Just a quickie - starting probs

[Soot2006]

Automatic transmission
Last service done a year ago, MOT in July, full service booked in for tomorrow.
Battery replaced in April 2007.

When I turn the key the car starts, but if I don't press down the accelerator, then the engine stops again. If I keep the accelerator pressed for a few secs I can drive off.

Does this sound like battery (already?) ...
Could it be linked to the lack of interim service (e.g. oil might be low (or even gone for all I know) or dirty?) ...

Just don't wanna sound like a completely mug when I drop it off tomorrow morning (even though I am a mug when it comes to cars)!

[hewhoisnotintheknow]

sounds like the idle is low, this could be something simple like a dirty sensor

If you were to drive the car for say 20 mins and then stop, turn it off and back on is it happy to start without you having to push the pedal down?

[Soot2006]

sounds like the idle is low, this could be something simple like a dirty sensor

If you were to drive the car for say 20 mins and then stop, turn it off and back on is it happy to start without you having to push the pedal down?

I tried that at the corner shop and it seemed little bit happier to start, but not much. The duration of needing the pedal down seems to be increasing by the day! Knowing my luck it just won't start when I try to take it to the garage tomorrow :rolleyes: ... If it's something like a dirty sensor, would they be able to find that out easily at the garage?

[TiTheRev]

Depends which garage you go to ;)

I'd suggest more likely to be throttle body, or air intake is blocked. A sensor wouldn't necessarily cause those symptoms. What car is it?

[Soot2006]

It's a Renault Clio, 1999, 72K miles (automatic).

The problem started suddenly and is getting worse and worse every day ...

[Reggie Rebel]

Automatic transmission

Could it be linked to the lack of interim service (e.g. oil might be low (or even gone for all I know) or dirty?) ...

Just don't wanna sound like a completely mug when I drop it off tomorrow morning (even though I am a mug when it comes to cars)!

Too late !!!

[Soot2006]

Too late !!!

You have access to the future?
Cause as far as I can tell it's still the 5th ...

[TiTheRev]

Too late !!!
:confused:

[TiTheRev]

It's a Renault Clio, 1999, 72K miles (automatic).

The problem started suddenly and is getting worse and worse every day ...
Not quite sure on the inner workings of Clio's but sounds like air starvation, which could be a breather pipe, throttle body, clogged air filter...?

[flang]

Sounds to be like the idle control valve is dirty and requires cleaning with some carb cleaner.

[TiTheRev]

Difficult to diagnose without seeing though...any good garage should be able to find it after a few tweeks and minutes inspection. You'd do better there than trying all the advice here!

[Soot2006]

Difficult to diagnose without seeing though...any good garage should be able to find it after a few tweeks and minutes inspection. You'd do better there than trying all the advice here!

LOL Yes!
My original post was hoping that someone would say: Oh yeah, that's of course the battery, you silly girl ;) ...
But as it's maybe not that clear cut, I'll make sure to mention it to garage tomorrow!

[TiTheRev]

Let us know how it goes, and what fault they find! 50p and a Twix bar to the nearest guess ;) :rotfl:

[tinkerbell84]

Could it be linked to the lack of interim service (e.g. oil might be low (or even gone for all I know) or dirty?) ...


:eek: :eek: :eek:

tell me you're not serious? you should be checking your fluid levels/tyre treads REGULARLY

you don't want to know how much a siezed engine (due to no oil) costs to replace.



Just don't wanna sound like a completely mug when I drop it off tomorrow morning (even though I am a mug when it comes to cars)!

as someone else said, too late.

perhaps you should get your car handbook out and read it ;)

[Soot2006]

Let us know how it goes, and what fault they find! 50p and a Twix bar to the nearest guess ;) :rotfl:

Will do ;) .


As for oil - yes I have oil ;). Check it before every longer trip, which is fairly often for me. Thing is , I usually have a service done every 6 months, but left it almost a full year and read something about oil getting "dirty" so was getting worried it might be linked to that.

[Soot2006]

And it was ...... the throttle body that needed "unclogging" according to my invoice ;). Car starting purrrrfectly again.

Thanks everyone!!

[mcjordi]

i think you owe the rev a twix and 50p lol

[Soot2006]

i think you owe the rev a twix and 50p lol

Totally!
PM me an address and it'll be on its way ;).