Models with E7J engine
Most ignition system faults can often be caused by loose or dirty connections. Always check all wiring thoroughly before attempting to test an electrical component.
The old method of checking for spark, where the bare end of the high tension wire is held a short distance from the engine, is not recommended; Not only do you risk getting an electric shock, but you also risk damaging the ignition coil's high-voltage wiring. Likewise, never attempt to diagnose misfires by removing the high-voltage wires one at a time.
The engine does not start
1. If the engine does not turn over at all or turns over very slowly, check the battery and starter.
2. If the engine cranks at normal speed but does not start, check the high voltage circuit by connecting a timing light (according to the manufacturer's instructions) and turning the engine with the starter; if there is a glow, the voltage is reaching the spark plugs, then check the spark plugs first. If there is no light, check the high-tension wires, distributor cap, carbon brush and distributor rotor using the information provided in Chapter Maintenance.
3. If there is still no spark, check the resistance of the primary and secondary windings of the ignition coil as described later in this Section; replace the ignition coil if necessary, but be careful to check the condition of the low voltage connections carefully.
4. If these checks do not reveal the cause of the fault, you should contact a Renault service station. The unit's wiring connector is included in the engine management system circuit, where a special electronic diagnostic device can be connected. This device can be used to quickly and easily determine the fault. If necessary, the system wiring and connectors can be checked as described in Chapter On-board electrical equipment. Make sure that the ECU wiring connectors are disconnected first.
Misfires
1. Irregular misfires may be due to loose connections or poor contact in the low voltage circuit, or due to a faulty high voltage circuit on the distributor rotor side.
2. Switch off the ignition and carefully check the entire system, making sure all connections are clean and secure. If equipped, check the low voltage circuit as described above.
[Article reprinted from the website: renaultbook]
3. Make sure the low voltage circuit, distributor cap and high voltage wires are clean and dry. Check the wires and spark plugs (replacement if necessary), then check the distributor cap, carbon brush and distributor rotor.
4. Regular misfires (gasoline engines) are most often caused by a faulty distributor cap, high-tension wires, or spark plugs. Use the strobe light (above) to check if there is high voltage on all wires.
5. If there is no high voltage on one wire, the fault will be either in the wire itself or in the distributor cap. If there is high voltage on all wires, the fault will be in the spark plugs; check and replace them if in doubt about their condition.
6. If there is no high voltage, check the high voltage wiring of the ignition coil; the secondary winding may be destroyed due to overload.
Models with K7M, F3R and F7R engines
1. Check the ignition system as described above, ignoring references to the distributor cap and rotor on all engines, and to the spark plug high voltage wires on the F7R engine.