[NuClio1]

Hi,

[Make] : Renault
[Model] : Clio 1.2 16V Dynamique
[Engine] : 1149 CC
[Year] : 53/2004

Just bought a new clio 1.2 16V dynamique and having just got it home from the garage I noticed that when I turn the key to the 'ignition' position (not actually starting the engine), the dash warning lights come on as they should, then most go out (as they should) but this particular light - the "toxic fume warning light" (that looks like a yellow engine) stays on..

In the previous car I had (Nissan Almera), that light comes on, stays on for a few seconds, then goes off after 2 to 3 seconds.

According to the manual, the same is supposed to happen on the Clio, but the garage I bought the car from says it is only supposed to go off when the engine is started. :eek:

Can anyone let me know whether their light goes off by itself, and if so, what it means if it stays on..?

If you have a clio 1.2 16V (dynamique or otherwise), could you let me know what yours does?!! :D

Many thanks,

NuClio1!

[Hometune]

Read the monster post about 6 below this where all these faults are discussed. You may not want to keep it!!!

[NuClio1]

Originally Posted by Hometune

Read the monster post about 6 below this where all these faults are discussed. You may not want to keep it!!!

Hey, thanks for the positivity! :rolleyes:

I did check the post you mentioned, but none of it covers my specific question, which I'm still hoping some kind Clio owner might answer (or an engineer who happens to know, etc)...:D

I'm quite happy with the car, I just want to know if it functions as expected, and if not, what needs to be done about it.

Very much appreciate useful input as to what their Clio does...

Many thanks,

NuClio1!!

[MrDanno]

Well, You will be hard pushed to find someone that knows more About Clio's than Hometune.

I'm sorry that he did not say what you wanted to hear but, His right. The Clio is probably one of the worse small cars ever built, The problems start to show when they get old. Many of the problems are related to that awful engine wiring loom they have.

[NuClio1]

Correct function... not build quality!

Originally Posted by MrDanno

Well, You will be hard pushed to find someone that knows more About Clio's than Hometune.

I'm sorry that he did not say what you wanted to hear but, His right. The Clio is probably one of the worse small cars ever built, The problems start to show when they get old. Many of the problems are related to that awful engine wiring loom they have.

More positivity.. how helpful! Thanks! :(

Its not a case of "not saying what I wanted to hear", I'm not looking for a desired outcome.. I'm looking for correct functionality. The car is under warranty. If it isn't functioning correctly I will certainly be taking it back..

The problem I've having is getting a clear answer!

I've resorted to driving to used car garages to look at similar clios, turning the ignition on (yet not starting the engine) and seeing what this specific light does...

[wagolynn]

Have you tried contact Renault technical department?

[MrDanno]

If the light is on when the engine is running then it is faulty.

If the light is not showing when the engine is idling or under normal driving then there is not a problem.

The correct operation of the dash warning lights should be in the drivers handbook for the car.

[NuClio1]

Originally Posted by MrDanno

If the light is on when the engine is running then it is faulty.

If the light is not showing when the engine is idling or under normal driving then there is not a problem.

The correct operation of the dash warning lights should be in the drivers handbook for the car.

Hi - thanks for this - still not quite what I'm looking for...

I'm asking about this specific light, with regards to the key in the Ignition position - at no point is the engine turned on. (I appreciate your answer, and thank you for taking the time to reply, although it still doesn't quite answer the question I have and I just want to make sure I haven't just bought a doozy!)

So, the key is put in (in the "off position") and is turned one position to the "ignition" position (i.e. NOT starting the engine)...

At this point, certain lights on the dashboard light up, then most go out and *some* stay on... This is normal operation..

What I've found is, the "toxic fume warning light" comes on, but then *stays on*.... (still NOT starting the engine!!!)

*According to the manual*, the light is supposed to go off automatically....In the car I have just bought, it doesn't...

Now... I've spoken to the sales guy I bought the car from - they say it is functioning fine.

I've spoken to a main Renault dealer and they don't seem to know its proper functioning... I called the Renault garage service desk and asked about the proper functioning - they assured me it is supposed to go off by itself and that I needed a diagnostic (£80.50).. I called a second time about an hour later to confirm, having explained as above (i.e. the ignition isn't turned on at any point in this test).. Again they assued me that the light is supposed to go off, and there is a problem...

I take the car in and they tell me that the light no longer comes on (!). I check the car myself, and the problem is still there.. There is then a discussion about whether the engine is started or not. Again I explain the engine is *not* started with this test...

The "head engineer" (!) then tells me that it is now the correct functioning of the car and there wasn't a fault, and promptly attempts to charge for the diagnostic which I am not happy to pay for because I wouldn't have had it done if they hadn't told me it wasn't working properly in the first place...

I am given an explanation about the light not going off until the engine starts, as the engine needs to be running to "do the test for emissions". OK, this sounds plausible, but why does the manual state otherwise? This is explained as "Renault change things from month to month and you've probably got an out of date manual for your car".

So... I'm still not convinced this is the correct functioning, and less than impressed with the Renault garage - so I drive around to second hand car dealers looking for a similar aged / model clio... and finally I find one - and THAT light automatically goes OFF after a few seconds...

So what's the deal here? Some renault Clios have lights that are supposed to go out, some aren't? Other cars I've had with this same light goes on, then goes off automatically...


I couldn't really care about the light itself, its what it might mean if it is actually showing there is a fault.

So - all I am trying to ascertain at the moment is the correct functioning of the car, with a sound/solid explanation. Again, perhaps I wouldn't be quite as bothered had I not read the many-paged thread about all the Clio electrical faults, etc...

So, my current plan is to check as many used car dealers that have similar model Clio's for sale, check the ignition, note the reg plate and then, depending on the outcome, get back to the Renault dealers...

Thanks again...

[MrDanno]

If you really had a problem the light would remain on when the engine is running.

*According to the manual*, the light is supposed to go off automatically....In the car I have just bought, it doesn't...

Well, It does when you start the engine. ( how I understand what you have written)

[NuClio1]

Other responses... :)

Originally Posted by MrDanno

If you really had a problem the light would remain on when the engine is running.



Well, It does when you start the engine. ( how I understand what you have written)

Well.. Thanks for your input...

Got this (below) from another site, which makes a lot more sense, is descriptive and *explains* what is going on - which is what I've been looking for... Think I'll continue to investigate as I'm certainly not happy with what I understand to be the correct functioning... :eek:

_______________________________________________
I wish people would keep their gob shut if they dont know what they're on about.

All clio's are the same (except diesels), my Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy has exactly the same light, that light should come on for a few seconds then go out, and it's got bog all to do with the ignition coil, it's the oxygen sensor on your exhaust, it's monitoring your exhaust emmisions to make sure they are within limits.

According to the handbook - and I quote directly. For vehicles equipped with this option, the light comes on when the ignition is switched on then goes out. If it light up continuously contact your RENAULT Dealer as soon as possible, If it flashes, reduce the engine speed until the light stops flashing.

So it's not normal to stay on till the engine starts, it's just like the previous car you mentioned, comes on then should go off.

If it's staying on all the time then there's a problem with either your catalytic convertor, your exhaust or the sensor itself.

[NuClio1]

Aha!... Finally found the Renault Customer Services telephone number. Called them and they confirmed there IS a problem and the Renault dealer I took the car to should have known there is a fault... They've recommended a different garage to have it checked out at...

Nice to finally speak to someone who actually knows what they are talking about and can explain in clear language... and thanks to they guy/gal who posted on a different site explaining "all clios are the same, this light shouldn't stay on"...

[sigh of relief]... quality service at last :)

[MrDanno]

Originally Posted by NuClio1

Aha!... Finally found the Renault Customer Services telephone number. Called them and they confirmed there IS a problem and the Renault dealer I took the car to should have known there is a fault... They've recommended a different garage to have it checked out at...

Nice to finally speak to someone who actually knows what they are talking about and can explain in clear language... and thanks to they guy/gal who posted on a different site explaining "all clios are the same, this light shouldn't stay on"...

[sigh of relief]... quality service at last :)

I really love posts like this. Somehow I have the feeling that when this 'New garage' says it is normal and the car does not have a fault, You won't be coming back and posting here!

Don't worry, I'll make a note of your username and be sure not to help you in the future. :D

As they say - You can't help everyone.

[Hometune]

Have just had a look on this forum, via the search tab, at this 'Emissions Light' problem on Clios. There are some 50 replies on here and they have been viewed approximately 50,000 times!!!
As I am no expert or qualified engineer and doesn't know what I'm talking about, it does still seem to say to me that there is a big problem with Clios? But I must not say this as this is not being positive!
Tut tut, MrDanno, being so negative - this will only upset our friend here. Really, you should know better.....

[smudger]

Quote.."As they say - You can't help everyone."

Aye! but there is no harm in trying, Eh!;)

[MrDanno]

Originally Posted by Hometune

Tut tut, MrDanno, being so negative - this will only upset our friend here. Really, you should know better.....

I know but, I've always been negative. Maybe I should do some tree hugging or something.....

Admit it! You only posted this for your 3000th post :p

[smudger]

Quote..."Maybe I should do some tree hugging or something....."

Ah! please don't, we have too many of them as it is, them along with these Politically Correct chappies;)

[Hometune]

Originally Posted by MrDanno

Admit it! You only posted this for your 3000th post :p

Perhaps, but it was worth it :rolleyes:

[MrDanno]

Originally Posted by Hometune

Perhaps,

That is not very positive is it....Remember positive, Happy thoughts....