Car: Renault Clio 1.2 16v 2001
Quick overview: I have had problems in the past with the entire car shutting down while driving: engine turns off and all lights go out. However, this is a rare occurrence (once per year). I also occasionally end up in "limp mode" - again, this is just once per year, if that. I have had neither of these "fixed" as they happen so rarely. Finally, I have also had odd flashing headlights and indicators (e.g., really quick flashing indicators) accompanied by strange internal lights (e.g., fog light indicator coming on when using the indicators) - a mechanic said the electric connections were loose and fixed it, it's worked correctly ever since.
This morning I went to start the car and sadly it did not work. When turning the key I get a humming noise - I can't tell exactly where it is coming from but it seems like from directly behind the steering wheel and/or under the handbrake. Also, I think there may be a slight clicking coming from the glove box area. The immobiliser light turns off; however, the rest of the dash lights come on in a random fashion. Oddly, sometimes the fuel gauge doesn't go up to it's correct position - it just stays at the bottom - but if I turn the headlights on the fuel gauge moves to the correct position. Furthermore, when the headlights are on (or off - I can't remember!) the humming sounds gets more intense. Also, when I went to start the car the windscreen wipers were in the "on" position and the wipers started to move but really slowly - I haven't tested the wipers since.
From reading around online it would seem that it could be:
- a faulty starter motor
- fault spade connection to starter motor
- faulty wiring loom
- dodgy battery
However, it could be something else. To me, it seems like an electrical fault somewhere (hence the weird wipers) and I realise this can be related to the wiring loom. Then again, I have no clue with cars! Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Quick overview: I have had problems in the past with the entire car shutting down while driving: engine turns off and all lights go out. However, this is a rare occurrence (once per year). I also occasionally end up in "limp mode" - again, this is just once per year, if that. I have had neither of these "fixed" as they happen so rarely. Finally, I have also had odd flashing headlights and indicators (e.g., really quick flashing indicators) accompanied by strange internal lights (e.g., fog light indicator coming on when using the indicators) - a mechanic said the electric connections were loose and fixed it, it's worked correctly ever since.
This morning I went to start the car and sadly it did not work. When turning the key I get a humming noise - I can't tell exactly where it is coming from but it seems like from directly behind the steering wheel and/or under the handbrake. Also, I think there may be a slight clicking coming from the glove box area. The immobiliser light turns off; however, the rest of the dash lights come on in a random fashion. Oddly, sometimes the fuel gauge doesn't go up to it's correct position - it just stays at the bottom - but if I turn the headlights on the fuel gauge moves to the correct position. Furthermore, when the headlights are on (or off - I can't remember!) the humming sounds gets more intense. Also, when I went to start the car the windscreen wipers were in the "on" position and the wipers started to move but really slowly - I haven't tested the wipers since.
From reading around online it would seem that it could be:
- a faulty starter motor
- fault spade connection to starter motor
- faulty wiring loom
- dodgy battery
However, it could be something else. To me, it seems like an electrical fault somewhere (hence the weird wipers) and I realise this can be related to the wiring loom. Then again, I have no clue with cars! Any help would be greatly appreciated.