Motoring Discussion > Clio not running properly but no engine light?	Miscellaneous
Thread Author: RattleandSmoke	Replies: 49

New Thu 1 Jul 10 21:45   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

My friends Clio now has no power it idles roughly. The revs are steady but it feels very rough at idle and the engine shakes quite badly as if it was running on three. Surely if it was the ECU light would be on? Its not had a service or oil change for over 30,000 miles now and I have offered to change her air filter as it must be well passed it but I am not touching the plugs as it is one of these coil pack rails. Not sure if this is technical enough to be in technical as it is more of a discussion about when the ECU light should come on. When the throttle is pressed there it is smooth so it is running on all four but after about 50 its flat no more power. Could be the MAF I guess. The other the biting point is very high, does anybody know if the Clio MK2 uses a cable or hydraulic clutch? The other thing the cambelt is now well over due, if this is slipping could be the timing causing the lack of power? It has nearly 80,000 miles on the clock now she bought it at 40,000 and its only been serviced once since she has owned the car :eek so I have no symapthy but just want to see if I can get it running a little bit better for her until her cam belt snaps. Something I might start taking bets on down the pub! Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 21:55   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - -

My advice Rattie, stand well clear of this one, once you get involved you'll feel or be made to feel somehow responsible when the thing costs an arm and leg to put right. If you must get involved i suggest getting some diamond tipped drills hopefully up to the task of cutting through the shale masquerading as oil in the sump..;) Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 21:57   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

You might be right actually, if I change the clogged air filter (about the only job I can do on this engine) and the cambelt snaps on the way home or the bonnet flies open I may get blamed. The problem is she just don't trust any back street. I reckon it only needs £60 spending on it to make it go a bit faster until she has to buy a new engine (e.g the belt goes). Its a shame really it was a damn good car when she bought it. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 21:58   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Zero

Cable clutch. - They break after they get stiff. The rough running is one of three Throttle body, Coil pack, crank sensor. Unles your prepared to see it through, or know what you are doing, leave it alone. The belt does not slip, it just breaks. It also needs a new water pump Last edited by: Zero on Thu 1 Jul 10 at 22:00 Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:01   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - swiss tony

>> The rough running is one of three>> >> Throttle body, Coil pack, crank sensor. Make that 4.... oil so dirty and thick, its taking most the engines power just to circulate said oil...... Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:02   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

But surely any of them would through up the warning light? Although having said that my Corsa would always suddenly lack power for no reason and no ECU light came on. In end I swapped the MAF as it is a very common problem on that car and it ran perfectly - until the head gasket blew. Hopefully the clutch issue is just the cable that needs adjusting, it dosn't appear to be slipping. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:04   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Zero

>> But surely any of them would through up the warning light? No, none of them will. In fact on that clio almost nothing brings up the warning light, Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 00:38   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - VxFan

>> The belt does not slip, it just breaks. Cambelts have been known to jump a tooth or two though, especially if some of the teeth are missing from it. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 21:57   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - swiss tony

(shakes head and walks away quickly........) How can anyone not even get the oil changed in that mileage? could well be the car needs a new engine - that will be more expensive than a few oil filters and oil would have cost her....... Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:00   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

That is girls for you :). I keep telling her to get the cam belt done, get the oil changed, her reply was you changed the oil. I told her, I never changed the oil I simply put some oil in because it was on min. I think she thinks its go because no warning lights have come on yet. It has a service indicator too and even that is not lit up. It was serviced when she got it at 40k and she had it serviced at I think 50-55k and its its on 75k I think now. So it has probably been 20k since the last oil change. The only work it has had from 40 to 75k is two new tyres and two new brake pads! The discs are bad but just gave an advisory for the MOT rather than a fail for that. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:02   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Zero

If its a mk2 It hasnt got a service indicator, Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:04   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

It does, when you turn the ignition the service light comes on for a second. Its a MK2 Phase 2 on an 04 reg. It is the 1.2 16v engine. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:05   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Zero

Its not a service light Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:08   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

Why does it say service then? In those exact words. There is three strange lights, 1) a coil diagram 2) The words "SERVICE" 3) The usual engine shaped ECU light. Seems strange. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:15   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Zero

the coil is for the diesel, the service light does not apply to the 1.2, and nothing much will bring the ecu light up. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:06   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Old Navy

Leave well alone is good advice, Rattle, would you let one of your amature computer fixing clients loose on your PC if it had a problem? Last edited by: Old Navy on Thu 1 Jul 10 at 22:09 Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:22   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Dog

>>The rough running is one of three Throttle body, Coil pack, crank sensor. << My money would go on the coil pack (singular) from the symptoms described. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:24   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - -

Fair to middling chance this poor neglected heap is running on the original spark plugs. If i was certifiable enough to have a go at it i'd sling a set of plugs at it first, however sanity prevails and i'd run like hell the other way, as Rattie should. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:27   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Bellboy

with an attitude like hers to servicing she should be not allowed a car her insurance should be voided too i hate to think if it has worn out pads/shoes and if a wheel is hanging off bet the inside is a tip too with burger wrappers and toenails all over Reply to this message | Report message       2

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:31   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

It is tidy inside :). As far as I am aware the rear drums have not been touched and the hand brake feels very loose. It really just highlights the reason I think the MOT is not strict enough. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:24   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - mikeyb

Rattle - its a French thing - My C5 says SERVICE whenever you turn on the ignition, but it appears to be warning light that comes on to indicate a fault rather than meaning Service me! Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:29   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

Thanks come to think of it it runs exactly like my dads Escort did when the coil pack went on that. Its probably caused by failing plugs too :(. I will tell her to take in for a service. I have a horrible feeling she will be driving a £10,000 five year old Micra from Carcraft by the end of the year. Not my problem now but I have been very bored with both the Panda and Fiesta working perfectly lately so its a bit of a distraction! I won't touch the car simply because I don't want the blame. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:33   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Stuu

This isnt the same Clio recently described as the mosy reliable car you know is it? Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:34   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

Yes indeed but I partly meant that because its never been maintained and yet still keeps going. I expected it to blow up long before now. Today was the first time I have been in when it wasn't running properly in my defence though. Actually I have a habit of killing cars don't I :(. Oops. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:52   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Lygonos

The car needs an engine service including plugs as well as someone to look at the timing belt, brakes, ancillary belts, etc. If the car has been running crap for months, fixing the engine might just be enough to enable something else to let go (eg. timing belt/clutch) with the 'new-found' power increase. Unless you're getting a shiny gearstick in return leave well alone. Not worth the potential to become grief. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 22:54   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Armel Coussine

Rattolo: when someone who hasn't maintained their car comes to you and says it's running badly, the thing to do is tell them to get it serviced by a proper person. If they can't do that, and want you to do it instead, then it's a completely different ball game. I'm not sure you are that sort of chap really. But in any case, they shouldn't wait till the thing is displaying faults and then consult a non-professional. Only a girl would do something like that, and not a very bright one. What does she think it is, an axe? Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 1 Jul 10 23:40   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Stuu

Id steer clear and let her have this practical and financial disaster all by herself. Only way to learn. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 09:44   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - hawkeye

>> Id steer clear and let her have this practical and financial disaster all by herself. ... >> her reply was you changed the oil Rattle's already involved. He's already lifted the bonnet and put some oil in so he's first in line when the blame starts being dished out. There's no way back once you've lifted the bonnet; to a gurl, it's like you've signed a contract guaranteeing everlasting motoring. Been there with my s-i-l and her late unlamented Morris Minor. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 11:02   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - FotheringtonTomas

It's worth about a ton as scrap metal. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 07:58   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - PeteW

>>The other the biting point is very high Perfectly normal on the 1.2 16V Clio. I had one from new in 2001 and it was very high then. you get used to it. As an aside, 5 months ago I bought the very same Clio for my wife (was being sold locally and just couldn't resist) - and the clutch is biting in exactly the same position, 79000 miles later! Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 10:08   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Mapmaker

I think that a set of new plugs and some new oil would be where I'd start. Air filter is fairly irrelevant in comparison. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 11:12   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Dog

>>Air filter is fairly irrelevant in comparison.<< I've seen injuns that wouldn't run at all until the air filter was surgically removed. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 11:37   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Ted

>> >> I've seen injuns that wouldn't run at all until the air filter was surgically removed. Same 'ere K9. remember the old Mini with its warm air intake swivelled to suck just where the exhaust leak always was ? .....and , it was the last thing you thought of after changing all the ignition and having the carb in bits to find out what was causing the misfire ! Ted >> Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 11:48   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

My dads Lada did the same. If the filter gets that blocked then the engine will just starve. My dad ran his Lada for years though without a filter or an oil change. It lasted till 67,000 miles until the gearbox went and the piston rings tour them selves apart. I think there was more bits of metal in the oil than oil itself. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 12:33   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Dog

>>Same 'ere K9<< I've lost count of the number of times I have come across a blocked air filter caused by a leaking exhaust manifold, and the resulting fouled sparkers, owl about the Hillman Imp air filter then Teddy! :D Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 12:21   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Mapmaker

Sorry, I was proposing putting the air filter in the bin. Clever diagnostic test... Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 11:00   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - FotheringtonTomas

Try "Technical". Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 11:38   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Ted

>> Try "Technical". Even better, try Cars for Sale ! Ted Edit...No don't, me ad's disappeared ! >> Last edited by: silence of the cams on Fri 2 Jul 10 at 11:40 Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 12:09   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Redviper

Can I agree with a earlier post above?. The “Service” light (Usually the word “Service” in yellow), on a Renault (of this era) doesn’t actually tell you its time for a service – its only purpose is to come on when another “fault” lamp comes on to (I suppose) draw your attention to it. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 12:23   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Bellboy

wait when she texts to say "ive just been down the dual sickle and my bonnets blown up" "did you fasten it down proper rattle ?" Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 12:31   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

Yep I tripple checked the bonnet was closed properly about six times. Always hate going it near it and I always wonder how her car will die. Either she crashed into the central reversavation because the bonnet flies open or the cambelt will snap. Told her many times to get it checked with Renault. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 12:29   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

That explains it better :). Hopefully its nothing more than a dodgy plug. It might be too soon to assume its the coil pack (which is on a rail so no HT leads) is duff before replacing the plugs. I think the cheapest way round this will be to go to a back street garage and just say "just replace the plugs/oil/filters" it should be less than £100. Then if all else fails there is always a big thread to getting your car serviced:- The alternative is one of these cgi.ebay.co.uk/lada-riva-estate-/270600061289?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f01054169 That will teach her a lesson! Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 12:38   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Dog

>>The alternative is one of these<< "A few marks here and there" ... give us break!! Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 12:40   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - DP

£155?! There's one born every minute. How the hell is a 13 year old Lada with no rent or ticket worth any more than beer money? You can get an early Mondeo estate for a hundred quid more. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 12:50   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Bellboy

rattle when you say.................I think the cheapest way round this will be to go to a back street garage do you mean literally a back street garage where lee and lance work or do you mean an independant garage where the owner/owners/workers are respected trustworthy and charge a reasonable rate without trying to pull your pants down i need to know because there is a difference and i am interested to see your opinion Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 13:08   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - RattleandSmoke

It depends. I use a very cheap back street garage who is good for cheap MOTs (legal, just cheap labour) and another one who is more expensive but is very good at the diagnoses. He is also good for free diagnoses tests, he has £2k worth of kit but dosn't charge me as he thinks its no work plugging in a plug. However on somebody elses car I would take it to respected garage who don't rip you off. I think what I am saying is I know what is wrong with the car the cheap backstreet is more than fine, the work he does is to a good standard, if I don't know what is wrong with the car I will take it else where. In the case of the clio the most obvious problem with it is it needs a basic service so there is no point on taking to a garage saying the car is running rough what is wrong with it. Because before you know they have done all the expensive trial and error crap. I know that Lada is a piece of over priced crap but it is for comedy effect, driving it is punishment, driving an old Mondeo is still too modern. Last edited by: RattleandSmoke on Fri 2 Jul 10 at 13:08 Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 13:26   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - FotheringtonTomas

>> me (Cars for Sale) ad's disappeared ! E by 'eck, so it has, I wonder why! Did you sell it? Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 13:54   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Ted

Not been doing owt with it recently. Still round the back. Might give it a spin on Morrisons' free notice board over the weekend. Simple cheap runabout for someone ! Ted Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 14:03   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Bromptonaut

Mother's Clio displayed similar symptoms; coil pack. But she had it serviced regularly. Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 2 Jul 10 21:52   Clio not running properly but no engine light? - Hard Cheese

>> The rough running is one of three>> >> Throttle body, Coil pack, crank sensor. .. .. .. or CTS (ccolant temp sensor) a known issue on Clios, the ECU gets a wrong engine temp reading so fuels a hot engine as if it is cold etc. The throttle body can be cleaned with V-Power etc and a hard run using the revs, even when new our Clio used to idle roughly on Tesco 95 ron, it was fine when switched to BP and Shell. The crank sensor can easiliy be removed and cleaned with Muck-Off or similar (without getting the connectors wet). I cured a friend's Megane by doing this. Reply to this message | Report message