Clio 172 always stalls when clutch is pressed when reversing

[zed4]

Hi,

I have a Clio 172 Cup which is looking a bit tired, but it does the job. I’m thinking of sorting out a few rough edges on it and one thing is the rough running. It idles badly, but I’ve been told they often do. Mine seems to hunt when idling and it doesn’t settle down. The main issue is that 9 times out of 10, when you’re reversing and dip the clutch, it stalls. Not at a standstill, but if you’re still moving backwards and dip the clutch, the revs just drop until it stalls! It doesn’t stall if you dip the clutch when moving forwards, only backwards.

What could that be? Why would it do that? Any ideas?!

Thanks,

Dan

[james_gt3rs]

Have you plugged in an ODB2 scanning to see if there are any fault codes?

[The Vambo]

Very first thing to check for rough idle is the crank position sensor, it is more often just dirt rather than faulty. A wipe with some brake cleaner should sort it.

Never heard of the reversing thing though.

[zed4]

Thanks for the replies.

My dad has a Sykes Picavant (sp?) diagnostic tool but I've not had a chance to borrow it yet. I'll plug it in and check.

Good tip on the crank position sensor, I'll have a look for it.

[Slidingpillar]

My instant hideous thought is shagged crankshaft thrust bearing. But on reflection, if that was the reason, the act of pressing the clutch would be the trigger, and any gear selected would do the same.

[zed4]

Slidingpillar said:

My instant hideous thought is shagged crankshaft thrust bearing. But on reflection, if that was the reason, the act of pressing the clutch would be the trigger, and any gear selected would do the same.

No, I don't think that's it. Depressing the clutch at standstill makes no difference at all. Nor does dipping the clutch when in a forward gear. But if I'm reversing and dip them clutch (when still moving backwards) the revs drop and it stalls. Strange!

[E30M3SE]

If it hunts around on idle and generally runs rough I'd be checking for air leaks, sorting it may sort out all of your issues.