Clio 2001 - Safe Mode Issue

Hyper

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Hyper

Soldato
Joined
2 Jul 2005
Posts
3,549
Location
Newcastle
Hi there,

I currently own a Renault Clio 1.2 16v (2001) model which has become unsafe to drive.

You could be driving for 2 minutes or an hour but this car has devoloped a problem where it goes into safe mode and only allows you to drive a max of 20mph to get you home. Now this comes out of nowhere and appears to be a common fault with this model but I dont fancy paying a lot of money for it to be repaired.

I am guessing someone else on here must have come across the same problem since this is such a common car and problem so thought I would put a post on.

Any help would be great regarding the problem,

Thanks, Sam
 
This is usually sensor or electrical problem. First port of call is to check all connectors i nthe engine bay ary dry and connected in the obvious place. My 206 once had the connector for one injector come loose causing the same problem.

If there's nothing obvious, take it to a garage who will do a diagnostic only. If any seneors are playing up they will send an error to the ECU causing the limp home mode and log it. This could cost up to £50, less if you're lucky and they will be able to let you know where you stand in terms of parts and labour cost and whether you might feel handy doing it yourself.
 
Does turning the engine off and restarting usually clear the fault? These engines are very prone to a couple of problems that give these symptoms:

Failure of the electronic throttle (drive by wire system).
The metal protective cover over the ECU wiring loom at the rear of the engine comes loose and chafes on the loom causing intermittent shorts.
 
First thing to do is remove the metal cover and check for any damage to the wiring loom, loads of Clios have suffered from problems due to this.

If the wiring loom is ok, then get the diagnostic codes read, both the motorised throttle assembly and the throttle pedal sensor assembly can give intermittent faults that lead to the ECU going into "limp home" mode.

EDIT: Just found a good description of the wire chafing problem here.
 
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I'd almost put money on it being the anti-tamper cover if it hasn't been sorted already, the cover wants taking off and either the loom replacing or repairing depending on the state of the damage to it. Cover can be filed under bin.
 
Thanks for the advice, although I dont understand the last part of your post.

I will take the box off in the next few days and get pictures up to see what you think although if there is damage will it be very noticeble?
 
Just an update,

Had a go at taking the cover off last night and what a mess on this is,

Followed the instructions half way down this page:
http://www.renaultforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=12478&page=2

Managed to loosen up the wheel eventually (it seems very rusty) and start moving it up over, after a lot of effort I seem to have reached a very tight spot at what seems to be the end of the screw or whatever this wheel is turning but the wheel has now locked tight and wont move any further up over but will move back over slightly. Now I sprayed the bottom of the black box with WD40 and left it over night last night and I am going to give it another bash this evening but I am just wondering if anyone else has any expierence removing these and any tips would be great!

Thanks, Sam
 
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