2004 Clio Mk2 1.5 DCi issues with indicators/hazards/wipers/windows/restarting/clicking noise but only for first couple of minutes after starting

[cheztom86]

Hello! I really hope you guys can help

My 2004 Mk2 1.5 DCi Clio recently starting to throw up some strange electrical errors, but only for first couple of minutes after starting.

Intermittent issues with indicators/hazards/wipers, sometimes repeated clicking from presumably relays in passenger footwell. I hear a "click", all these things stop working, then another "click" (after short period), and it all comes back on. Sometimes there's repeated clicking for a short while. If I switch the car off when these functions have stopped working, it won't even turn over again. It eventually does though, and after a few mins all these problems dissapear and it's fine for the rest of the drive. Only seems to happen when starting the car after it's been standing. Sometimes it lasts only a few seconds, sometimes a couple of minutes.

Diagnostic shows an intemittent DF037 error: Stop switch circuits, coherence. I've never caught it "Active", its always "Memory". Could this be related? Can't find much info about this error online.

I suspect it's something to do with the UCH, but would really appreciate your opinions before I send it off for repair or start poking around and potentially messing with things that don't need to be messed with. I've read a few different things I could try, like cleaning out connectors, checking/reseating fuses, etc. Any advice on the best way to go about this, or other things I could try? Possibly earthing cables? I did unplug and reinsert the white connector under the glovebox, but unsurprisingly hasn't made a difference.

I also have the dreaded Serv and Airbag lights related to airbag issues under the seats that I'm aware of, haven't fixed yet, but will. I don't think it's related as these issues predate the electrical faults above, but thought I should mention it anyway.

I should also mention that, like an idiot, I washed my key in the washing machine about 6 weeks ago Inititally I thought the key was dead, but seems to work fine after cleaning it with IPA and thoroughly drying it out. Could that be related? The issue started after the key incident, but not directly after. Thing is, the electrical issues also occur when using the spare key too, so maybe it's just a coincidence.

Any insights you guys have would be much appreciated. Please let me know if you need any more info. I know it's not the worst issue in the world but this is driving me crackers.

Thanks in advance

 

[Ol’ Tarby]

How old is your battery?

A dying battery causes some very odd faults on the Clio

 

[cheztom86]

Replaced the battery less than a year ago after previous one died a death. Haven't noticed any issues with sluggish starting etc. Never had any issues like this before, even when previous batteries were dying.

Should probably also mention I replaced the alternator a few months ago after it died, seemingly putting a tear the aux belt in the process? Was probably the voltage regulator but figured might as well replace the whole thing. The headlights always dimmed a bit when opening/closing the windows etc., but I've noticed that it's perhaps slightly more pronounced after the alternator change. That said, might just be my imagination.

 

[hopgop1]

Clicking etc. sounds like UCH to me, common so have a read of people's UCH faults on here.
If you think it is that, I'd send it off to that dieselpumprepair guy on ebay, don't think it's all that expensive either.

 

[cheztom86]

Clicking etc. sounds like UCH to me, common so have a read of people's UCH faults on here.
If you think it is that, I'd send it off to that dieselpumprepair guy on ebay, don't think it's all that expensive either.

I've had a look through previous posts but couldn't find anyone experiencing the same thing, where the fault totally disappears after a couple of minutes after starting. I could be wrong, but others seem to experience the fault constantly, or randomly when driving. It's only right after the car starts for me, generally after it's been sitting. Did I read something about "expansion of wires" or something?

I was just wondering if there were other potential solutions before jumping to UCH repair, especially given the fault code and the fact that when the issue is "live", the car won't start again, so I'm wondering if it is linked to the "stop circuits", whatever they are.

I appreciate the recommendation for UCH repair if it comes to that, and it's a name I've read elsewhere on the forums which is reassuring I would like the UCH (and presumably the key!) to go to a safe pair of hands!

I'm quite fond of the car. I've had it nearly 12 years now. But it's starting to show it's age and I've generally gotten away without experiencing electrical faults until now (barring the endlessly troublesome airbag warning light which this forum has given good advice on fixing, but that's another can of worms...).

 

[Brigsy]

Uch needs repair. Send it away to dieselpumpspecialist on ebay, not expensive

 

[vtec-e]

Before sending off the UCH, I'd check the earth to the body is clean, and also there is no water starting to collect in the footwells or near any of the large electrical connectors in that part of the car.

 

[hopgop1]

I've had a look through previous posts but couldn't find anyone experiencing the same thing, where the fault totally disappears after a couple of minutes after starting. I could be wrong, but others seem to experience the fault constantly, or randomly when driving. It's only right after the car starts for me, generally after it's been sitting. Did I read something about "expansion of wires" or something?

I was just wondering if there were other potential solutions before jumping to UCH repair, especially given the fault code and the fact that when the issue is "live", the car won't start again, so I'm wondering if it is linked to the "stop circuits", whatever they are.

I appreciate the recommendation for UCH repair if it comes to that, and it's a name I've read elsewhere on the forums which is reassuring I would like the UCH (and presumably the key!) to go to a safe pair of hands!

I'm quite fond of the car. I've had it nearly 12 years now. But it's starting to show it's age and I've generally gotten away without experiencing electrical faults until now (barring the endlessly troublesome airbag warning light which this forum has given good advice on fixing, but that's another can of worms...).

They're very good cars, but as you say as they get older they will need some TLC. UCH is quite common hence why everyone will think that, including me, controls a lot of the electrical systems so can manifest itself in lots of ways. I'd be very surprised if it wasn't that. Worth checking some simpler stuff as above though.

 

[cheztom86]

They're very good cars, but as you say as they get older they will need some TLC. UCH is quite common hence why everyone will think that, including me, controls a lot of the electrical systems so can manifest itself in lots of ways. I'd be very surprised if it wasn't that. Worth checking some simpler stuff as above though.

Thanks for the helpful advice. Yes, generally speaking it's given me very little real hassle. Very fond of it but it's definitely starting to show its age.

I'll check the simpler stuff as suggested and if not, send the UCH off for repair.

Will update with the results