I spent the day yesterday sorting out some daytime running lights, to save me having to remember to switch the headlights on during the day, and so it is easier to read the dash without the dash lights dimming. So I spent quite a long time with the lights on etc, and I believe the battery is quite old anyway.
When I come to start the car, it fires up and then promptly dies about 5 seconds later. I tried again, but it wouldn't fire, and the battery was starting to get weak. Left it on charge overnight, and after a couple of turns it came to life with a bit of smoke and all was well.
This morning though, it fired up with a very low tickover, then it jumped to about 1500rpm. I got a mile or so down the road and it wouldn't tickover at the junction. It fired right back up again with a bit of throttle, and I drove it back home. It was ticking over really low, but after blipping the throttle it would then tick over at 2500rpm. So I left it and took the trusty old Skoda instead.
Whilst in town I picked up a TDC sensor, as these appear to be a common failure (and are cheap and easy to fit), and the fact the dealer had it in stock confirmed this. I replaced the sensor, but the tickover was still sky high. I took out the IAV (Idle air valve) which is a small stepper motor, and it looked ok, could be moved by hand etc. So I gave it a clean and tried it before installing again.
I followed some advice I found on t'web and turned the ignition on and off a few times to set it. The little plunger would move a small amount on turning on, and move again 10 seconds after turning off. But it wasn't moving far, and seemed to hold this position when back in the car. Ie, if you pushed the plunger in, the tickover was sky high, and if pulled out the engine would die without throttle.
I took it out for a run, keeping it ticking over on the throttle until the engine got warm, it would then idle ok. So I'm not sure if it got it's knickers in a twist with a busted TDC sensor, or if the stepper motor is busted, or if it's not getting the right signal from somewhere to keep the idle speed correct, but just happen to be ok when the engine is hot. A new motor is about £85 from England, so don't really want to plash out on one if it's not the problem.
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Renault Megane - 01 1,6 Argh! French ele.. new