Renault Clio Mk2 Starting Problem

Dermot2468 · 10-03-2012 5:58pm #1

Have a Clio (1.2 Mk2 '99) that is cutting out after starting. It happens randomly maybe 1 in 10 times, doesn't matter if engine is cold or hot. Just after startup the revs increase normally but then suddenly drop.
I just serviced it (sparks, oil, filters) and the problem remains. Its not worth spending money on bringing to a garage to get a fault diagnostics and the engine warning light was removed when I bought it :rolleyes:
The ECU connector is non standard so I can't do a diagnostics myself.

The backbox is badly rusted but I think this couldn't cause this problem.

I know its vague enough but has anyone got an ideas as to what might cause this problem?

d o'c · 10-03-2012 11:24pm

sounds like immobilizer playing up.

watch how the red flashing dash light behaves, and see if there's a pattern

Dermot2468 · 12-03-2012 10:52am

Seems to be the Immobiliser alright! I thought when it was starting at all it couldn't be it. It seems to cut when the red light flashes fast.

I read online that cleaning the key might help, I will give it a go.
Anything else I can try?

Nissan doctor · 12-03-2012 1:29pm

Is the car opening normally with the key remote or do you have to open in manually?

Dermot2468 · 12-03-2012 3:17pm

Only have the spare key with no key remote. But the switch on the dash works fine.

Nissan doctor · 12-03-2012 4:10pm

What often happens with the clio is that the sensor for the key fob corrodes as its directly under the roof arial. Water gets in around the arial and corrodes the wiring.

The non starting is usually twinned with the remote locking not working but your not using that anyway so it would be less obvious.

Dermot2468 · 13-03-2012 11:14am

Oh, that's good to know. Do you think taking down the module, drying it out and replacing the corroded wire, and correcting the leak might work?

Nissan doctor · 13-03-2012 12:20pm

Dermot2468 wrote: »

Oh, that's good to know. Do you think taking down the module, drying it out and replacing the corroded wire, and correcting the leak might work?

If the damage isn't too bad, which presumable it isn't if it works most of the time, then yes, cleaning and sealing should do the trick if thats the problem.

Dermot2468 · 14-03-2012 10:19am

Was just taking out the light when it clicked with me that there was a rattle from the key, the immobiliser chip was loose. Obvious now!
Thanks for the help

Renault Clio Mk2 Starting Problem

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