Clio 172 won't start, just a click

[Cliomaxx69]

Hi guys, my clio has been very reliable since I last picked it up from Renault. I went to and from work today no problem but tonight I tried to start it and it just clicks after ignition. Not a single light, no indication of any problem whatsoever. I did notice a bit of blue powder on my battery and I think the previous owner put a wrong battery in but it worked grey for the last 5 months... I thought that if the battery had a problem I would have no power at all. Is it possible that the blue powder thing is enough to stop it from starting but still have ignition?

Thanks.

 

[Thebody]

Battery has died, just check the voltage with a multi meter to confirm.

 

[Cliomaxx69]

Battery has died, just check the voltage with a multi meter to confirm.

Will do, but I thought if the battery "died" I would have no ignition no nothing but all the lights turned on, even the heater

 

[Gus]

Starter motor - try push starting the car.

 

[Gus]

The starter is located at the back of the engine. Can just about see it between the middle two pipes of the exhaust manifold. Check if the spade connector is still connected as it can come loose. If all looks ok, then give the starter a tap with a hammer.

 

[Cliomaxx69]

The starter is located at the back of the engine. Can just about see it between the middle two pipes of the exhaust manifold. Check if the spade connector is still connected as it can come loose. If all looks ok, then give the starter a tap with a hammer.

Will do that tomorrow, dead tired right now. Thanks a lot man I appreciate the help

 

[Ex-User (99307)]

Gearbox earth straps are getting old.and very ratty on 172s now, easy way to check is run a spare battery negative cable to the engine house bracket and see if it sorts it.

 

[Andy P]

I had similar and mine was the battery terminals were loose.

 

[Cliomaxx69]

I had similar and mine was the battery terminals were loose.

Yeah my negative terminal is loose too

 

[Yarp]

It’s either the battery or starter. Check the battery voltage and make sure it’s properly connected and the terminals are clean. If that’s ok whack the starter with a hammer or a pole or something and try it again. Hopefully it’s the battery as the starter is an right t**t on to change

 

[Colin-S]

New earth strap for the starter motor. I had the exact same thing happen earlier this year.

Jack it up and remove the passenger side wheel and you can get to it there if you need to fit a new one.

 

[Cliomaxx69]

Fitted a new battery and it started right up. While we're here, I wanted to keep the stock air box but the hoses are fucked. Any suggestions on similar hoses?

 

[Thebody]

Pardon our interruption...

Other colours are available

 

[Cliomaxx69]

Pardon our interruption...

Other colours are available

Oh I meant the air intake hoses

 

[Thebody]

Oh I meant the air intake hoses

O you on about the hoses that feed the filter housing?

 

[Cliomaxx69]

O you on about the hoses that feed the filter housing?

Yes

 

[finch wxm]

I noticed the battery light wasnt appearing pre ignition , is that a sign of a bad battery ?

 

[Cliomaxx69]

I noticed the battery light wasnt appearing pre ignition , is that a sign of a bad battery ?

I just tried with my new battery and the light doesn't light up either, good catch tho

 

[finch wxm]

I just tried with my new battery and the light doesn't light up either, good catch tho

I was told you are meant to get that pre igition , is your alternator charging ? I have alternator issues but car starts fine

 

[Cliomaxx69]

I was told you are meant to get that pre igition , is your alternator charging ? I have alternator issues but car starts fine

I had a brand new alternator fitted a few months back so I hope so 🤷

 

[MRBILLYUK]

Fitted a new battery and it started right up. While we're here, I wanted to keep the stock air box but the hoses are fucked. Any suggestions on similar hoses?

Something like will do. The old air feeds are made out of some kind of cloth and can rip as they get older.
You'll have to reuse the ends that clip into the air box.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184632052163?hash=item2afced89c3:g:nU8AAOSwkz9gCtfj

 

[finch wxm]

I had a brand new alternator fitted a few months back so I hope so 🤷

It would have died by now for sure if it wasnt working 😂