Renault Clio refusing to start - where do i start?
Variant: 1.4 Alize Auto
Model Year: 2001
Categories:
Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
I have a 2001 Renault Clio Alize Automatic, with starting problems.
When I purchased the car (month ago), the key fob never worked but I could open the doors and start the car. Then the starting got a bit tempermental. As it had been of road for a bit, we deceided to change the battery and for a few days the car was fine, with the occasional delay starting it. I realised one key started it and the other did not so continued to use the good key. Until the other day when the engine would turn but not fire up. I had the red immobiliser light flashing away at me on both keys. So called out my breakdown recovery. He didn't even look really, just said it was a key problem, send to Renault or look at scrapping the car!!
Anyway I said leave it on the drive and I'll see. I contacted Renault and they first recommended a lock smith near me which were pretty good, so I went and got another key cut. They cut a standard no fob key. I said I don't care as long as the engine starts. I got home it didn't start. It turned the engine like the other 2 keys but the immobiliser didn't flash on it. Anyway my mechanic come and took it the next day. He got it started with the new key (then the old key started it, but it did cut out around the corner. It took him a while to get it started again but he did and has since started it on and off on occasions.
I would like to have this car back at some point but reading some of the car forums on the internet, I am horrified of what a common problem the old fave clio has starting.
My questions are
Does the key always need that battery fob working to disable the immobiliser?
If it is immobiliser problem, why start sometimes and not others?
Can we bypass the immobiliser and how? Because it does start without the bleeper key, is there a chance it is not the immobiliser? I really dont want to waste lots of money trying 101 solutions that might not even work.
I am trying to avoid going to the dealer as I know I can't afford to. Please help somebody.
When I purchased the car (month ago), the key fob never worked but I could open the doors and start the car. Then the starting got a bit tempermental. As it had been of road for a bit, we deceided to change the battery and for a few days the car was fine, with the occasional delay starting it. I realised one key started it and the other did not so continued to use the good key. Until the other day when the engine would turn but not fire up. I had the red immobiliser light flashing away at me on both keys. So called out my breakdown recovery. He didn't even look really, just said it was a key problem, send to Renault or look at scrapping the car!!
Anyway I said leave it on the drive and I'll see. I contacted Renault and they first recommended a lock smith near me which were pretty good, so I went and got another key cut. They cut a standard no fob key. I said I don't care as long as the engine starts. I got home it didn't start. It turned the engine like the other 2 keys but the immobiliser didn't flash on it. Anyway my mechanic come and took it the next day. He got it started with the new key (then the old key started it, but it did cut out around the corner. It took him a while to get it started again but he did and has since started it on and off on occasions.
I would like to have this car back at some point but reading some of the car forums on the internet, I am horrified of what a common problem the old fave clio has starting.
My questions are
Does the key always need that battery fob working to disable the immobiliser?
If it is immobiliser problem, why start sometimes and not others?
Can we bypass the immobiliser and how? Because it does start without the bleeper key, is there a chance it is not the immobiliser? I really dont want to waste lots of money trying 101 solutions that might not even work.
I am trying to avoid going to the dealer as I know I can't afford to. Please help somebody.
Posted: Apr 30, 2010 (14 years ago)
Hi,
The problem you describe sounds like it could be caused not by the ignition key but by a faulty crankshaft sensor. This is fairly common.
As far as going to a main dealer is concerned it can be more cost effective in the long run because they have the correct diagnostic equipment and trained technicians etc so they can usually get a first time fix..
Let me know how you get on
Bucky
The problem you describe sounds like it could be caused not by the ignition key but by a faulty crankshaft sensor. This is fairly common.
As far as going to a main dealer is concerned it can be more cost effective in the long run because they have the correct diagnostic equipment and trained technicians etc so they can usually get a first time fix..
Let me know how you get on
Bucky
Posted May 1, 2010 (14 years ago)
Thanks for your help. I have said to my mechanic about the crank shaft sensor (funny enough, the only one he never cleaned up). He didn't seem to think so but of course now every thing is questionable. The only thing I am unsure of is the battery. Change the battery and it runs fine for a few days then does not start again but then would it even try to turn if the battery? It only had a brand new Bosch battery put in last Tuesday! I'm wondering if it could be as simple as the alternator needing reconditioning? The car does have 116 on the clock. Again the mechanic says once the alternator starts the car it's job is done.
He has taken the car now, so I can only wait to see what he has further to say.
Does an Auto Electrician have the same diagnostic tester as Renault?
Thanks again for your help, all advice very much appreciated.
He has taken the car now, so I can only wait to see what he has further to say.
Does an Auto Electrician have the same diagnostic tester as Renault?
Thanks again for your help, all advice very much appreciated.
Posted May 2, 2010 (14 years ago)
Bucky1963 (sorry I posted back in wrong column before).
Thanks the crank angle sensor by the gear box was changed and now the car starts everytime! I hope it continues.
Your help was appreciated.
Claire
Thanks the crank angle sensor by the gear box was changed and now the car starts everytime! I hope it continues.
Your help was appreciated.
Claire
Posted May 30, 2010 (14 years ago)
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