Clio 197 cold running

[RWilson]

Has anyone else had this advice from Renault? As my new Clio 197 runs very roughly when started from cold I have been advised to run the engine for a minute before driving off - this will stop it from jerking until warmed up - apparently not all 197's do this - doesn’t seem right to me - if one does it why not all

Ron W

 

[Lee]

They all do it at some time or another. Some days it's worse than others.

All the 172/182s ran badly when cold but the 197 is noticable worse.

I don't mind, it's the price you pay for a high reving N/A engine. Plus when it's cold it runs rough to lower the emisions, which saves you money on your tax.

I can live with a few minutes of kangaroo'ing.

 

[MillerLight]

like said the 1#2 was lumpy so as the 197 is 90% the same i wouldnt be surprised if it was a dog too

 

[mattjk]

You should notice it get noticeably smoother once it starts taking the lambda reading into account. Couple of minutes

 

[SkidMarx]

There is a renault tech note out about this.. i think an ECU reprogramme is part of the cure though. Doubt it would totally cure it

 

[RWilson]

David

Do you have any details of the technical note you mention - reference number or something?

Ron W

 

[evolution]

a lot of ppl who've had the RS Tuning remap reckon its made it a lot better. not a total cure, but much better all the same.

 

[SkidMarx]

Il have a look for the tech note number tomorrow when im back at work.. il post the details here.

 

[RWilson]

David

Thank you

Ron W

 

[RWilson]

Adding to my original message my 197 never really stops jerking even when warmed up - the temp gauge never reaches the mid point on the scale. Is this normal?

Am I the only one worrying about this.

Ron W

 

[mattjk]

Take it for them to have a look at if your worried, how far does does the gauge reach?

 

[RWilson]

They're saying that the car is fit for purpose and that there is nothing to be done.

The gauge gets to about the 11 o'clock position

Ron W

 

[RWilson]

Should have said this earlier - in the right gear for the traffic conditions and at low revs the car feels on the verge of a stall. It's fine when you pass 5500 revs or so

Ron W

 

[Alan]

They are the same mate...my 182 wasn't as bad as my 197 but you sort of get used to it..

 

[RWilson]

Strange - I've didn't have these problems with my 172 or 182

 

[sean]

there is an issue with 197 cold running , but its not a problem/fault say renault technical . there was a (still is i believe ) ecu reprogramming to cure it but it never. they now advise customers to let the car idle when started cold for at least 1 minute , and then to drive as normal. contact your dealer and ask for the info. i think they have to give it to you , but what your dealer is saying pretty much right.

 

[SkidMarx]

I am still on the case trying to get a copy of that tech note to post on here. I did do a reprogramme on a 197 for this fault when i worked at renault, but as said before, didnt really do much. Spose its just the price you pay. As for tech note info, renault dealers arent supposed to give it out.

 

[lemonnobby]

The actis solution doesnt work. i have reprogrammed one it never worked but renault sport engineering say let it warm up for 1 min at idle then drive off.
Where you from?

 

[SkidMarx]

^^ who me??

 

[RWilson]

If mean't for me, I live in Kent - this car hates traffic

R. Wilson

 

[lemonnobby]

For a second i thought you had the car thats at your dealership

 

[RWilson]

One of the many things I've been told by Renault customer service is that they consider the 197 and its cold running as not a fault and that it is fit for purpose. Has anyone else logged a call with Renault?