Megane starting problems

[bb193]

I am experiencing starting problems with my Renault Megane. Can you help?

It is an automatic, around 1998.

Intermittently, the car won’t start. You turn the key, and there is nothing – no click, no starter motor, nothing. This is not really like the immobiliser as that turns the engine over and then cuts out. It is more like it is not in Park or Neutral. I don’t think it is getting power through to the starter motor as the lights don’t dim when you try to start it.

Waggling the key doesn’t help. Waggling the gear lever doesn’t help. Locking and unlocking the car doesn’t help. The only way I can get it to start is to turn the key and hold it – for minutes if necessary. Often it will suddenly start. Sometimes that doesn’t help – it goes on for hours.

It seems to be heat related. It rarely happens when the car and engine is cold – or very hot (just stopped). It happens when you have been driving the car and then stop for half an hour, an hour or even two. It does it more in the Summer, and rarely/never does it in the Winter.

It did it rarely when we first got it. The garage put it on ‘the computer’ and found nothing – returning it as ‘Fault Not Found’. Winter came and the warranty ran out.

I have just had the starter motor checked, and they replaced the bushes. It still does it - but it may be slightly less?.

If you can offer any help, it is gratefully received.

[bhigson]

I have exactly the same problem with my Renault 1.6 Alize 1998 model. It has happened twice.

I left it overnight hoping it would fix itself, but no such luck.

Have you got any further with this problem?

Thanks

Bob

[nudda]

Yup this is a quite straight forward problem to fix.

I dont know EXACTLY how to fix it but basically theres about an inch long cable in the start motor part (its visible from under the car) and this is exposed to oxygen and water which carodes it and its very weak. Basically, just replace that wire with a new one which has a plastic coating (so water cant get in again) and your all set !

I had this problem a few months ago but the AA man did a super job and fixed it for me ... saved me a lot !

Good luck !!

[marko18]

hi there,
i got the same problem with a renault megane 1.6 2001 modal.
it just wont start in the mornings and its internitant fault????
can u help me please mate!!!!!

[mact76]

Can you teel me where i can find the information on how to change this cable i live in the netherlands and don't speak the lingo if i had some informatiom to show the garage it would helpa lot .I have just started to have the same starting problems sometime i find if i hold the key on ignition for a few seconds it starts

[iotrez]

Originally Posted by mact76

I have just started to have the same starting problems sometime i find if i hold the key on ignition for a few seconds it starts

Hi,

I have this exact same problem, the engine turns over but wont start. It usually happens when the engine is hot after stopping for petrol or something.

Does anyone have any more information on replacing the wire that nudda mentioned above? Or any other ideas?

Thanks alot.