TDC sensor knackered?

[Apepper]

55 plate 1.6 Petrol

Following on from my previous thread:

Engine turns over but won't start. Tested battery, fine, starter motor is fine or wouldn't be turning over.

After looking online I decided to try pulling out the TDC sensor and cleaning it. Put everything back together and it started first time.

Took it for a 20 minute spin and the engine cut out, took me an hour to get it started again, got it home and it still won't start.

Is it worth trying to replace the TDC sensor or could it be something else? I noticed the other day that the throttle body was making a weird noise (like radio static) when I turned on the ignition.

Thanks

[grandadbobby]

Hi,
it's usually spark or fuel, but if you want to work on your own car nowadays, it's vital that you can read any fault codes.
Otherwise you are stabbing in the dark. lf there are no fault codes check out the fuel filter for blockage.
Bob.

[Apepper]

Fault code is P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction

[grandadbobby]

There you go, if it's not the sensor it may be the reluctor ring that causes effect. Otherwise a break in the wiring somewhere.
Bob.

[Apepper]

I called up the local Renault dealer to ask if they had the part in stock, they said it's usually the block connector the sensor attaches to that causes most problems, not the sensor itself.

By the looks of it I have the older type black connector so I might have to replace them both anyway. Is there a way of opening the block connector up or am I going to have to just cut it off?

[BrotherPlasterer]

Try cleaning the sensor, worth a shot. They get full of crud.

[BrotherPlasterer]

Ignore me

[grandadbobby]

Hi,
l'm not actually conversant with what you've got, but if the wires are long enough, cut the connector out and solder the wires direct would be good.
Just make sure you connect the right wires to each other.
Good luck
Bob.

[BrotherPlasterer]

I'm not sure that cutting the wires and soldering direct is a good idea.
These are Hal effect sensors and work on magnetic displacement, when the magnetic field is distorted a voltage is generated causing a pulse. This pulse is what tells the ECU where the crankshaft is positioned.
Now, I have never tried direct soldering so I am happy for other people to refute my statement.

[grandadbobby]

Hi,
l'm on about joining the wires, plus
solder isn't magnetic.
Bob.

[BrotherPlasterer]

I see what you mean now, fair enough.
I thought you meant take the sensor out and short the wires

[Apepper]

I've been tempted to try it, but I'm just thinking of what a ball ache it would be should I need to remove the sensor again in future. Not an easy place to get a soldering iron into.

I've got the newer version blue connector and sensor on order, really hoping this fixes it, if not at least I can call it an "upgrade"