93 Clio Rsi Not Starting

Level 1 User Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

My 93 1.8 Rsi Clio was working fine until I took it for an MOT.After they failed it and I went to pick it up I couldn't start it. It was bump started and managed to get home.

When the ignition is turned on, the instrument dials work, I can hear the petrol pump whirring but it will not turn over. I have searched the tech forums as far back as 2004 but everybody else seem to have the engine turn over but not firing. I have checked fuses, earth, immobiliser off but still nothing. There is another alarm/immobiliser fitted with seperate key switch but I do not think this works as it used to start fine and I do not have a key for this other switch so have not switched this on by accident.

The only thing I have done recently is change the batteries in the plipper which never did work and still doesn't. I suspect the MOT guy has done something as he claimed it started OK whilst he was doing the MOT but the battery was only just starting the car (BS!). I charged the battery and it hasn't started since.

Any ideas anyone, I'm stuck..............

Site Subscriber Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 569

Does the starter motor do anything?

You had a feel around it? Check that it's connected up?

Level 1 User Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

Well I haven't touched it since or before the MOT and it worked then. It wouldn't have been disconnected for the MOT would it? The MOT guy didn't fill me with confidence it must be said. I'll have a look tomorrow when its light, but willing to consider anything. Thanks.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

the solenoid wires prob fallen off

Level 1 User Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

Would that be at the starter motor end, Chris? I take it I check that out from underneath?

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

ON TOP REACH ROUND THE BACK soz caps

Level 1 User Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

Thanks, will check it out tomorrow, so , not likely to be an immobilizer problem then?

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

well it could be but assumign the immobilise ris either stock or aftermarket the fuel pump shouldn't work.

the fact it does says starter circuit to me, if you look in pics and vids my blue hatch thread, you will see my starter has been soldered cos the terminal broke off

Level 1 User Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

Good pic - shows why it could break easy - will check, thanks.

Level 1 User Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

Am I being stupid? Can't find the starter motor! Looked in Haynes and it stated that on some models you may have to take off the air filter. I took this off and there is a round heatshield? under the filter. Is the starter motor there. I'll have to jack up the car when I get time but if anyone has an 1.8 Rsi and can help me find it I'll be eternally grateful! Trying to renovate a house at the same time so do not have much time to spend on the car but desperately need to get it starting.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

its under that heatshield, feel further round under it

Level 1 User Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

Thanks, Chris, once the kitchen wiring has been finished I'll get the jack and axle stands out.
Whilst I was under the car I noticed that the o/s/f axle has a vibration dampening thingy fitted but the opposite side doesn't appear to have one - is this normal? (and should I have opened another topic - looks like I'm going to be on here a lot but the forum is great for extra help)

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

yes its normal.

Level 1 User Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 30

Well, its up on stands. I found an earth that had broken off on the gearbox and repaired that but still no joy.I even added another earth straight from the battery to the gearbox. The heatshield that I mentioned before under the air filter isnt one as far as I can see as, a) it being plastic and b) theres nothing to make it hot there.

So, I admit I'm stupid but where the f is the starter on an RSi? It can only be as Chris said, a loose starter wire but where do I look?

I can confirm that it is not the immobiliser as when I turn the key in the glove box to turn the immobiliser on the fuel pump doesn't work, quite rightly. When the immobiliser is off the pump whirrs for a short while (presumably to pump enough fuel to start) but it doesn't start. Please, somebody give me an idea, or even better a picture and then I'll send it Haynes so they can give everybody else a better idea of where the starter is on a F3P engine!

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

under the heatshield, wtf are you talking about under the air filter? its under the manifolds.

the starter is the easiest thing to find on these cars!