Flat Spot Worse Than Normal

[seeka]

Hi guys

Over the last couple of weeks, I've noticed the dreaded flat spot on my 197 has got worse around the 2-3k rpm. It feels like I'm driving a 1 litre Clio. It could also be my imagination, but I don't think so. I just feel like I have to thrash the engine a lot more to get decent speed out of it. I'm thinking a good service might sort it. Is there anything I should ask my mechanic to look at in particular that might be causing it? Bare in mind I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to engines.

Thanks!

 

[Pav]

hi mate..happens to me too with this colder weather..maybe it has something to do with it..anyway,i dont bother really..a remap should fix this

 

[seeka]

hi mate..happens to me too with this colder weather..maybe it has something to do with it..anyway,i dont bother really..a remap should fix this

Thanks Pav. Can you explain a remap to me and how I go about getting one? Are they expensive?

Cheers.

 

[Steve Murr]

Ask renault how much for actis solution update

 

[seeka]

Ask renault how much for actis solution update

Isn't that just for the kangaroo-ing or for the flat spot as well?

 

[Jimmy]

Thanks Pav. Can you explain a remap to me and how I go about getting one? Are they expensive?

Cheers.

A custom remap is something that tweaks the running of the car in order to improve driveability and/or performance. In the case of the flat spot, the remap would iron that out to make driving the car much smoother.

The company with the best reputation for bespoke remaps is one based in Leeds called RS Tuning - cost ~£300. Cheaper remaps are available, however they tend not to be bespoke to your car, just a generic map that likely won't give you the desired results.

Hope that helps.

 

[Pav]

Thanks Pav. Can you explain a remap to me and how I go about getting one? Are they expensive?

Cheers.

as Jimmy explained..

 

[seeka]

A custom remap is something that tweaks the running of the car in order to improve driveability and/or performance. In the case of the flat spot, the remap would iron that out to make driving the car much smoother.

The company with the best reputation for bespoke remaps is one based in Leeds called RS Tuning - cost ~£300. Cheaper remaps are available, however they tend not to be bespoke to your car, just a generic map that likely won't give you the desired results.

Hope that helps.

Thanks again Pav. I'm in Ireland so I may have to get in touch with Renault themselves.

 

[montana]

Has your driving style changed ? Planting the throttle magnifies the flat spot. Being more progressive is better.

 

[Kazumz]

Try not to hit the flatspot as you're leaning your AFR's. Just do half throttle until it's over 3k then boot it. If you want to boot it straight away then just drop in to a lower gear.

 

[seeka]

Thanks guys.. part of me thinks I've just gotten used to the power of the car and its no longer as thrilling as it was, but I also feel sometimes like the flat spot has gotten worse. I also think the exhaust has become louder which could indicate an issue there. Maybe I'm just paranoid. The car is due a service so I might get things checked over. Is there anything like plugs etc I should get replaced? Its a 2007 car which I bought in July with only 40k on the clock so I reckon its spent a lot of time sitting in a drive way.

 

[seeka]

Try not to hit the flatspot as you're leaning your AFR's. Just do half throttle until it's over 3k then boot it. If you want to boot it straight away then just drop in to a lower gear.

I find the car doesn't get going until 4 - 4.5k revs. Some gears are better than others though.

 

[Chris]

I never had a problem with a flat spot on my 197 but never got why it's such of a problem as the car is "driven" at higher revs than that..

 

[Jimmy]

Thanks guys.. part of me thinks I've just gotten used to the power of the car and its no longer as thrilling as it was, but I also feel sometimes like the flat spot has gotten worse. I also think the exhaust has become louder which could indicate an issue there. Maybe I'm just paranoid. The car is due a service so I might get things checked over. Is there anything like plugs etc I should get replaced? Its a 2007 car which I bought in July with only 40k on the clock so I reckon its spent a lot of time sitting in a drive way.

The spark plugs are due a change at 36k so it will be worth checking in your service history whether this was done prior to you buying the car. If not, get them done - this may not necessarily be the reason for you noticing the flat spot, but changing them certainly won't do any harm.

 

[Kazumz]

Depends on the exhaust system.

I've got a Scorpion Non-Res Decat (but manifold cat still exists) on the car and anything under 3k screws the AFR's on the car. As soon as It's over 3K it is it's usual self.

I'd recommend a full service. If that doesn't solve it, get it on a dyno somewhere reputable and get some diagnostics done on it. If they tell you it's running lean then It'll be a remap!

 

[-Eddie-]

Could be plugs or it could be a MAP sensor? I'd change the plugs first as they should have been changed twice by now given the age.

 

[Mattb_197]

Before you go spending money on remaps and/or changing exhausts have a look at this little fix --> http://www.clio197.net/forum/showth...aded-FLAT-SPOT&p=445291&viewfull=1#post445291

Checked my map sensor today and it's loose as anything, zip tied it down for now but going to get some easy gasket or something to make sure it's 100% sealed. Seemed to improve it but I will know in the morning if it's worked as my car was quite bad from a cold start for the first few minutes of driving.

Worth a try for 5-10mins of work. Just be careful removing the sensor, people have said it's best to do it after a run so it's warm and the plastic won't be as brittle. A few people have managed to snap the sensor ending up having to remove the inlet manifold to get the bit that fell in out lol.

 

[Pav]

Before you go spending money on remaps and/or changing exhausts have a look at this little fix --> http://www.clio197.net/forum/showth...aded-FLAT-SPOT&p=445291&viewfull=1#post445291

worth trying but the ECU will adapt soon..there is a slight improvement though

 

[Mattb_197]

I'd be more concerned with it letting in excess air and messing with the A/F ratios, mine was very loose so it wouldn't surprise me if that was the case. If it reduces/fixes the flat spot then it's a bonus! Definitely worth looking at.

 

[fourashesrenault]

Try a re-prog update on the injection ecu or do the normal thing and get it diagnosed properly main dealers ain't that switched on when it comes to sports models so try a specialist 45 pounds is a rage to diag car and that should be re-prog included if u ask ...... My previous history with flat spots on 197 is a list as long as my arm ....