Starting Problem

[robukni]

Hi everyone i have a problem with my megane when starting.

When i try to start the car when it is cold it will start but there is a loud clicking type noise and then the car cuts out. However starts perfectly the next time i start it.

It only does this the first time starting when cold, always starts how it should second time.

Also when its cold i find there is power loss and can be very chuggy. Once it warms though it runs perfect.

The model is a 2004 1.6 16v megane.

Any ideas?

[trev]

That is exactly the same problem mine is having at the moment, has caused me to finally reject it. Would llike to know what it is myself, just for interest....?

[CanadianMike]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08JaSGsrFM0

is it doing this? that is what mine used to do, and does once or twice when its really cold outside

[robukni]

Nope mine will always go second time.

And it makes a loud clicking noise like i have already said. However if i give it some revs it wont die out.

[AlexB]

Someone suggested ages ago that it is all about oil draining out of the dephaser pulley actuator. If you rev the engine in this condition, then the dephaser may suffer. The cause of this problem may be similar to the usual story with hydraulic lash adjusters, which fail if oil is bad. Unfortunately, people who experienced this problem never performed "post-mortem" on the failed part -- it would be interesting to see the report. Did you ever attempted a so-called long service interval or used a non-synthetic oil?

[robukni]

I do very little miles a year about 6000 and i get it serviced every year. Not sure what oil though.

As long as it isn't doing any damage i can cope with it as it doesn't do it all the time.

Is it an expensive job to replace the dephaser pulley?

Also i once had the toxic fume filter light come on. I Stopped the car and turned it off. I then started the car and the light hasn't came on since. that was about 3 months ago.

[AlexB]

robukni,

Someone with your engine may know the answer better. Otherwise, ask the dealer about the parts and labour time -- they know. The dephaser is replaced after removing the timing belt, so it is significantly more expencive than the "big" service. On the other hand, it will cost you just the parts, if doing it DIY (the manuals are pointed at in my message in the Links section). Everything depends upon your preferences.

The toxic fumes light is not good. So, your engine rattles at start and smokes while driving. You need to diagnose it properly. Start with checking the condition of the spark plugs and reading OBD codes.

[IainMW]

Toxic Fume Filter messages are usually caused by a failed/failing coil pack

Kiss goodbye to £600ish to have your Dephaser Pulley replaced by Renault.

[robukni]

Frig that think ill sell it first before i pay that.

What if i continue to drive it?

The last few mornings i have been out in it, it started fine.

The light only came on for about 5 seconds three months ago.

[IainMW]

What if i continue to drive it?

Well when it does finally fail completely the the car will run like a complete dog!

No power, poor fuel consumption, lots of noise?

You will be able to get it done at a good independant garage for less but I don't know how much?
It's worth while getting a few quotes though!

I do know that there is a set proceedure that has to be followed and if it is not then you will still have problems even with a new Dephaser!!!

There have been a number of posts about this. try searching for Dephaser Pulley (it will bring back lots!)

[AlexB]

Is it possible that the noise is caused by excessive vibration of the engine when one cylinder misfires? If so, then it is "just" a coil. These coils must be installed with using some special insulating grease.

Someone described earlier how he repaired a coil. Try to find it. In any case, a failing coil might result in black deposits on the plug. Remove them and inspect visually.

[idefix]

Hi I have posted a similar tread i see just near yours somewhere, check out this link to see if you have any of these noises. I was told that noise 2 could just be the starter in need of replacing/ or not. It was not harmful to the engine they said ... i am not sure

https://eigenmatrix.org/tag/dephaser-pulley

[TehSniper]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08JaSGsrFM0

is it doing this? that is what mine used to do, and does once or twice when its really cold outside

This is what my car keeps on doing, is there a solution please?

[TehSniper]

starting problem solved, had the car back to the garage and they have cleaned the throttle bodies and tweaked it on the ecu and now starting is not a problem