renault clio problem please help

happilass

Hi, i have a renault clio which has been great, Y reg.. I went out to use it about 20 minutes after last using it this afternoon and it just wouldnt start. I got a jump start and it was fine to get me home but it would not start after that. We charged the battery but still no go. Then we had the battery tested and bought a new one on the advice of the salesman. It still won't work. There is nothing, just a click when we turn the key in the ignition. The car wouldn't lock either. Please help we have no idea what to try next.
Thanks in advance,
Happi (but not at the moment!)

happilass

Hi again,
i have just tried the key again and the lights and locking now work since we put the new battery on but there is still no starting it.

harveybobbles

Duff connection somewhere. Or alternator is faulty.

harveybobbles

Or, if everything is working but the thing wont start - it could be an immobiliser problem...

happilass

Hi harveybobbles,
how will i know which one it could be? How can we reset the immobiliser, or whatever one does to put it right.? Thanks so much for your suggestions I'm really gratful as I'm in dire straits if we can't fix it for work tomorrow.
Happi

harveybobbles

You could try tapping the starter motor with a hammer or other solid object as it could be sticking.

harveybobbles

does the immobiliser light flash once you have the ignition on? If so, this could point to an immobiliser fault. If not, then battery, alternator, starter or just a typical crap French wiring job!
Renaults were prone to having wiring fauts to the starter motors, so could be a simple diy job for the right person.

happilass

Hi,
thanks again but nope that ain't it either. I am just baffled that it was going as usual, never once even needing to turn the key more than once to start it then it just wouldn't do anything, just that clicking sound and the lights and locks wouldn't work. Now they do but no starting. How can that be? its so frustrating and I can't get any help at this time of night. But thanks for your suggestions harveybobbles.
Happi

MILLWALLFC

Hi i had the exact same problem. you need a new TDC sensor and they cost about £15. Please see this Forum half way down for pictures.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/advice/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17192&whichpage=45

A little advice when you turn the key pump the accerlator and this will normally start the car. This is whilst keeping the key fully turned so the engine is making a noise.

happilass

Hi,
thanks MILLWALLFC the problem is that after 20 minutes of not using it it has not started again, except when we jump started it. It is not an intermittant problem like the one on the forum. There are possibilities for posting on that forum though so thanks for the link.
Happi

MILLWALLFC

Just reread your post, yes when my Clio had the fault the engine was turning over not just making a click. Could it be the earth wire to the battery.