Car Problem - Help!

sandy10 · 25 Oct 2010 at 21:18

My gf has a Renault Clio 1.2, 2000 plate.

Today, there's been a problem which hasn't happened before - perhaps someone could please diagnose it?

Essentially, whichever gear you are in, when you push the throttle, the car initially is very shuddery and sluggish, until it reaches a certain amount of revs, then acellerates normally - changing up a gear repeats the process.

Is it an exhaust problem?

Thanks in advance.

Finglonga · 25 Oct 2010 at 21:22

Is it miss firing? Could be one of the coils breaking down under load.

Maz · 25 Oct 2010 at 21:24

HT Leads?

sandy10 · 25 Oct 2010 at 21:25

Not at all misfiring, just very sluggish upon accelleration, until it "bites" normally

Maz · 25 Oct 2010 at 21:26

sandy10 said:
Not at all misfiring, just very sluggish upon accelleration, until it "bites" normally

Sounds like HT leads to me, but could be something else.

But HT leads are cheap and easy to replace.

sandy10 · 25 Oct 2010 at 21:30

Would it also be prudent to clean and spray the sparks with WD40 whilst replacing?

Maz · 25 Oct 2010 at 21:39

sandy10 said:
Would it also be prudent to clean and spray the sparks with WD40 whilst replacing?

Not a bad idea.

sandy10 · 25 Oct 2010 at 21:41

Would it be safe to drive it in the interim period?

Maz · 25 Oct 2010 at 22:06

sandy10 said:
Would it be safe to drive it in the interim period?

If the shuddering isn't too bad then you should be fine.

But if left like that for a prolonged period could poss damage your cat.

iaind · 26 Oct 2010 at 08:21

sandy10 said:
Would it also be prudent to clean and spray the sparks with WD40 whilst replacing?

Considering you can get a full set for less than a tenner, if you're going to the effort of pulling them out you may as well replace them