Renault Clio 1.2 - Fault Scanner?

[johnsmith222]

Hi guys,

Apologies if I have posted this in the wrong section. I was debating whether I should post in Auntie BCF, Random Banter or here. I chose here as I know how helpful you guys are.

I recently purchased a Renault Clio 1.2 16v "dynamique" 3 door '05 plate car.

I have had a couple of fault lights come up and I am looking for recommendation of a fault scanner to identify the problems. I know nothing about the witchcraft electronics that cars are infested with nowadays so I was looking for your recommendation.

My ABS + SERV light turn on when I'm doing around 60mph. I know that this is probably a damaged reluctor ring or something similar but I'd like to be able to read the code to tell me why it has lit up.

Also, the 'exhaust gas emissions' light has turned on simultaniously with the "electrical fault" light. From reading online, I can see that this is likely to be the lambda sensor, plugs or coil pack.

What code reader do you recommend for use on my car? I don't have a lot of money but it's the sort of thing I'd buy once and probably save me money in the long run fixing problems.

Thanks for any help guys.

[G]

Here is or dear auntie BCF for car qestions - generally let them stand here because they often do have some relevance to bikes too.

So, you should just need a standard obd2 reader - which will work with all cars after year x (late 90s, early 00s; I forget exactly when). Can get bluetooth ones that work with your phone, which means you can see all sorts of silly starts while driving if desired..

A few bikes have the connectors too - for instance my 675 has one.

[jjdugen]

Tried a few OBD2 connectors on mine.... none work properly. Seems you need the Renault 'Clip' reader and software to do anything in depth. Always worth looking at the under seat connections for odd service light faults, the wires and connections fail if the seats are moved a lot.

Another fault is the steering wheel unit, there is a rotary switch in there that tells the ABS where the wheel is. The connection ribbon breaks (clockwork spring) and throws up some funny warnings
These are quite cheap on the 'bay, £30 or so. It is a bitch to remove the airbag unit though!
____________________
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[G]

I thought that that by law they had to show all the basics on ODB2 at least?

[-Matt-]

No idea if this is a common thing, but my 04 Corsa can give fault codes using a series of flashing lights on the dash. You have to do something along the lines of holding the brake and clutch pedal down and turning the ignition one click IIRC.

Doesn't give anything majorly detailed like a full diagnostic scanner but can get fault code to compare against the main list to give you a fairly good idea at least.

It may just be a Vauxhall thing though i'm not sure

[Rogerborg]

[misscrabstick]

A generic OBD scanner is only going to help with the engine codes I fear, grabbing a code out of the abs is going to need a more pro piece of kit and probably involve a trip to a garage.

[misscrabstick]

As a thought, your description of the lights coming up at 60 mph is quite a unusual one, normally a reluctor ring fault shows up as soon as the vehicle moves and the sensors start counting, check your tyre/wheel sizes, are they standard? check the reluctors are firmly attached. See if there is anything that could cause air gap variations.

The nature of this fault would seem that is some sort of calibration fault code rather than a hard this part is buggered fault.