If you own a Renault Megane, you may have noticed that it starts to judder when you pull away from a stop. This can be a frustrating problem, especially if you don’t know what is causing it. This issue usually only happens when the engine is in a low gear; most users with this problem say the car runs fine most of the time.

The most common causes of juddering in a Renault Megane are faulty ignition coils and a dirty or worn clutch plate. Ignition coils are responsible for providing a spark to the spark plugs; if they are not working properly, the engine will misfire. A dirty or worn clutch plate can cause the engine to judder when it is first engaged, as the plates cannot grip the flywheel correctly.

There are a few potential causes of this frustrating problem. This article will explore some of the most common reasons for a Renault Megane juddering when pulling away.

Renault Megane juddering when pulling away – causes

The juddering will usually be most pronounced when accelerating from a low speed, such as pulling out of a parking spot or merging onto a highway. In some cases, the problem may also cause your engine to stall.

Here are some potential reasons your Renault Megane may be juddering when pulling away.

Faulty ignition coils

Ignition coils are part of your car’s ignition system. They are responsible for generating the high voltage that is needed to fire your spark plugs. When one or more of your ignition coils begins to fail, it can result in the juddering problem that you’re experiencing. 

There is good news if you suspect that your ignition coils are causing your Renault Megane to judder when pulling away. The fix for this problem is relatively simple and inexpensive. All you need to do is replace your faulty ignition coils with new ones. You can purchase replacement ignition coils at any auto parts store or online retailer.

Ignition coils on a Renault Megane should last up to 80,000 miles, but there have been reports of them failing much sooner. If you’ve replaced your ignition coils recently and the problem persists, it’s possible that another component of your ignition system is to blame.

Dirty or worn clutch plate

A dirty or worn clutch plate is one of the most common causes of a juddering Renault Megane. If the clutch plate is not clean, it can cause the clutch to slip. This can lead to the engine revving without the car moving or the car jerking forward when you finally get it into gear.

You will usually notice other symptoms as well, such as difficulty shifting gears or a burning smell coming from the clutch area. If you think this may be the problem, take your car to a mechanic for an inspection.

Another potential cause of your Renault Megane juddering could be an issue with the dual-clutch on automatics. There are known issues with this system, and one of the most common symptoms is a juddering sensation when pulling away from a standstill. If this is the case, you’ll need to take your car in for service so a mechanic can diagnose and fix the problem. 

Worn pendulum mount (dogbone mount)

A pendulum mount, also known as a dogbone mount, is a metal bracket that connects the engine to the vehicle’s body. It’s made up of two parts: the upper mount, which attaches to the engine, and the lower mount, which attaches to the body. The pendulum mount helps to reduce vibration and noise from the engine by absorbing some of the shocks. 

Over time, the pendulum mount can wear out. When this happens, it can no longer effectively absorb shock and vibration. As a result, you may experience juddering when pulling away from a stop. The juddering may be more pronounced when the engine is cold. 

The best way to prevent juddering caused by a worn pendulum mount is to have the mount replaced before it wears out completely. However, if you are already experiencing juddering, you’ll need to replace the mount as soon as possible. Replacing the pendulum mount is a relatively simple process that most mechanics can do. 

Faulty or dirty spark plugs

Although it’s one of the most common issues that can cause a Renault Megane to judder when pulling away, many people don’t realize that faulty or dirty spark plugs could be the culprit.

Dirt and debris can build up on spark plugs over time, causing them to misfire. This can lead to engine juddering when pulling away from a stop. In some cases, spark plugs may simply need to be cleaned to work properly again. However, if they’ve been damaged by dirt or debris, they’ll need to be replaced entirely. 

Replacing spark plugs is a straightforward process that most people should be able to do on their own. However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always take your car to a mechanic and have them take care of it for you. 

Spark plugs in a Renault Megane should be checked every 20,000 miles and replaced every 40,000 miles.

Photo by: Pixabay

Does clutch judder mean I need a new clutch?

Clutch judder is a common issue that can be caused by several factors. In most cases, it is simply the result of wear and tear on the clutch components. However, it can also be caused by an improperly adjusted clutch or a transmission problem. In most cases, the clutch judder can be resolved without replacing the entire clutch assembly. Cleaning or replacing the clutch plate and pressure plate is usually sufficient.

Conclusion

These are some potential reasons your Renault Megane may be juddering when pulling away. If you still have problems after checking these things, take your car to a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis.