Clio Bonnet Catches

[Tripps]

Meant to look into this last night, but a cheesy Nicki Campbell on panicked call from my parents last night has reminded me to chase it up...

What's the news for us 172/182 owners of Mk2 Clios, are we potentially affected? I presume so as I can't imagine Renault issuing us with performance bonnet catches (although they did issue us cup owners with a better engine )...

It appears from Watchdog to affect both Phase 1 and 2 cars are affected, so given that we all like to hoon around country lanes, it's not something that would bode well if it was to happen

[trickywoo]

I know nowt about it but if I had a clio I'd be cleaning and oiling the latch monthly (at least) and giving it a pull to make sure it really is closed properly.

[coopers]

I think we are effected as much as any other Clio Mk2

When i picked my 182 up from the dealers today i made a slight joke (well probe) into whether they had oiled the latch or not and made sure it was in a fit state (didnt obviously say it like that ) and they looked at me blank.......

Says it all really...

It didnt stop me finding out what this little beauty can do thou.. i think as long as you keep an eye on it, it'll be fine. Lets face it when you wash your car how hard is it to pop the bonnet for 5 secs and clean and lube it up etc


(well heres hoping anyway)

[Baldylocks]

I think it only affects mark 2 phase 1 cars - those with the rounder 'bubble' lights. Any after the face lift (phase 2) i.e. 172 Cup and all 182's, have a different bonnet and catch mechanism

[Tripps]

Obviously I wouldn't trust what Watchdog say, but reports elsewhere are conflicting, What Car? says Mk II, while on RenualtForums it says up until 2001, ie. phase 1 only...

I might actually go and have a look at lunch time to see if mine looks OK...

[hendry]

[Mr Jenks]

It affects all Clio II models.
Renault are going to write to all Clio owners inviting them to take their car to a dealer for a free check of the catch. It is only a check and clean up, with a squirt of lube for good measure.
Oh yes, they will also show you how to close the bonnet if you ask.

[Tripps]

Mr Jenks said:

Renault are going to write to all Clio owners inviting them to take their car to a dealer for a free check of the catch. It is only a check and clean up, with a squirt of lube for good measure.
Oh yes, they will also show you how to close the bonnet if you ask.

I'm feeling safer already, mind you I wouldn't trust my local dealership to teach to to suck eggs, so I think I'll figure out how to close the bonnet by myself

[red rose]

Strange - the even though VOSA have decided that no recall is necessary and the Clio os safe, the Driving Standards Agency have now decided that it is not safe for their examiners to conduct a driving test in a Clio II unless there is evidence that it has been checked by Renault :

www.dsa.gov.uk/recall.asp?id=SXAED9-A782B525&cat=512

[tlracing]

Took mine to the local dealer today for recall inspection. Having already looked at the catch, it was covered in rust (despite regular attention) and has been noticeably stiff for a while so, I expected, a likely candidate for work.

Errr, wrong...

When I got it home I looked at it - all they have done is sprayed it with thick oil/grease, covering most of the front slam panel into the bargain. They haven't even cleaned off any debris, so they have simply made a nice oily slurry of grit to wear into the latch.

Not impressed.