Aaargh... car letting me down!

[biglunn]

Been very difficult to start lately!

Actually, the car has had this starting problem for nearly 3 years (since I got the car actually) - on occasions, the car would happily turn over but start after 5-10 engine turns. Did this VERY rarely (im talking once every 3-4 months) but would always start. Before the last service, it was going thru a worse spell, but it always eventually started. Been ok since though.

But over the past few days, it has totally refused to start. Turns OK... until the battery starts to die. After work last night and tonight, I ran the battery flat trying to start it, but on both occasions, the car started easily with a push start. Just wondering if anyone has had this kinda problem and had it resolved?

I think its best I pull my next service early to get this resolved, but knowing my luck, it fixes itself!

 

[TomTom]

Possibly TDC sensor mate, and get your battery tested

 

[tommyboy]

I hope it's under warranty! It's a sensor of some sort, I had it on my mk2 but was so pissed off didn't take notice of which one! grrrr

 

[Alan]

Buy a jap car....

 

[Big Iain]

or just dont buy a reno

 

[tommyboy]

That's what Im doing next, 350z or maybe German if it comes to it in the shape of mk4 R32.

 

[biglunn]

Cheers guys for the pointers! Ive heard of this TDC sensor possibly being suspect. If its cheap, I might just replace it myself if its easy to do so - keep me going till it gets seen to by Mike.

BTW, where is the TDC? Perhaps a dodgy connection that I can check? Runs absolutely fine once started. Infact, the moment the car starts up and `catches` its perfect - no unsteady idling or anything.

Been really furious with the poor Clio - first time i nearly grabbed something and smashed the f*ck out of it.

 

[biglunn]

LOL!! Tonight I wish I had a Jap car! But that aint solving my immediate problems!

The Clio has done me proud till now - hopefully its nothing major. Just infuriates me that it let me down at the most crucial of moments

 

[TomTom]

Mate, the TDC sensor is on the top of the gearbox at the bell housing end, above the flywheel. Its held in by 2 10mm bolts, not that hard todo to be honest. If you are gonna disconnect it make sure you've got the ignition off, a bit of electric cleaner, tighten the terminals usually helps.

Thats the one.... Not my photo, been on the PC for ages dunno where from...

Common as muck the TDC sensor failing

 

[biglunn]

Cheers for the pic Tom!

Well... the car didnt start today, but I have noticed quite a bit of noise coming from this part marked below (presumably some kind of throttle control/air sensor).

With the ignition in ON position, it makes quite a loud buzzing noise (which may well be perfectly normal) but it sort of sounds very erratic - buzzing and clicking. Could this be the cause of the problem? Still weird though - the car starts by pushing, and will run OK once going.

 

[TomTom]

Should be buzzing mate, but shouldn't be going too mad. Does it start any better when warm?

 

[biglunn]

It buzzes a fair bit, but not too erratic.

Im working my way down to that TDC sensor - its a bloody pain to get to LOL!

 

[syski]

hi i had starting problems with 172 for about a year, i still have no idea what the problem is but if i turn the igniton on wait for all the dash light to go off then turn igniton off then on again it starts perfectly,

also recently i have discovered it starts ok if i crank the car before the imobile light go's off!! how strange!! does the trick though