Renault Megane 2.0 VVT Dynamique 2004 Model

[eastokel]

Hi,

Could someone please try and enlighten me on my problem with my new car. I have taken it into Renault and have had a Diagnostics check done but don't really seem to be satisfied with why my problem still occurs.

Basically, every now and then when I start the car (using the break pedal) the engine will stall. When going to start again, I cannot depress the break pedal as it has gone hard ......... firstly, not really sure why the engine stalls anyway as nothing came up on the diagnostics check about the timing. The car has only done 28,000 miles. Secondly, not sure why the brake pedal goes hard so that I cannot start it that way again ........

NB: I have a malfunction with my central locking. Could this be related to the stalling/starting problems. Although Renault did not really pick up on this when I took it into them .....

Thanks very much ....

Kelly

[AlexB]

Hi Kelly and welcome!

Looks like your throttle body needs cleaning. It is a simple operation, so it makes sense to start with it. There can be other options, for example the brake booster leaking air in the intake, thus making the mixture lean, or something else. There is a manual in my message in Links, btw.

As for the brake pedal -- it has a vacuum booster which helps to press it. If the engine is not running, the vacuum will be exhausted after depressing the pedal a couple of times. Anyway, I usually start the engine with the clutch depressed, which reduces engine load by disconnecting the gearbox.

I hope someone with a similar engine will come for help, my car is different. If Ray reads this message, could he please move this thread into the Ownership Problems section.

[renier]

I would definitely go for a cleaning of the throttle body as well. When I bought my 2.0 16V secondhand, it had done even far less miles and still the throttle body needed a desperate cleaning. It had a lot of starting problems like you describe.

After that, never had any starting problems anymore.

With a manual gearbox, it's always wise to make it a habit to start with the clutch depressed, otherwise when you forget to put it in neutral before you start, you will have serious problems with your insurance... .

Mine is an automatic, so I only have to depress the brake pedal to be able to start

[AlexB]

It will refuse to start in gear with the clutch engaged -- there is a sensor for that.

...
With a manual gearbox, it's always wise to make it a habit to start with the clutch depressed, otherwise when you forget to put it in neutral before you start, you will have serious problems with your insurance... . . .

[renier]

Stupid!

That's not how I learnt it