ClioSport.net

Register a free account today to become a member!
Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more here.

Likely to be the starter?



Darren S

ClioSport Club Member
I've touched on this in other posts, but I'm getting a weird non-crank issue when the car is warm and I go to start it. Absolutely nothing - lights, fans and dash comes on fine, but will not attempt to spin over.

First thing in the morning - it fires up no issue. If I leave it at work all day and then head home, again - no problem.

The last couple of days, I've got home and switched it off. Tried to restart it and it fired up again. Got back home tonight and repeated that, only to be met with total silence once more.

Went out about two hours later to try and start it - it cranked once and then stopped. Trying the key once more again, was complete silence.

It seems closely linked to how warm the engine is. Is the likely culprit a sticking solenoid in the starter itself?
 

Brigsy

ClioSport Club Member
  T.Turbo
Might be wiring. Check all connections and check the starter exciter wire is giving a good 12v in the crank position.
 

Mr Trailer Man

ClioSport Club Member
I had the odd non start issue on my old 182.

Turned out to be the starter relay in the fuse box. (G) On diagram.

When it does it again, swap G relay with E and see if that does anything.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20250317-214925.png
    Screenshot_20250317-214925.png
    536.3 KB · Views: 24

Adamm.

ClioSport Club Member
I had similar issues on my old 182 and it was the connectors for the starter had corroded. Worth a try cleaning them up as it's a fairly easy fix.
 

Sash

ClioSport Club Member
  A Yellow One
Literally just done this job on my Megane. The most frustrating thing ever driving somewhere then it not starting without a bump 🤦🏼‍♀️ of which I owe a MASSIVE thanks to Ash Gourlay and the other random dude for pushing me round a muddy farm track in the pitch black a while back when it wouldn’t start 🤦🏼‍♀️

IMG_4319.jpeg


My advice… give it to someone else to do 🤣
 

Darren S

ClioSport Club Member
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone - aiming to get the starter swapped with Nightingales as soon as they have availability.

As far as I'm aware, the heatshield should still be in place as I've certainly never moved it. I believe from the engine rebuild pics I had at AW Motorworks five years ago, it's still visible on there too. Corroded connectors do sound like a likely candidate also - especially as the start is the original item.

I'll definitely try that relay swap that James suggests tonight as well - see if that makes any difference. (y)
 

Gus

ClioSport Moderator
  182Turbo,DCi90
Might just be the cable to the starter.

This will take 5 mins and well worth a go:

There is a spade connector that is attached to the starter motor.

Wait till the car is cold then stick your hand between the middle two exhaust manifold pipes and get right down to the starter. Feel for the spade connector and see if it's loose.

With a pair of pliers squeeze the connector on the cable to make it bite on to the spade a bit more.
 

Darren S

ClioSport Club Member
Might just be the cable to the starter.

This will take 5 mins and well worth a go:

There is a spade connector that is attached to the starter motor.

Wait till the car is cold then stick your hand between the middle two exhaust manifold pipes and get right down to the starter. Feel for the spade connector and see if it's loose.

With a pair of pliers squeeze the connector on the cable to make it bite on to the spade a bit more.
I assume it's worth disconnecting the battery first before putting my hand anywhere down there.... ;)

Check on the relays earlier and swapped G with E. Made no difference unfortunately. The retaining clip for the relay cover snapped off as well when I was taking the cover off. Not sure if that will rattle like a b**ch now.
 

Mr Trailer Man

ClioSport Club Member
I assume it's worth disconnecting the battery first before putting my hand anywhere down there.... ;)

Check on the relays earlier and swapped G with E. Made no difference unfortunately. The retaining clip for the relay cover snapped off as well when I was taking the cover off. Not sure if that will rattle like a b**ch now.

Be fine mate.

The clip was broken on my 182 the whole time I had it and never rattled or came off.

Relays was worth a try but definitely some sort of heat related issue on yours.
 

Darren S

ClioSport Club Member
Didn't get to use the endoscope today as it needed a recharge, so most likely tomorrow.

Having swapped the pink relays over for testing yesterday, I gave them a once over from the little bit of oxidisation that some of them had on their pins. Will get those slotted back in tomorrow too.

1742423962294.png
 

Mr Trailer Man

ClioSport Club Member
Didn't get to use the endoscope today as it needed a recharge, so most likely tomorrow.

Having swapped the pink relays over for testing yesterday, I gave them a once over from the little bit of oxidisation that some of them had on their pins. Will get those slotted back in tomorrow too.

View attachment 1735494

A squirt of ACF-50 or XCP Rustblocker will stop them from getting corroded again.
 

Darren S

ClioSport Club Member
Got the endoscope down there to check on the starter. Surprisingly looked quite tidy and the heatshield is definitely in place.

Given how tricky it was to use an endoscope in the confines of that space, 100% confirmed that I wouldn't attempt to swap the starter out myself. The garage can have that hassle, thankfully!
 

OliverD

ClioSport Club Member
  Renault Clio 172
I’ve had the same issue twice on 182 and both times it ended up being the earth strap that had corroded.
 

ex-Chinese Dave

ClioSport Club Member
Had an old Escort van at work (ex-British Gas van .. 200 million miles on the clock!) that did this. Turned out it was an earthing connection from the starter to the body that was loose and had rusted.
 


Top