First of all hello. I have owned this Espace - a 1988 TX2000 - since 1991, and it is one of very few now still in use on UK roads. At 112k it just keeps on passing MOT's, with no rust and no paint. Uses no oil, starts immediately even after a month of no use. These cars have a terrible reputation but mine has been epically reliable.
Still, it's currently having a few of its periodic electrical petit mal. The main issue is that the windscreen washers stopped working a couple of weeks ago. Although the pump was OK, it was on its last legs so I replaced it and the rear wiper pump too. I also substituted a new wiper/washer relay, checked the switch etc. I have 12v at the relay output to the washers when the switch is operated (good) and earth is fine at the pumps (12v direct from the battery and they work) but no actual volts are crawling down the wire from relay to pump (bad) This is a pale gray wire with a near invisible splash of yellow. According to Haynes appalling wiring diagrams it passes through a connector block, R11. Which is the next thing to check, for a bad contact, if only I can find it.
Hello,
Great to hear another Series 1 Espace is still on the road. Sorry I haven't been on here in a while so I have only just seen your posting. I run a 1990 Quadra Espace and use it all the time. Mine is now well over 300,000 kms so you have a lot to catch up with me!
You should forget the Haynes manual altogether really as it is hopeless when it comes to the Espace, especially those wiring diagrams. The problem is they copied the original diagrams from before the Espace was released (1984) and never updated them. Renault had already updated them by the time it was actually released!! I have much better info. since I worked for Renault UK as an RTE and have the updates that the dealer workshops used to get.
The most common failing with the windscreen washers was poor contacts in the column switch, and you either need to replace it or strip and repair it, but with the latter you need to be careful as it can be quite complex and fiddly.
If the relay is being switched on, and the power is coming out to go to the pump but not getting to the pump, then you have to trace the wiring and repair it or simply replace with a new wire, but if you replace it, make sure the old wire is cut out of the system altogether because if it was shorting to earth for instance or another circuit, you don't want to leave it in circuit at all.
As I am one of the original members of the Matra Enthusiasts Club UK and we support the Matra built Espace, you should consider joining the club. We have a number of Espace owners and I write articles on them from time to time. Alternatively you should join the Renault owners club who also support the early Espace as it is now considered one of their heritage vehicles. Either will provide help at times when you need it.
Roy