I have done this several times on my 1.4 16v Clio Alize 2001. It is quite simple. Lift the bonnet and you will see the engine block on the top are 4 round plugs with a connector on the top of each. You will only need a Torx screwdriver to fix this problem. Can't remember the size though, but it relatively large around T50. unscrew each of the 4 coils, the screw is to the left of the coil. Keep the screws safe.
Put the key in the car and start it. If a coil needs replacing the car should have the following characteristics. It should be vibrating heavily, sounding very throaty and almost cutting out. This is because the car is running on 3 cylinders rather than 4.
Pull the coil out slowly, leaving the wires connected. If the car stalls or starts to cut out put the coil back in, by removing it the car is then only running on 2 cylinders and obviously that coil was doing it's job correctly. Remove the next one and so on until the engine note does not change. This indicates that the coil is not working. Undo the connector and replace with a new coil. Reconnect the wire connector and screw back in.
Make a note of which one you have replaced so that you can ensure you check this one last the next time a coil fails. I found an independant car parts place such as GSF where they are £33 each. Also you could try Ebay, but you have no guarentee the parts work.
The dealer will charge more. A specialist will charge around £120 for a coil to be supplied and fitted.
Current part number from GSF below. If you are not sure this part is correct please contact GSF or take the faulty coil with you.
http://secure.gsfcarparts.com/shop/results.asp
R92506 IGNITION COIL-PENCIL ALL LATE MODEL RENAULT 98> £33.50
Glyn Sweet
January 2010
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