Spot of bother with a Megane

Aug 02, 2004 7 Replies

Afternoon all,



For a while now, I've been having some trouble with my 1999 (phase II) Renault Megane. Most of the time, it runs fine. However, it will sometimes refuse to start - turns over fine on the starter, but it doesn't fire, or even splutter as though it's trying to fire - nothing at all. This will continue for a few minutes; after numerous attempts, it will finally start as though there was never anything wrong.



I'm undecided as to whether this is temperature related. It *may* be more common when the thing's hot (my sister drives it mostly, so I've only seen this problem a few times). However, I'd imagine it's probably not a sensor, since it starts and runs fine most of the time, and doesn't seem to have any stored fault codes (engine check light doesn't illuminate).



My best guess is that it's the immobiliser playing up. However, I have no information on how that works (problem occurs with both the ignition keys, though these unlock the doors fine). Does anyone know if this is a common problem with Meganes? ("Characteristic of the model, sir...")



Cheers,



Brian.


No, Clio's are affected too- its the immobilizer failing to recognise the chip in the key. There is a TSB which deals with it, which involves replacing the keys, the antenna, running a new separate screened lead twix antenna and ECU and a software update. This 95% fixes the problem.

Tim..

Cheers, Tim!

Hell, this sounds like it'll be expensive, though, and that's annoying, especially since it sounds like a design fault, rather than anything I've done wrong! Bah!

Other suggestions I've heard which can cause problems include the TDC sensor and a fuel pump relay. Sensor looks to cost about 14 quid, so I might stick a new one of those on it, just in case that fixes it. I'm not that hopeful, though - if the sensor was at fault, I think I'd expect it to run badly as well as just refuse to start...

Brian.

I couldn't have put it better myself!

Bloody thing has cost me getting on for 800 GBP in servicing and repairs already this year, and the dealer wants another 400 GBP to change the cambelt (which, to judge from Haynes, looks a sod of a job - needs special Renault tools, and I don't fancy trying it myself!)

If it was an Aston Martin or a Bentley, I'd accept this sort of bill as the price of high living. But it's not. It's a bloody Renault. It's meant to be a simple family car!

Bah!

Brian.

Try a non dealer, they're fiddly but AST sell the kits to change the belt & they're not that expensive.

Just to close this thread, and for the benefit of anyone googling for a similar problem, I think I now have it fixed. I've replaced the TDC sensor (20 quid from a dealer), and the problem seems to have gone away. It seems that they're affected by the heat (it's mounted right next to the cylinder head and just above the clutch), and start to give trouble when starting a hot engine...

Brian.

A good percentage for Renault, then.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required