Non-starter

1998 Renault Clio 1,2 8v
Car: Renault Clio
Year: 1998
Variant: 1,2 8v
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
My son's Renault Clio 1.2 8v refused to start. Turn the key and it just clicked. Jump leads - just clicked. Charged battery - just clicked. Cleaned terminals - just clicked. Renewed earth strap - just clicked. Changed starter motor - just clicked. Tested both starter motors off the car - solenoid was being thrown out and starter motor turned over fast. Refitted starter motor. Disconnected switched lead to solenoid, touched a lead direct from the battery to the small solenoid connector - clicking coming from the ECU and somewhere else, perhaps from the distributor area, but starter motor still won't turn over when connected to the car.
Have ordered a second-hand ECU (in case it's that) but am worried in case the immobiliser has to be re-programmed - would this be affected by an ECU which is from another car? Apart from that, any other clues?
Problem added: May 12, 2010 (13 years ago)
You say you have renewed earth strap , was this the one at battery ? There is another one which gives problems and can be missed , see here for location .



I have found the earth strap !!!!!!

It was attached, but came off at the block with just a VERY light pull. I suspect it was hanging on by a thread of wire, which explains a lot. For those that need to know it is located off the front & end of the gearbox near the bottom, and connects to the chassis under the battery compartment, and is extremely hard to see (my defence) let alone get at, so my new one will be going on where it is not exposed to the elements and debris off the road.
Answered May 12, 2010 (13 years ago)

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