172-engine troubles

[Kris_M]

Is there any one hear with a Clio mk2 that is having trouble starting it first time on the mornings and on a night? If any one has and knows why this is happening, I would be grateful if any one out there could fill me in is to why this is happening. The car has been in the garage twice and they still not managed to find any fault with it

 

[Chad]

Every now and again mine stalls after you start it in the morning but then starts fine the second time.

Imo I dont think 172 run very well when cold...mines quite noisy and hesitant for the first mile or so then smooths out when warm

 

[Lee]

Mine isnt so bad when starting from cold, but if the weather is a bit on the warm side, or its still warm from a good run it rarely starts first time. But always fires instantly the second turn of the key.

It also runs like a kangaroo for the first 5 or so minutes!!

 

[tumbleweed]

after the car is warm, it doesnt start again without having the accerlerator flat to the floor...different problem i know

 

[Kris_M]

If any body can give me any INFO as to what this problem could be and if it happens on all Clio 172 mk2’s and if it is something you just have to put up with.

 

[Flying Scotsman]

Was in Gibbos car the other day and his did this about 20 mins after a 1/2 hour hot run. Shouldnt happen on an injection car but I recon it is a fuel / evaporisation problem. The temperatures under the 172 bonnet sare very high after a run due to all the aluminium head / inlet manifold / heat soak.

Only happens to mine occasionally if you start it from cold drive it out of the garage then go back to it half anhour later. Never done it when hot. So starting problems dont appaer to be consistent. But then mine seems to be running very rich when cold, with a "hunting" type idle.

 

[Jim172CUP]

my cup sometimes doesnt start first time in the mornings, not everytime just now and again.

 

[sjtb]

Hiya, I empathise mate. Mine also has this effing "feature". I have found this:

Dealers diag computers "cant see a problem". / any record of any such problem ever being reported.. hmm.

Doesnt happen in the winter, only in warmer weather, maybe 15-18 degrees and above etc.

Appears to be random... sods law has proven to me that it wont happen on demand for you in front of dealers.

Happens or doesnt happen regardless of type of fuel used, whether you have driven fast the night before or not, whether the car has sat unused for a few days, or you have just driven it an hour before...

Basically: Warmer weather, random - but defo common in spring/summer, car starts second time key is turned.

how annoying!

Si.

 

[Nik]

I get the same starting problems with my 4 week old 172, definately sounds like a common problem thats still happening.

I agree with the kangaroo thing too, I just thought it was my bad clutch control . Im always bouncing off down the road in first gear in the morning, but after a couple of mins its fine.

 

[Flying Scotsman]

The kangarooing is apparently due to the ECU cutting the fuel due to the latest emission regs. Mine occasionally does this when stone cold but more so when youve driven the car till hot then leave it for a few hours. Farts around until the temp guage reaches a couple of notches then its off to the races!

 

[compocup]

My cup doesnt start first time when cold, but its fine second time

 

[Lee]

Just another charming character trait of the little Reno then

 

[VX-Tony]

Hi, I know this wont help but my 172 used to have this starting problem, when it went to Renault for other issues I mentioned it, since it came back Ive not had the problem, I dont what they did (if anything) but it doesnt do it anymore.

Also, Ive heard there is a ECU upgrade which reduces the cold start emission regulation to allow for smoother delivery of power (not all or nothing) although I dont believe I have had this upgrade Renault should be able to do it for you (no charge) (but I *think* Jeremy had his done and he was thinking it lost speed ???)

 

[philip]

I dont have this problem with my car, but I know it is a common fault and well known by Renautl. Theer is a useful french website called rs-team.org and they list this as one of the common faults on the 172. Just take it to your dealer and have it fixed under warranty