Gaffer Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 I need someone to point me in the right direction with my old car. It's been sat on a drive for the last year, with the battery dead, and with the new year I need to either fix it and sell it or scrap it. I need to fix up it up pretty sharpish, It's a 51 plate Renault Clio. I changed the battery yesterday, and the dash now lights up, with the heater, lights etc working. But when I turn the key, there is nothing. I've been told that if the lights don't dim when you try to start up, there is no power to the starter motor or something? Anyway, if anyone knows someone that would be willing to come out and fix it (I'd pay for labour, parts and hassle) or can suggest what the next step to fix it myself would be, I'd appreciate it!
Gaffer Posted 6 January 2013 Author Posted 6 January 2013 Any way I would know? (Never fixed anything on a car in my life)
SystonFox Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 Alternator gone as well perhaps？ Definitely. And possibly starter motor too. How to fix these I don't know. Sorry
Saxondale Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 Alternator gone as well perhaps？ Definitely. And possibly starter motor too. How to fix these I don't know. Sorry Alternator shouldn't have any bearing if it's a full battery.
Gaffer Posted 6 January 2013 Author Posted 6 January 2013 Definitely. And possibly starter motor too. How to fix these I don't know. Sorry Just looked online, alternator's are going for £130, Ouch.
Webbo Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 Get it to a good mechanic. You might buy an alternator and find out it was something else.
Zingari Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 can you hear a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment when you turn the key ?
Saxondale Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 Just looked online, alternator's are going for £130, Ouch. Don't think it's the alternator. Bump start the car and run it for a bit. Turn it off and try and start it again. The starter motor may be jammed. If it doesn't free up, manually turning the engine backwards might free it.
Gaffer Posted 6 January 2013 Author Posted 6 January 2013 can you hear a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment when you turn the key ? Yes there is? Well It's kind of in the cab and under the bonnet? Also it's only the one click, not continuous. Don't think it's the alternator. Bump start the car and run it for a bit. Turn it off and try and start it again. The starter motor may be jammed. If it doesn't free up, manually turning the engine backwards might free it. Will do, thank you for your help!
The Year Of The Fox Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 Don't think it's the alternator. Bump start the car and run it for a bit. Turn it off and try and start it again. The starter motor may be jammed. If it doesn't free up, manually turning the engine backwards might free it. ie bang it in reverse and try
Zingari Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 Yes there is? Well It's kind of in the cab and under the bonnet? Also it's only the one click, not continuous. It's probably the starter motor then , the solenoid ( or relay) is engaging but the motor is not turning . as others have said try bump starting it and then you can check out the rest .( alternator etc) Best to try bump starting in a high gear ( say third ) if it's been standing so long
Gaffer Posted 6 January 2013 Author Posted 6 January 2013 It's probably the starter motor then , the solenoid ( or relay) is engaging but the motor is not turning . as others have said try bump starting it and then you can check out the rest .( alternator etc) Best to try bump starting in a high gear ( say third ) if it's been standing so long I'll try tomorrow, thanks
Wycombe Fox Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 I once had a starter motor problem. A mechanic told me to put the car in 2nd gear and rock the car forwards and backwards, one person at the front, one at the back, in an attempt to un-jam it. Make sure the handbrake is off. Might be a cheap fix worth trying. Another cheap fix is to tap the starter motor casing with a hammer - not too hard though - as it can release the spring-loading mechanism.
Saxondale Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 I once had a starter motor problem. A mechanic told me to put the car in 2nd gear and rock the car forwards and backwards, one person at the front, one at the back, in an attempt to un-jam it. Make sure the handbrake is off. Might be a cheap fix worth trying. Another cheap fix is to tap the starter motor casing with a hammer - not too hard though - as it can release the spring-loading mechanism. This. A bit of WD40 or similar penetrant won't harm either.
Zingari Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 In the good old days you could start it up with a cranking handle . OK you'd probably break your thumb or put your back out , but at least your car would start.
Mack Posted 6 January 2013 Posted 6 January 2013 The starter motor is probably a bit siezed up after all the time doing sod all. First thing to do is check the oil, water and brake fluid as you dont want to get it started after all the time to do more damage. As someone else has said put it in gear and rock it to free the starter motor. Then give her a turn. If no luck get some herberts to help you bump start it, once going take it for a run and warm everything up but be careful as after all the time the brakes will need using a bit to get them going.
Saxondale Posted 6 April 2013 Posted 6 April 2013 Competent advice needed! I planned to remove my car's EGR valve today and give it a clean but I'm concerned that, in doing so, I'll have to replace the gasket when putting it back or risk losing pressure with dire consequences. Is it normal when removing the EGR valve to replace the gasket each time or should I be able to get away with fitting the old one back? Cheers.
Guest Posted 6 April 2013 Posted 6 April 2013 Competent advice needed! I planned to remove my car's EGR valve today and give it a clean but I'm concerned that, in doing so, I'll have to replace the gasket when putting it back or risk losing pressure with dire consequences. Is it normal when removing the EGR valve to replace the gasket each time or should I be able to get away with fitting the old one back? Cheers. You have a problem with your Early Growth Response? If you play with your valve you may blow a gasket. I'd recommend letting someone else handle your valve for you.
Guesty Posted 6 April 2013 Posted 6 April 2013 Get a proper mechanic to check it. I had this problem once an old school mechanic said that'll be your battery, he changed it - didn't help. Same thing with the alternator and starter motor. Turned out it was the ignition switch which had burnt out. If your a member of the AA or RAC, call them out. That way they can at least tell you what's wrong and what you ned to replace. Edit: Just realised the original question was asked 3 months ago and someone else has asked something new - ignore me.
pSinatra Posted 6 April 2013 Posted 6 April 2013 Competent advice needed! I planned to remove my car's EGR valve today and give it a clean but I'm concerned that, in doing so, I'll have to replace the gasket when putting it back or risk losing pressure with dire consequences. Is it normal when removing the EGR valve to replace the gasket each time or should I be able to get away with fitting the old one back? Cheers. Have you considered blocking it off? I would be interested in any reply anyone can give you. I've actually been investigating this myself. I have a diesel Berlingo van that doesn't really give the sort of economy I would expect. Some people have suggested blocking it off, but it might just mean giving it a clean? I was leaning towards blocking it off until I spoke to a mechanic who was against the idea.
Saxondale Posted 6 April 2013 Posted 6 April 2013 Get a proper mechanic to check it. I had this problem once an old school mechanic said that'll be your battery, he changed it - didn't help. Same thing with the alternator and starter motor. Turned out it was the ignition switch which had burnt out. If your a member of the AA or RAC, call them out. That way they can at least tell you what's wrong and what you ned to replace. Eh? I've not broken down, it's just some routine maintenance. Have you considered blocking it off? I would be interested in any reply anyone can give you. I've actually been investigating this myself. I have a diesel Berlingo van that doesn't really give the sort of economy I would expect. Some people have suggested blocking it off, but it might just mean giving it a clean? I was leaning towards blocking it off until I spoke to a mechanic who was against the idea. I just just think giving to a clean is a healthy thing to do as they tend to get mucked up. If cleaning it gives some improved performance / economy I'll be happy, if not nothing lost! I've never heard of people blocking them off. I wouldn't have thought it's a good idea because they help to reduce emissions and bypassing it it could lead to you failing an MOT on exhaust emissions.
Julian Joachim Jr Shabadoo Posted 6 April 2013 Posted 6 April 2013 I was told by a competent mechanic that the simplest way to clear an EGR valve is to just thrash your car for about 30 minutes once a month. I had to have mine replaced on a Megane last year, £500 because they had to take the entire engine out. 2 months later the turbo died and cost £1,000 to refurbish. Needless to say I don't miss that piece of shit car in the slightest
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