Runs badly when cold

[JC]

Wondering if anyone can help. My car does not run well when it is cold. Sometimes worse than others, it feels as though it is misfiring, although i'm not sure if that is what it is.
Have replaced the distributor cap, HT leads, rocker cover gasget, plugs, oil, fuel filter, and the garage replaced a temperature sensor not sure which one! Still the problem is the same. I think i've heard of it being a common problem with these engines but don't know. It is totally fine after it has been running for 10 mins or so, runs really nicely infact.
it is getting worse but very slowly. started off only doing it when it was frosty and if i let it idle for a while after i turned it on, defrosting the windscreen etc.. that was a few years ago. now it does it most times but only for a bit after you turn it on
thanks
Jamie

[Jamie.]

http://www.williamsclio.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3456&highlight=

do a search on www.cliosport.net mate. as this is a very debated topic....

[fab]

theres a cold start injector located in the front of the engine bay.might be worth a shot.check all the pipes and hoses are securely fastened.spray the connectors with some wd40 and reconnect and see if it was a dodgy contact.

[JC]

Have done a heap of searching on Cliosport and Williamsclio and found these things. Will try them and let you know how i get on.

rewired speedo cable earth - helped a tiny bit

cleaned out idle speed control valve - was much better

Fitted new coolant temp sensor (genuine Renault £24.00).

Check alternator belt tension

I had the car in to the garage recently and he thought it might be the speed timing valve (?!?) - Not Renault specialist but knows his onions anyway.

This was taken off and cleaned with no change in the erratic idling on start up. Another mechanic has said that there is a 'secret' method to reset this valve which involves unplugging it, running all electrics on full then plugging it in again and running no electrics, or some combination of those events. He says this resets the valve's settings and should cure the problem.

And he said he has adjusted/reset the throttle position switch.

The TPS or potentiometer is the red thing attached to the throttle spindle. It sends info to the ECU regarding throttle position via increasing voltage/current. I can’t remember the values for 0 when you reset it but basically all you need is a multimeter to check the output and move it until it meets said value, then check at WOT.

If he reset it just ask him what zero TPS value he used.

seems as though the connector to the Throttle Pot was dirty, cos that was taken off and re-seated and checked it out today and all seems well again, no sign of the problem now

had a similar prob which turned out to be the cold start switch