emissions fault"clio 200"

[aliengreenAlex]

Today, to my shock my emissions warning light appeared on my dash. luckily I have a friend who has a snap on diagnostic kit who identified the problem as being the lambda sensor on the down pipe. Now I priced up a new one of around 50 to 70 pounds depending on supplier; but I came across something interesting while looking at other posts on other sites. They were reporting emission faults when the car was filled up with poor fuel. Namely tesco 97 ron, which funnily enough, I used immediately before the fault appeared. It could be just coincidence but I have seen this reported a few times with this particular fuel. Does anyone have any ideas or can share a similar experience?
My engine does run lumpy and is hesitant in the low rev range since the fault appeared. The fuel mixture also smells quite rich. My car has done less than 17, 000 so everything is pretty much as new despite being an 09 plate so I'm hoping that nothing is drastically wrong.
Any thoughts or ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

[aliengreenAlex]

i contacted K-tec racing for some advice regarding the above and i was told to try some different fuel before purchasing a new lambda sensor in case this resolves the issue which i did. the result of which my car's drivability returned back to normal. it is no longer lumpy and sluggish in the low rev range and is as responsive as it should be. i will have to reset the fault codes and hope they stay off. if not, i will have no choice but to buy a new sensor.

 

[scott.p]

Didn't know tesco sold 97 ron petrol. I thought it was either 95 or 99

 

[M26]

Just clear the fault and it will turn your light out.

If it comes back on regularly then I would be thinking of changing the sensor but certainly wouldn't change it with the light only coming on once.

 

[aliengreenAlex]

cheers guys. i'm going to run it for a couple of days to make sure all is well and go from there. with regards to this 97 ron fuel, it was a tesco garage in halifax. first time i have used it, and probably the last time as it is not my usual petrol stop. it does make me think that the type of fuel can make a massive difference. i used shell v power nitro + earlier today and immediately there was a positive difference.
i have just reset the codes so i will keep an eye on things i did price up a new sensor at renault and they wanted nearly £100 +vat!! i contacted a local motor factor and i was quoted £67 + vat for an NGK item so if it is broken, that is the one i will go for.

 

[MicKPM]

You may have no choice but to go for the genuine Renault item i'm afraid. There's nothing wrong with the NGK/NTK product range, it's quality but Renault were sneeky sneeky with these sensors around 2008 and updated the general wiring looms across the range to use a slightly different connector that only seems to come on the genuine/Bosch items.

 

[aliengreenAlex]

cheers for letting me know.
that is sneaky!! it may be easier for me to just take it to my local renault dealership if all else fails.
i'll post the outcome when the issue is resolved

 

[MicKPM]

The sensor location itself is also bloody tight to the underside of the floor on the 197/200 so unless you've got ramps (and a proper H02 removal socket) you'd proberbly be better off paying to have it done.

Renault for the part (or use the oe part number to get the Bosch slightly cheaper direct... its not much and not even £15 cheaper iirc) from an autofactors.

Good luck

 

[aliengreenAlex]

cheers mickpm, well, i felt that may be the case so i managed to find a renault speacialist near me that is much cheaper than the main dealership in terms of labour costs. also, cost of the sensor (renault approved bosch item) is £79.00 + VAT instead of £96.44 + VAT from renault so i think i have a good deal there. it is booked in the morning so all well and good, my car will be back to normal in no time!

 

[aliengreenAlex]

Ahem! Right. MicKPM, you were correct about fitting a genuine item only and it cost full price. It has been fitted today and what a massive difference there is. In total, I cost me £ 163.00 including vat. I thought that was reasonable. Happy its done now!!

 

[MicKPM]

Like I said, sneaky sneaky with this one but you can buy these new sensors direct from Bosch for a bit less than RUK (but its only a bit).

Glad you sorted it though

 

[aliengreenAlex]

cheers pal. worth knowing for the future!!

 

[marshall878]

17,000 on the clock and not under warranty still? You been nursing the old girl?!

 

[aliengreenAlex]

Hiya marshall878,
Yeah, she's barely broken in. I bought on 14, 300 and I'm still at the stage where every time I see a bit of muck on her, I'm wiping her clean. Slight obsessive perhaps....!