Inconsistent Performance - 172 Cup

[adrian.clarke]

Hi,

For a while, I have noticed that my 172 Cup performs much better on some days (or driving sessions) than others. Now, i understand that the weather can make a difference - sure, when it is moist, and after rainfalls the car often performs wonderfully. However, the difference seems to be too great simply to be down to the weather...

When it is running well, it is lively and sounds... healthy - growling. When it is having an 'off' day, it seems very flat, and the exhaust tone is not unlike it is blowing ever so slightly.

The decision on whether the car will be happy/sad seems to be made once the ignition is turned - it never has a mood swing mid-drive.

Does anyone have any idea what this might be? Could it be a sensor that is not activating?

The only issue i am aware of is a slight coolant leak from a joint - but this is very small.


​Thanks for offering your ideas!

 

[Nickwillyhams]

First thing I'd do would be to check the dash for fault codes or take it to a garage and get it plugged in mate

 

[MicKPM]

Servicing plays a huge part and it is more than just screwing on an oil filter, replacing oil and replacing some elements.

Electronic checks should include a cursory check of fault codes to see if anything has been flagged followed by a check of the live data to ensure things like:

Flywheel/Cyl 1 recognition is good/sync'd
Injector function is okay
Coolant and Air temp values look right/stable.
MAP sensor value looks correct (and is reporting "atmosphere" at engine off).

Then move on to other things that could cause issues such as fluid leaks from the engine and gearbox, blowing/gas leaks from the exhaust and most important of all... make sure all four wheels rotate freely as sticking brakes cause a lot of problems.

Mick

 

[adrian.clarke]

Thanks for the advice, unfortunately i cannot take it to a specialist around here to check these things, and i'm going to struggle explaining this in French. I'll see what i can do..

​Thanks!

 

[matt91]

i had something like this before it was down to a cheap set of bosch plugs, changed them over for some ngk and never had the problem since

 

[Cup_Phil]

Give it a full service - but also sounds like it could be the VVT actuator. If that's sticking then you'll be driving round everywhere with the inlet cam retarded.

 

[Ryanph1rs]

Can you buy a new vvti acuatior? And where frcromo have similar issues with mine I'm putting mine down to cheap ignition leads or poor fuel from

 

[Cup_Phil]

Not sure how much they are new - you can get them from renparts

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-S...rParts_SM&fits=Model:Clio&hash=item4168553250

I'd assume they're testable though too and would have thought if they've failed that the engine management light would be on

 

[zack40]

great company too renparts.....got my exhaust from them

 

[krappy]

I had something like this happening to my car a little while ago. Ended up cleaning the TDC sensor and haven't had it happen since...

 

[MicKPM]

Guessing... never an expensive route to fixing a car is it? Shame the French know nothing about vehicles unless it's a tractor

 

[domjolly]

Servicing plays a huge part and it is more than just screwing on an oil filter, replacing oil and replacing some elements.

Electronic checks should include a cursory check of fault codes to see if anything has been flagged followed by a check of the live data to ensure things like:

Flywheel/Cyl 1 recognition is good/sync'd
Injector function is okay
Coolant and Air temp values look right/stable.
MAP sensor value looks correct (and is reporting "atmosphere" at engine off).

Then move on to other things that could cause issues such as fluid leaks from the engine and gearbox, blowing/gas leaks from the exhaust and most important of all... make sure all four wheels rotate freely as sticking brakes cause a lot of problems.

Mick

Sorry to hijack the thred but how much are we talking for a service like this then, I usually do my own service and although I check fault codes I never understand all the sensor readings (obviously) on my rs tuner, would be interested to get all this checked out

 

[MicKPM]

These checks are standard with us on anything over an oil change... so £120-£230