New 197 Owner from Kent

[RJH_197]

Hi All,

I got myself a red "57" 197 last weekend after more than 6 years in a 172.

Really enjoying the car and a vast improvement quality wise over the 172.

Could anybody clarify whether or not my car would have the later gearbox ratios? I'm guessing not as it's a September 2007 model.

The car has a couple of minor niggles, firstly the rattling tailgate which is doing my head in!
I'm hoping to rectify that this weekend.
Secondly, can anyone tell me what the usual position should be for the temperature guage? In normal driving the needle moves up to the first line and if sitting in traffic it moves to the middle of the guage. Does that sound about right?

Sorry for the long post!

 

[tcw]

Regarding ratios - it'd be hard to tell because so many have had gearboxes replaced. Hopefully someone with more knowledge could comment.

Temp gauge should be higher than the first line in normal driving - maybe time for a new thermostat?

 

[nutnutwelshman]

Hi welcome to the Family gear box wise I think 08 was the change

 

[Big Ben]

Hi All,

I got myself a red "57" 197 last weekend after more than 6 years in a 172.

Really enjoying the car and a vast improvement quality wise over the 172.

Could anybody clarify whether or not my car would have the later gearbox ratios? I'm guessing not as it's a September 2007 model.

The car has a couple of minor niggles, firstly the rattling tailgate which is doing my head in!
I'm hoping to rectify that this weekend.
Secondly, can anyone tell me what the usual position should be for the temperature guage? In normal driving the needle moves up to the first line and if sitting in traffic it moves to the middle of the guage. Does that sound about right?

Sorry for the long post!

Welcome aboard. Temperatures sound about right. No major concern.
I think the rattling boot can be a quick fix. Someone on here should have an answer for that!

 

[Pav]

Welcome..the temp should be between the 2nd and 3rd most of the time..maybe a new thermostat is in order...?
There is a bolt that needs to be tighten up to stop it from rattling..usually the case..hope you get it sorted...

 

[Micah]

Welcome! Where in Kent are you?

 

[sevenfourate]

Welcome to the fold Brother and congrats on the new wheels....

Enjoy your stay

 

[matt9566]

Welcome to the forum!

I have recently had a new thermostat and mine sits about the same as this picture during normal driving. Moves up a little bit to the 3rd line when in traffic/stood still for a while.

 

[RJH_197]

Thanks for your replies & welcomes.

I live near Dartford, have spotted a couple of 197's/200's around here but no red ones!

I don't have any record of a replacement gearbox but to be honest it feels brilliant once it's warmed up. Little bit stiff on cold mornings and 3rd can feel a little awkward when cold but all good when pressing on.

Thank you for the picture above. My temp guage only reaches that level in traffic so I will just get a new thermostat, it's not expensive and is something to tick off the list.

Also I know about the flat-spots with these cars but has anybody else experienced any hesitation at around 4k rpm? I'm going to get some new plugs anyway as the last few services have just been basic oil & filters.

 

[nutnutwelshman]

Thanks for your replies & welcomes.

I live near Dartford, have spotted a couple of 197's/200's around here but no red ones!

I don't have any record of a replacement gearbox but to be honest it feels brilliant once it's warmed up. Little bit stiff on cold mornings and 3rd can feel a little awkward when cold but all good when pressing on.

Thank you for the picture above. My temp guage only reaches that level in traffic so I will just get a new thermostat, it's not expensive and is something to tick off the list.

Also I know about the flat-spots with these cars but has anybody else experienced any hesitation at around 4k rpm? I'm going to get some new plugs anyway as the last few services have just been basic oil & filters.

@BigBen oil gear box bud

 

[Big Ben]

Thanks for your replies & welcomes.

I live near Dartford, have spotted a couple of 197's/200's around here but no red ones!

I don't have any record of a replacement gearbox but to be honest it feels brilliant once it's warmed up. Little bit stiff on cold mornings and 3rd can feel a little awkward when cold but all good when pressing on.

Thank you for the picture above. My temp guage only reaches that level in traffic so I will just get a new thermostat, it's not expensive and is something to tick off the list.

Also I know about the flat-spots with these cars but has anybody else experienced any hesitation at around 4k rpm? I'm going to get some new plugs anyway as the last few services have just been basic oil & filters.

New plugs can make a huge difference. As can new gearbox oil.
I’m assuming you know of Two Techs Renault Specialists in Dartford?

 

[Johnny 99]

Welcome to the club. It'd be good to see some pictures of the car.

 

[Jimmy]

Welcome along to the forum!

There is a guide in the How To section regarding the rattling boot, IIRC. Sounds like the niggles you have will be an easy enough fix. Anything we can help with, just shout!

 

[Pav]

new plugs and coils can work magic...

 

[sevenfourate]

Redline ATF for the gearbox. And these box's will thank you for more frequent changes than most other cars on the road.

Will be just about the best £40 you can spend on these cars. And i'd be amazed if it didn't all but sort your minor gripes....

You'll be thanking me i guarantee.......

 

[Pav]

Redline ATF for the gearbox. And these box's will thank you for more frequent changes than most other cars on the road.

Will be just about the best £40 you can spend on these cars. And i'd be amazed if it didn't all but sort you minor gripes....

You'll be thanking me i guarantee.......

amen!!

 

[Chris]

Welcome aboard!

 

[Foxspeed]

welcome

 

[R Hudson]

New plugs can make a huge difference. As can new gearbox oil.
I’m assuming you know of Two Techs Renault Specialists in Dartford?

That's good to know, thank you.
Yes I certainly do know of Two Techs, been using them since around 2011, won't be taking the car anywhere else.

 

[R Hudson]

Welcome to the club. It'd be good to see some pictures of the car.

No problem. I only have some dealer pics at the moment but here it is.