Renault Spider Cold Start Issue

Alright Renault Spider gurus, I'm pulling my hair out! My '98 Spider (gasoline engine, naturally!) is being a total diva on cold starts. It sputters and coughs like it's got a bad case of the flu. Mileage is at 229625 km. Once it warms up, it runs (mostly) fine. I'm thinking it's the cold start injector. Could a dodgy injection valve be the culprit? Fuel rail seems okay, but there's definitely some rough idle and occasional engine misfire when it's cold. Anyone dealt with this demon?

4 comment(s)

Sounds familiar! I had similar cold start issues with my old BMW Z3. Rough idle when cold, but fine once warmed up. Have you tried injector cleaning? Did you check the fuel pressure?

Injector cleaning, eh? I hadn't gotten around to that yet, figured it was a goner. Fuel pressure seems normal, but how involved was the injector cleaning on your Z3? Any special tools or procedures I should be aware of?

On the Z3, cleaning helped a bit, but ultimately it needed a new injector. Given the age and symptoms, a new injector is probably the best bet. I'd recommend taking it to a workshop though, it's better if they check the fuel system.

Thanks! New cold start injector it is! The workshop confirmed the diagnosis – faulty injector valve. Cost me 515€, but the Spider is running like a champ again. Appreciate the advice!

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