Renault clio RN auto off road. Advice needed!

[cathy75]

Hi.
I would like some advice about my car. I have a 1994 renault clio RN auto, which I have not been able to drive for over a year due to illness. I had the car sorn, & it had just had a full service before it went off road & has been on my driveway.
I have now been given the all clear by the DVLA & I need to get the car MOT'd, but the car will not start even after charging the battery. The lights came on breifly, but nothing else happened. It makes a clicking noise as if it is trying to start. I also noticed that the spark plugs look like they have some oil on them, which is a bit worrying!
I have no idea about cars, but I do need to get it started to get it to the garage. I would be so grateful if anyone has any ideas on what I should do, or what could be wrong with it after being left for so long.
Thanks in advance x

[TWR]

Hi Cathy, You do not have a BIG problem here only a Flat Battery, you will need someone to Jump start the car, Do you have a friend that has any Jump leads? As regards the plugs they will clear as soon as the car is started, you will see a bit of smoke from the exhaust but do not worry about that, Make sure you have checked the oil, water, you may also find with the car standing for that lenght of time the ( If it has been on) handbrake sticking, also the Clutch, If ythe car has been standing get someone to jack it up & check that the brakes are free if they are not use a large rubber hamer on the middle of the wheel to free it, ( No, I am not joking) I have just done it to a Neigbours car. If I can help futher Ask me. T.W.R.

[cathy75]

Thanks TWR. I had a friend who is good with cars put a new battery in it today & it started 1st time! Could not believe it! He jacked it up & had a look around, & could find no bad rust or any in the wheel arches. The throttle cable needs changing, & the brakes need doing as they are very stiff, but apart from that, all seems fine. My friend is going to get the parts & do the work for me tomorrow.
Thanks for your reply, you were dead right! I had heard some horror stories on other sites, so I am glad I posted on here & someone like you answered. Thanks again!

[TWR]

Hi Cathy, I am glad the job was sorted, regards the brakes when the car starts to get mobile again & the brakes gets used Including the handbrake you will find that they will go back to the same before the car was parked up, Just a tip Ask your friend to replace the coolant fluid with new also the antifreez I would also check the Fan Belt, Power Steering Belt, & depending on the cars mileage the Cam Belt, As the car has been stood up for that lenght of time & unused the belts have a tendancy to get hairline cracks, regards the most important one Cam Belt, don't be put off by the cost of replacing this one as you will pay the finacial price, It could cost you a replacement engine, Good Luck. T.W.R. Trebor x