Renault Clio 2010 won't start even with jump

jthrppel

Hi:
I have this Clio for the past 4 years trouble free. Few weeks ago, I had to jump start since the battery was flat (because auto lights feature left lights on for a short while). The car was running fine since. Came back from a trip to town and back about 40 miles, parked in the drive way. Went to start it after 24 hours or so, the car won't start, the starter motor turns over but never catches. Usually, it starts instantly, I thought it might be a weak battery, tried with jump start, with no success. Tried with the spare key, locking unlocking etc. is fine but will not start. I do see a dash light at the bottom right which looks like clock but goes off when other lights go off I think it is the cruise control indicator and may be I have never paid attention to. Battery in the car is at least 4 years old and looks oem battery but still puts out 12.5V. I haven't specifically checked the earth connection yet but all the instrument lights come on as the key is turned. I haven't disconnected the battery to reset the electronics yet.
So that is the history of the problem, appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.
Jthrppel

_Brian

If it's turning over strong and freely and not starting then I'd say it's not a battery or earth problem. More likely there is no spark being generated, this could be something like an immobiliser fault or maybe a failed coilpack, I'm not familiar with this model but that's what it sounds like to me.
Maybe disconnect battery for a while and reconnect, might help.

Otherwise I think you need more professional help.

Lots of insurance now has breakdown cover. Check you might have home start option and could call them out for free.

Paulownia

_Brian wrote: »

If it's turning over strong and freely and not starting then I'd say it's not a battery or earth problem. More likely there is no spark being generated, this could be something like an immobiliser fault or maybe a failed coilpack, I'm not familiar with this model but that's what it sounds like to me.
Maybe disconnect battery for a while and reconnect, might help.

Otherwise I think you need more professional help.

Lots of insurance now has breakdown cover. Check you might have home start option and could call them out for free.

Petrol problem???

beauf

Alternator or fuel pump?

Paulownia

beauf wrote: »

Alternator or fuel pump?

I lived in France long enough to know the Beaufort is always right 😀

_Brian

Paulownia wrote: »

Petrol problem???

Indeed.

jthrppel

Thanks for your suggestions, Brian, Polownia and Beuf. I have a half tank of petrol in the car. Would the alternater/fuel pump issue be so abrupt without any prior warning (no starting problems ever)? I will disconnect the battery and reconnect to see if that helps. As I repeat the starting the third time the I can see the battery getting weak and not turning over. As you say I may have to tow it to a garage for further investigation.
Thanks again
J

Paulownia

Paulownia wrote: »

I lived in France long enough to know the Beaufort is always right 😀

Predictive text! I meant Beauf of course

beauf

jthrppel wrote: »

. Would the alternater/fuel pump issue be so abrupt without any prior warning (no starting problems ever)?
J

Yes. Left me dead at the lights in the middle of rush hour.

Could be some thing else either. But either pump or alternate will let the car turn but not start. Had a bad starter do similar.

jthrppel

Thanks for ths info Beuf.
J

General123

I would plug a obd reader in it. You can buy one from thirty euros. A clio I had would not start I plugged in a obd reader and it came up cam shaft position sensor and I changed that and the car fired up again. The obd will diagnose it otherwise your only guessing.

jthrppel

Thanks General 123 for the advise. I did an obdII readout and it came with a generic fault code P0300 referring one or more cylinder misfiring. The code as you know refers to of course the cam shaft position issue and a whole lot of other things like the spark plugs, coil etc. So I will have it towed to a local garage. Do you remember how much did it cost you for the cram shaft position sensor replacement?
Thanks again,
J

jthrppel

Hi all
Towed to a local former renault shop. His Renault diagnostic said one of the two oxygen sensors on the exhaust. OBD gave the same code as What I had sen He replaced it and of course the spark plugs. Car started straight up. Oxygen sensor mis-sensed the oxygen ratio and resulting flooding the engine with petrol, Surprisingly the check engine light was not on. Mechanic thought it could haave been a bad fuel issue. Asubsequent emissions test showed no abnormal reading, so touch wood, the cat converter is ok?
Thanks again for all your suggestions.
J

beauf

Modern Tech eh....