Car engine problem with Renault Clio mk2 1.2 8V?

Question

Can anyone please give some advice on our car problem? We have a 2001 Renault Clio mk2 1.2 8v with very low miles , around 42000, we started getting problems about a few months ago, what happens is if the car has been sitting over night or for a long period then after about 5 min driving you lose all power, pressing the accelerator does nothing, the car feels like it will stall but does not, if you press the accelerator down and keep it there it will eventually rev, if you then release the revs will go very low and again will feel like it will stall with engine shuddering, if you try and drive it's like kangaroo petrol I think the saying goes, now this happens for about 5 min and that's it! After that the car is perfect and this will not return until the car has sat again for a long period! I have paid a few hundred to get it repaired which did not resolve our issue! Now being told it's the throttle body and will cost us £310 + vat just for the part, we really don't have this kind of money for just a guess!! Any help would be great please.

Answer 1

Personally I would have thought that the throttle body was at fault. You could try asking around various local garages to see what others say, or alternatively ask a question on the Renault forum. It's very likely that others have experienced a similar problem and can advise you accordingly.

I had a similar problem with a Rover 400 many years ago, not quite so severe and that was throttle body slightly gunged up and was rectified with a good clean out.



http://www.renaultforums.co.uk/

Answer 2

It's impossible to diagnose these engine electrical faults over the net, it's difficult enough to diagnose when the thing's sitting in a garage in front of you to be honest.

It could well be the throttle body or the MAF sensor, or any one of a dozen other things. £310 sounds a bit steep for a Clio throttle though, maybe get a few more quotes.