Fault Code P0440 1.2 16v

[Djw John]

It would seem no-one else on CS has had this code issue according to search! It relates to this car http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?670325-Latest-little-budget-side-project

It relates to the carbon canister I believe but I don't think its the actual issue, more a symptom of it.

Basically, I discovered a misfire above 5k! The canister was unplugged when I got the car but I simply plugged it back in. Cleared the code and the warning light went off. It drove up to its MOT fine and pulled like a 1.2 should. But on the way home I gave it a booting and the misfire developed but still drove fine at normal revs. I came home and cleared the code, the warning light went off and I gave it another good rev and it all happened again!

I'll probably start with the usual suspects like plugs, coil pack etc but just wondering if anyone else has had this issue. Never had a 1.2 16v before and never really paid much attention to their many issues, 1.4 8v is where its at if you want 75bhp in a Clio

Cheers
John

 

[Djw John]

Just checked the service history and it had a new coil pack when the timing was done 4k ago and plugs 20k/3years ago. So guess leads is the starting point but may as well change the plugs.

 

[Djw John]

Took a quick video tonight, not been able to do anything to it other than this video!

Slowly built up the revs and kept the throttle steady, the fluctuation is its own doing and then it cut out. Started fine straight after though.

http://youtu.be/jBh0BMOPKaw

 

[gtrnav]

The actual definition of P0440 is:

"Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction"

So I think you are on the right track with looking at the carbon canister system.
If the canister was unplugged when you got the car and you have plugged it back in, did you check that the tube wasn't blocked up? Left open it would cause an air leak into the inlet manifold. If it is still blocked then the canister purge would not work properly, as the emissions cannot get through to the inlet manifold.
Just a thought!

 

[Djw John]

Can't say I checked it no, I do plan to but I just thought the other symptoms wouldn't be caused by it. Very happy to be wrong though!

 

[Djw John]

Changed the plugs today and it ran a little smoother straight away and the light went off with the code reader but can't say I expected to never see it again. Right enough it came back on within 5 minutes!

So dropped the carbon canister off and found that the solenoid wasnt sitting quite right in it. Whilst it was off I checked the solenoid was working by passing 12v through it and it clicked nicely so can rule that out. The plug was also getting the right voltage. Put it all back together and the light now only flashes on when you hit the limiter under load. It goes off again straight away and doesnt log a code at all.

So I'm thinking there might a lose connection somewhere along the line. The engine moves quite a bit under load so putting a dogbone on it anyway and will investigate the wiring when I'm letting the oil drain on its service. Taking it to work tomorrow regardless, more confidence in it now that I can get a tow eye in it properly!

 

[..Jack..]

Did you find the solution in the end as mine has same issue currently?

 

[Djw John]

Nope! First car I've given up on and sold broken I'm afraid. Could get it working but not consistently and it was worth too little to put into a garage.

 

[ThomasBrentnall]

The ecu cover has probably eaten is way into the cables. 1.2 16vs are notorious for it

 

[..Jack..]

Oh right thanks so is it best to start by checking around the ecu cover for damaged wires then

 

[ThomasBrentnall]

Yes! I took the ecu cover off my old 1.2 16v. It's a b**ch to get off though

 

[..Jack..]

One worry! If I do this I assume I will have to re seal it to prevent water ingress do you recommend anything?

 

[ThomasBrentnall]

Nope, the cover is purely there to stop the ecu being stolen iirc!

 

[..Jack..]

Okay thanks I will have a look over the weekend.

 

[..Jack..]

How is the cover secured?

 

[ThomasBrentnall]

Theres a thread here http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?583049-ECU-tamper-proof-cover

 

[ThomasBrentnall]

To help you further there is a massive thread about it here: http://www.renaultforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=12478&page=2

 

[..Jack..]

Cheers

 

[ThomasBrentnall]

 

[..Jack..]

Whilst changing a headlamp bulb I saw what I presume to be the lid of the charcoal canister hanging loose! To get space to reseat it I guess I've gotta get the headlamp and bumper off

 

[..Jack..]

Issue resolved! Was the lid that was off

 

[..Jack..]

And it's back! The ecu had no wire cover and wires were in tact the lid thing is still on as with pipes and plugs! Give it a rev to 3000rpm and as revs fall it misses slightly any more ideas?

 

[..Jack..]

Sorted carbon canister and 4 sparks