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Renault Espace - The Pie Eater
Hi. I have a '96 Renault Espace 2.0 petrol injection.

A few weeks ago the car suffered a massive electrical failure which has been traced to an alternator over charge of the battery. Most lights that were on at the time blew plus a few fuses.

The fuses, battery and alternator have been changed, but the car now will not run.

The engine turns over, fires and runs for about 3-5 secs then cuts out. When the ignition is turned on you can hear the fuel pump running and after the engine dies the fuel pump still appears to be going. If carburettor cleaner is sprayed down the air intake, the engine will carry on running, suggesting that the fault lies with the fuel system. An engine management specialist had a go at it and assures me that on his oscilloscope there is still a signal being sent to the injectors as the engine dies. He also says that the engine management system checks out as being ok.

The fuel filter was changed about 2 months ago and there is half a tank of fuel onboard.

Any ideas anyone? All help appreciated!
Renault Espace - Andrew Moorey (Tune-Up)
I'd be tempted to look at the management system a bit more closely and also carry out some fundamental checks regarding pressure and flow of the fuel at the rail. Check also for a 5v feed/ earth connection to the coolant temp sensor and the throttle position switch plus all the other earthing points. The ECUs on these cars dont take kindly to current surges, usual problem is the earth tracks inside the 'box' burn up. The fact that the fuel pump runs continuously is a worry, indicating ECU failure.
Andrew
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Simplicate and add lightness!!
Renault Espace - The Pie Eater
Andrew, it did indeed turn out to be a the ECU. Thanks for your post.
Renault Espace - stjon
Hi Pie Eater. I'm being cheeky. I can't help with your problem, but I have something very similar happening with my Espace and I suspect you live in Wigan like me? Any chance you could contact me to discuss poss sloution for me? I would be VERY grateful.

Steve Jones 01942 742637 or sjkj@blueyonder.co.uk