Clio 172 goes into limp mode every time I touch the brake pedal..

[Turturelo]

Hey there,

I think the topic says it all, but basically the car is running fine until I press the brake pedal. Then I get the limp mode plus the light on the dash.
I've tried not to use brakes at all, but I guess I'm not brave enough in traffic
I have a Carly, which says error Internal GR92 - Engine Control Module - This fault results from a generic communication issue in the ECU.
If I go full throttle or 2/3 throttle and left foot brake the error doesn't appear, but if its below 2/3 throttle or idle and touch the brake pedal the error comes in straight into limp mode. Going to the shop and back is like 40 restarts of the engine. It makes me crazy.

Do you have any ideas?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Martin_172]

remove the engine bay fuse box cover, remove the fuse board inside (clips on at the side) and underneath you will see a white multi plug. Disconnect the plug and check the connections for corrosion, get yourself some contact cleaner etc and clean them up, probably related to that!

 

[Turturelo]

Thanks Martin. I will try it out this week and come back with the result. Cheers.

 

[Turturelo]

Unfortunately after cleaning everything in the fuse box, all the fuses, relays with a contact spray ... nothing changed. Also noticed that there were no corroded fuses or relays - everything, apart from the dust in the fuse box itself, was clean. I've tried only kicking the brake pedal for like instant touch - break lights go on - but the service light stays off. Once you push the brake pedal and hold it for like a second then the car goes into service (limp) mode. What else can it be?

 

[Mr Underhill]

Possible brake switch behind the pedal?

It's a sensor at the end of the day, so if the switch is faulty the ECU maybe thinks the brakes are being applied at the same time as the accelerator, causing it to go into limp mode. There's a guide on here about the brake switch and how to reset it. Obviously, you don't want to be throwing the parts cannon at it, but the switches aren't that expensive.

Failing that, get it on a Renault diagnostic which will dig a bit deeper.

I had an engine management light on my 182. Diagnostic pointed to Lambda sensor and/or Cruise control switch. Turned out to be the brake sensor. I guess it does more than just illuminate the rear brake lights.

 

[Turturelo]

Thanks for the tip. Will look into it too. I think using the brake and throttle together shouldn't be the issue, as I do left foot braking in general and on track using both pedals together for playing with the balance and never had an issue. Even on my 530d Touring its not a problem. Maybe someone else can double check it - please don't try it if you're not used to left foot braking!
The crappy part is that this car isn't very popular in my country, so there are no specialists (or at least I didn't found one till now) and I'm afraid to bring it so the mechanic starts an improvising program on my already confused Clio..

 

[adir]

Hi, I’ve been there…
There is a connection loom, about 30/40 CM long, going from the accelerator pedal to the main loom. Just behind the brake pedal.
Take it out, clean the s**t out of it, and press the female pins gently with a sharp tool, to make the connection tight again.

 

[Martin_172]

Unfortunately after cleaning everything in the fuse box, all the fuses, relays with a contact spray ... nothing changed. Also noticed that there were no corroded fuses or relays - everything, apart from the dust in the fuse box itself, was clean. I've tried only kicking the brake pedal for like instant touch - break lights go on - but the service light stays off. Once you push the brake pedal and hold it for like a second then the car goes into service (limp) mode. What else can it be?

did you do the white multiplug? Just you didn't mention it in your post and this is the identical issue i had

 

[Turturelo]

Adri, thanks mate. You gave me hope once again. I’m on a business trip and when back this will be the first thing to do. Will keep you posted.
Martin, I did all the plugs, including the white multiplug - every single fuse, relay, plug - all were cleaned and clicked again back. What I’ve noticed was that all connectors were clean in the first place, no sign of water or rust. The car stays constantly in a garage barely sees water apart from a rare carwash as its almost not driven. I’ve had this issue before with the throttle pedal. It was doing it from time to time and thought it was related to the throttle body, but then it stopped for pretty long period. Now its doing it constantly every time I push the brake pedal. Weird car… still love it!

 

[dangerous dave]

I had one come up, slashed on a brake sensor as it was easy.. then it was still coming up so was adjusting the plunger as it was registering on and off when checking live data, but the actual brake lights weren’t activating. Weird.

then it carried on… found the plug to the switch wasn’t gripping the brake pedal switch very well, probably moved when braking and hitting bumps kicking a light on

continued to get lights, found 2 hanging off cv boots had chucked grease everywhere, replaced.. cleaned.. all good.

lights did come on again so I cleaned the abs rings with some sand paper while spinning the wheel, cleaned off, wiped any crud off the pick ups and it’s been fine ever since.

it doesn’t help the lights come on sometimes and I simply ignore them until they come on and stay on..