Hi all.
I've got a '94 RT Alize 2L fuel injected (petrol), which over the winter has become very difficult to start. It cranks fine, but is very reluctant to fire consistantly to start with. If I persevere and do get it going, it's then fine, and there is no problem when restarting from hot. It's been to the garage (not a main dealer) and had the O2 sensor, water temp sensor, distributor cap & leads, plugs & fuel filter changed, but it's made no difference. The garage suggested it might be something to do with the immobiliser, which we never use, but I would have thought it unlikely.
Any suggestions for what I could try next?
This sounds like a temperature sensor or air valve at fault, Lance. Did they really change the correct sensor, as there are two close together... One is for the gauge and the other for the injection computer. Second, is the signal reaching the computer? Renaults often have wiring/connection problems so the next step is to check the continuity.
Since it runs fine once hot, I doubt there is much wrong with the other sensors, but the air valve is the other most likely culprit. This is controlled by the injection computer once it has the temperature data from the sensor. The valve on my Espace was faulty recently, even though it was clean and free to rotate. First you need to check yours is clean and free because they do get carboned up. If it is free, like mine it still might be faulty and need replacing.
Roy