david_blaze1

Renault Scenic power loss

I've got a 2003 Renault Scenic, diesel engine, with 101053 km on the clock. Recently, I've noticed a significant reduction in engine power, and the check engine light has illuminated. Diagnostics point to a defective throttle valve. I suspect either the accelerator pedal module or the electronics within the throttle body itself are failing. Has anyone experienced similar issues? I’m trying to get a handle on this before I start throwing parts at it. The throttle valve, or throttle body, controls how much air is allowed into the engine. Less air means less power.

4 comment(s)

Hey there! Your issue sounds frustratingly familiar. I had a similar problem with my old Peugeot 307. Same symptoms: loss of power, check engine light, and it turned out to be the throttle position sensor. It's responsible for telling the car's computer how far down you're pressing the accelerator. I'm no mechanic but I did some research online and it seems like a faulty throttle position sensor can cause the car to think the throttle is closed even when you're flooring it, hence the lack of power. Does the car idle roughly too? A bad sensor can cause that as well. Did you check the sensor?

Thanks for the insight. The idle seems normal, so I hadn't focused on the throttle position sensor specifically. Where exactly is that sensor located, and is there a straightforward way to test it?

Okay, if the idle is normal, that might point away from the sensor being completely dead, but it could still be giving intermittent readings. The throttle position sensor is usually mounted directly on the throttle body itself. As for testing, I'm not really sure how to do that. I think you need a multimeter. Honestly, I'd suggest taking it to a workshop to properly diagnose it before replacing anything. I replaced the throttle body on my Peugeot, and it improved the car for a few weeks, but the problem was still there and I ended up paying more money than I had to.

Appreciate the advice. Based on the feedback, I'll take it to a workshop for a proper diagnosis. They confirmed it was the throttle body and the electronics inside. Replacement, including labor, came to 265€. Hopefully, fuel efficiency will improve now. Thanks again!

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