Models with E7J engine
Most faults in the ignition system can most often be due to loose or dirty connections. Always check all wiring carefully before testing an electrical component.
The old method of testing the ignition spark, where the bare end of the high voltage wire is held a short distance from the engine, is not recommended; You risk not only getting an electric shock, but also damaging the high-voltage wiring of the ignition coil. Similarly, never try to diagnose a misfire by removing the high voltage wires one at a time.
Engine won't start
1. If the engine does not crank at all or cranks 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 the strobe (according to the manufacturer's instructions) and cranking the engine with a starter; if there is a glow, the voltage reaches the spark plugs, then check the spark plugs first. If there is no light, check the high voltage wires, distributor cap, carbon brush and distributor runner 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 carefully check the condition of the low voltage connections.
4. If, as a result of these checks, the cause of the malfunction could not be found, it is necessary to contact a Renault workshop. The block wiring connector is included in the engine management system circuit, where a special electronic diagnostic tool can be connected. With this device, you can quickly and easily determine the malfunction. If necessary, the system wiring and connectors can be checked as described in Chapter Onboard electrical equipment. Be sure to disconnect the ECU wiring connectors first.
Misfire
1. Intermittent misfires may be due to loose connections or intermittent contact in the low voltage circuit, or a faulty high voltage circuit on the runner side of the distributor.
2. Turn off the ignition and carefully check the entire system, make sure that all connections are clean and secure. If equipped, check the low voltage circuit as described above.
3. Make sure the low voltage circuit, distributor cap and high voltage wires are clean and dry. Check wires and spark plugs (replacement if necessary), then check the distributor cap, carbon brush and distributor runner.
4. Regular misfires (gasoline engines) most often due to a malfunction in the distributor cap, high voltage wires or spark plugs. With a strobe (higher) 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 high voltage is present on all wires, the fault will be in the spark plugs; check and replace them if in doubt about the 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 engine
1. Check the ignition system as described above, ignoring the references to the distributor cap and slider on all engines, as well as to the spark plug wires on the F7R engine.