I have a 2006 Scenic, which sometimes when you turn it on, the engine overruns,as if it is trying to start, but is already started. I heard another Scenic do it the other day, and was wondering if anyone else has had this problem, and maybe some solution ??

karen walker, October 2008

The noise you describe could be one of two things. Either the pinion or the solenoid are sticking within the starter, and not disengaging when the engine starts.

Both symptoms will not get better, and need attention.
If the pinion jams, it could wreck your flywheel, and you will need an expensive repair job to your engine.
If the solenoid burns out and sticks, you will need a new starter, apart from being stranded wherever it burns out. You may also have burning to the starter cables, which would need replacing. If you smell ANY acrid burning when the starter sticks, turn the engine off immediately, and seek assistance.

My advice would be to get it looked at. Bad news rarely goes away! The Scenic starter is known in the trade as being one of the worst to remove. Renault designers didn't think it out very well at all. Unless you are VERY competant, leave it to the experts.

Fred, December 2008

No, we have the issue where it doesn't always start properly. It's an auto so we have to press the brake and accelerator and it bursts into life on the second or third try.

I believe that both your issue and mine are "normal" in the sense that they happen to lots of people, I guess as long as your starter overrun doesn't last more than a few seconds then I (personally) wouldn't worry.

Steve, October 2008