03 1.4 megane wont start! Help me find the problem!

[MEGANJA]

hi, so i have a 1.4 megane extreme 2003 plate. Heres the deal, I was just driving along, everything was perfect, until i moved into 2nd gear and all of a sudden everything just cut out, i rolled into the next street where i stopped and tried to restart the engine, but nothing, all it is doing is making a long noise which sounds like the fuel pump maybe? or could be the starter motor but with no spark? I really dont know what it is, it has no dash lights coming up and just simply will not make any normal noise when trying to start it up, just a long horrible sound! please help with a couple things that you guys might think is wrong?! THANKS!!

[davelowe]

Very odd. Can you be more specific about the sound? Is it a loud grinding noise? Does it only happen when crank the engine? Is the alternator belt intact? What is the battery voltage when everything is switched off? Are the engine and transmission mounts in good condition? Please post more specific details.

[MEGANJA]

Yeh it only happens when I press the start button, the noise lasts as long as I hold my finger on the start button, its not grinding noise or anything it is just a constant whiney noise, all i can describe it as really is the sound of the fuel pump? The battery is completly fine, the engine will not make its usual cranking sound at all? All I can think of is starter motor/spark plugs? Basically everything was fine and dandy with my car, no problems, everything intact, until this! Sorry iv tried to be as specific as poss! Please helllp !!

[davelowe]

Only thing that springs to mind is that the starter is spinning (the noise), but the solenoid is not advancing the cog into alignment with the crankshaft toothed ring.

Someone else might have a better idea, especially as this does not explain why the engine suddenly cut out...

[direstraits]

Try checking contacts on the starter, they might have become loose.

[davelowe]

Also check the alternator and battery connections for corrosion and soundness. Are you positive the battery is fine?

[MEGANJA]

cheers for all the sugestions guys im gunna go back to my car and hava lil browse about! il post back asap!

[MEGANJA]

snapped cam belt. BOLLOCKS!

[davelowe]

Bad luck. That would explain the noise - engine turning but no compression. Have you managed to find out the extent of the damage yet?

[direstraits]

Ouch. I hope there's no more damage than the cambelt.

[DJC013]

snapped cam belt. BOLLOCKS!

Good luck, hope is has not caused too much damage Regards Damian.

PS - How many miles has the car done ??

[MEGANJA]

Cheers lads and ladettes, its done 60,000 miles... I do not have a cluue yet, think Im just gunna get it fixed up (see ya later money) and sell the damm thing, I cannot be dealing with this renault no more!!

[DJC013]

Cheers lads and ladettes, its done 60,000 miles... I do not have a cluue yet, think Im just gunna get it fixed up (see ya later money) and sell the damm thing, I cannot be dealing with this renault no more!!

Hello, I think that the interval for changing the timing belt on your vehicle is 72000 miles / 5 years, whichever comes sooner, regards Damian.