fairly relaxed about it, but Mrs Pubey isn't. It's not due it's MOT until November and so I was just going to get it serviced then and mention it.

However Mrs Pubey is keen to get it sorted and until then won't use the car as she's worried about getting stranded.

Any ideas what it could be? On the dashboard the oil lamp is sometimes lit when it won't start (but digital computers says OIL OK). I've checked the oil and it's fine. Could it be the spark plugs?

When it does start it sometimes sounds a little fruity at first but then settles down. And a couple of times it's stalled when ticking over at the lights.


Any advice greened....

 

[Napster]

sounds like the coilpack. but get it looked at and ask for a quote.

 

[Mad Cyril]

I had a similar issue with my first car - a 1980 Austin Allegro.

I never got to the bottom of it and in the end flogged it for £100 to a bloke that wanted the engine to put in a Mini 1275 GT.

 

[Firestorm]

sounds like the coilpack. but get it looked at and ask for a quote.

Certainly sounds like the HT side of the electrics.

see if GHG comes on , he is likely to know a bit more

 

[Pubey]

Certainly sounds like the HT side of the electrics.

see if GHG comes on , he is likely to know a bit more

cheers, yep I'll see what he says.

 

[timeveritt]

We have a 52 Renault Clio. Really reliable motor, until recently. Been finding that occasionally (maybe once a fortnight) it won't start. It'll crank but it never catches. However every time after about 5 mins of trying it'll finally start.

I'm fairly relaxed about it, but Mrs Pubey isn't. It's not due it's MOT until November and so I was just going to get it serviced then and mention it.

However Mrs Pubey is keen to get it sorted and until then won't use the car as she's worried about getting stranded.

Any ideas what it could be? On the dashboard the oil lamp is sometimes lit when it won't start (but digital computers says OIL OK). I've checked the oil and it's fine. Could it be the spark plugs?

When it does start it sometimes sounds a little fruity at first but then settles down. And a couple of times it's stalled when ticking over at the lights.


Any advice greened....

I have had a history with car trouble. It could potentially be the air filter being to clogged up, this is fairly easy to do yourself as well (I've been informed but I'm not a type to get my hands dirty). This is what it was on my fiesta. The only thing like this I came across was a problem with my carburettor on my fiat which has now died a death. The thing with the engine cutting out at the lights I found has only ever got worse, could be idle rev setting needs adjusting a bit, but in the meantime keep revs up.

I'd fully recommend taking it to a reputable garage just to check out, however chances are it will fine when you take there.....its sods law.

 

[Pubey]

cheers, yeah i'll mention it when i take it in for a service but want to cover any simple fixes first as it's a bit annoying.

 

[Crawliano]

In all honesty, it's at that age now where you'll get that fixed and then it'll be something else, if you can, get shot before it turns into something bigger.

 

[The General]

Pretty common this as happened with mine. Useless piece of chite!

 

[timeveritt]

In all honesty, it's at that age now where you'll get that fixed and then it'll be something else, if you can, get shot before it turns into something bigger.

I have never learnt that lesson....till now. 3 cars all second hand in 2 years (2 inherited) and probably spent close to £2.5k repairing various bits on them till i realise its probably worth ditching

 

[Napster]

however chances are it will fine when you take there.....its sods law.

a reputable garage should spot the problem.

 

[Pubey]

In all honesty, it's at that age now where you'll get that fixed and then it'll be something else, if you can, get shot before it turns into something bigger.

true, but i inherited it and so happy to run it into the ground before buying a replacement.

 

[GNH]

true, but i inherited it and so happy to run it into the ground before buying a replacement.

It souns like you already have!

 

[Crawliano]

true, but i inherited it and so happy to run it into the ground before buying a replacement.

Sell it for a grand, it's made a profit!

 

[Benfleet A1]

I doubt it is the coil pack as that is normally a loss of power and HT leads rarely come loose on vehicles of this age but it might be worth giving them a push down to be sure. It sounds more like either a electronic ignition problem or crankshaft sensor going home. Your best bet is to get it to a garage that specialise in Renaults (not a main dealer if you can help it) and get it on to dianostics. Probably cost you around £40 but it should show up any problems and give you an idea of the price before you go ahead with the repair. Beware though, it's french which means expensive.

 

[Pubey]

I doubt it is the coil pack as that is normally a loss of power and HT leads rarely come loose on vehicles of this age but it might be worth giving them a push down to be sure. It sounds more like either a electronic ignition problem or crankshaft sensor going home. Your best bet is to get it to a garage that specialise in Renaults (not a main dealer if you can help it) and get it on to dianostics. Probably cost you around £40 but it should show up any problems and give you an idea of the price before you go ahead with the repair. Beware though, it's french which means expensive.

Cheers Al that's really helpful. I've read quite a lot online and many people seem to have had similar issues and put it down to their TDC sensor (which I think is the crankshaft sensor) either needing cleaning or replacing. Apparently it's a simple thing to do so I might give it a go first... if that sounds like a good idea.

 

[Lostshrimper]

Got to agree with GHG, although Renaults are known for coil problems it usually means they run rough like firing on 3 cylinders not 4 which doesn't sound like your problem. Find a local Renault specialist with diagnostic equipment they can plug in and do a sensor test to tell you what is wrong. no point going to a main dealer as all you will get is a bill for double the amount.

 

[dashman]

Its French! Va-va Kaboom!
Sensor or HT leads/caps
good advice already

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

If you live anywhere near Shoebury, Steptoe's in Ness Road is the place to go. They have a reputation of not ripping people off. They tell it like it is. The best thing for you is that they are Renault specialists, Pubey, and they have all the testing equipment.

 

[Pubey]

If you live anywhere near Shoebury, Steptoe's in Ness Road is the place to go. They have a reputation of not ripping people off. They tell it like it is. The best thing for you is that they are Renault specialists, Pubey, and they have all the testing equipment.

Unfortunately Sheffield isn't particularly close! Cheers for the recommendation, I'll seriously consider booking it in next time I'm down south for a bit