1997 Renault Clio refuses to hold a fast idle at 2500rpm
Year: 1997
Variant: 1149cc RN Provence
Categories:
Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
The engine will idle steadily at most speeds from 800rpm up to 3000 rpm. But try to hold it at 2500 rpm for the MOT - after 10 - 15 seconds or so, it will start hunting between 2000 rpm and 2700 rpm. It regularly and repeatedly dies away and then picks up again!!
I have completely re assembled all the hoses several times and can find no obvious leak.
On start-up, the engine management light goes out within 3 seconds and remains out.
When being driven, performance below 2000 rpm is sometimes flat and improves with easing to a light pedal. Over 2000 rpm she is a very lively lady!!
I have completely re assembled all the hoses several times and can find no obvious leak.
On start-up, the engine management light goes out within 3 seconds and remains out.
When being driven, performance below 2000 rpm is sometimes flat and improves with easing to a light pedal. Over 2000 rpm she is a very lively lady!!
Posted: Mar 19, 2011 (13 years ago)
Checked timing ?
Posted Mar 19, 2011 (13 years ago)
Thanks Wittingehame, had not considered that, your suggestion about timing makes some sense (I can still remember the days of manual advance/retard) Is there any DIY method of veryfying this is the problem? Haynes suggests there is no means of checking settings and the fault will be in the engine management system?
The feared cost of going to a Renault dealer with a 14yo car freaks me out!
The feared cost of going to a Renault dealer with a 14yo car freaks me out!
Posted Mar 20, 2011 (13 years ago)
I can also remember the days of manual advance/retard , dist bob weights etc .Long gone now I'm afraid . It was the cambelt timing I thought might be worth checking , and also if any leaks at inlet manifold / vacuum hoses or pipes .If belt has stretched or worn and jumped a tooth or more it would throw timing out .Hope this helps .
Posted Mar 20, 2011 (13 years ago)
Thanks again Whittingehame (hopefully spelt correctly this time)I did fit a new timing belt 7000 miles ago and managed to get it one tooth out first time! so will check this out again. But i'm not quite sure how this might cause the engine to hunt at certain speeds and not others? When driving at around 2000 rpm, sometimes she goes flat, and then for no apparent reason, the power just cuts in and she is away!!!
Posted Mar 20, 2011 (13 years ago)
Could possibly be belt jumped and timing now retarded , making it flat ? But could be wrong and something else might be causing it . Plugs o.k ? Lets know how you get on if still having problems ,
Posted Mar 20, 2011 (13 years ago)
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