[PAW81]

I have recently bought a Y reg 1.9 SI DTI Clio and the engine does not start straight away on turning the key in the ignition. I was told to wait until the glow plug light goes off before fully turning the key (the light goes off within a second).

This problem did not occur when the car was taken for a test drive and when it was picked up after purchase. The engine runs fine once it has started.

Any ideas what might be the problem? I have a warranty with the car but I don't know much use this will be.

[Rolebama]

Assuming you bought the car from a dealer, take it back and ask them to fix it.

[PAW81]

In the process of doing that. Hopefully it just needs a service as the last one was done 17k miles ago..... I know I know...

[Rolebama]

I may be adding 2 and 2 and making 5 here, but anyway, I am going to assume you have driven the 17k mileage, and that you have an extended warranty. If this is the case, I don't think you will get anywhere with the claim, as regular servicing is usually one of the warranty conditions. If this happens, I advise finding a local garage or diesel specialist.

[Hometune]

Yes get the dealer to sort it as it could be the glow plug control module. And nothing is cheap from Renault so get the dealer to pay if you can for a diagnostic check.

[PAW81]

The car was found on my behalf and I didn't realise it hadn't had a service for such a long time (otherwise I wouldn't have gone ahead!).

I'm taking it back to the garage where I bought it today.

[PAW81]

So I took the car back to the garage and they are taking no responsibility for the car. They even said that because a warranty had been purchased then responsibility had passed from the garage to the warranty company! So I bought the car from a bunch of cowboys.

The car has now had a full service and is still not starting first time (takes about four turns of the ignition). When it eventually starts it initially gives off a load of white smoke. Once the car is up and running it drives fine.

I just don't know whether this kind of start on the car is damaging the engine.

[Hometune]

Contact Consumer Direct (Trading Standards) and report the dealer.