Turning over but won't start

[thegreasyweasel]

So for the last few weeks my Trophy's start ups have been getting.... Bumpy.

Turn the ignition... and instead of starting straight away, the sound of everything 'turning over' but no actual engine ignition. (think of the sound of a car not starting in the movies and you've got the sound is the best way to describe it) But A few goes and then success!
But two weeks ago she turned over... no ignition no matter how I tried. Ran the battery into the ground trying.
booked her into the local garage. They say it's the spark plugs and fit new ones. And for the last 14 days she starts straight away every time.

but tonight she turned over.... and only 'just' started after 12 goes.

The garage did a diagnostic which showed a lambda sensor fault... so they say.

I used to go to Fred at BTM who would no doubt no doubt know what this was in a jiffy and I'm based in Burmingham (sic).

Could it be the lambda? Or any other suggestions to point my mechanic in the right direction?

All advice appreciated (including a decent Renault mechanic in Birmingham)

Mat

 

[hoolio]

Fairly unlikely to be the lambda. Could be a fair few things. check the the immobiliser is shutting down correctly, TDC sensor may be worth a clean. Coil pack? Not sure. I had an ongoing problem from new that it went in for a bunch of times, one of the pins of a relay in the fuse box, instead of sliding into the connector had pushed it down and was every so often breaking contact. That was a bastard to solve.

 

[TonkaTruck]

TDC sensor (crank sensor) if there is a bad connection it wont fire, but after a while of cranking the engine shaking around sometimes moves the plug around enough to sort it out, can be fine for a few weeks... give it a clean and try...

 

[ba7raini]

Just had the same problem, fuel pump wasn't working, turned out to be the relays. Hope this helps.

 

[thegreasyweasel]

Mint. I'll get my grease monkeys onto it.

Since BTM went away who do people use in Birmingham now does anyone know? I'd much rather have people who know older Clios poke around in her.

 

[spoonhunter]

If you are south Birmingham area try Trevor at Peak Revs Upton Snodsbury (about 10 mins from M5 J6). He looks after mine just fine (has diagnosed fault codes, power steering leak, poor braking etc). 01905 381115. You will need someone to drop you off though - no public transport near

 

[thegreasyweasel]

So after many ‘fail to starts’ I’ve narrowed it down to dampness.
Each non start has been either in rain or drizzle, with her firing up like a champ once it’s dry again.

Off to the garage I guess!