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RENAULT MEGANE 2003 KEY CARD PROBLEM (3 BUTTON TYPE)?

I've been a car mechanic for over 40 years and an electronics enthusiast even longer but this one has got me stumped! I rue the day my daughter bought a 2003 Megane (the one with the large "ASS".) The key card worked fine until the display began to show the message "replace your card battery". At that point it still worked fine. However despite the replacement battery (CR2025) the message soon reappeared and eventually became permanent. At this point it was not possible to start the car, wretched thing, as the reader was not sensing the presence of the card. It became necessary to use the spare card - very dodgy because if that one fails, we will be in the s***! I will attempt to repair any electrical, mechanical or electronic item and I soon opened the case (very carefully) and examined the innards. I must say that at this point the buttons on the card would still operate the central locking so evidently the battery is OK. The card works by sending a radio signal to the reader in the dashboard. I checked all the internal connections for dry or loose joints, broken tracks etc, even checked the continuity of the small transmitter coil but found nothing wrong and the card still fails to be recognised. As far as I am concerned these "gimmicks", "gizmos" etc are bad news and totally unnecessary. One thing is certain is that these electronic items will fail one day, at great cost, but isn't that the idea?. The folk that advertise repair of keycards only deal with broken soldered joints where continual use of the buttons has fractured them. Nobody deals with the faultly circuitry. Certainly your friendly Renault dealer won't - he wants to sell you a new one!!

Triumph2.5man, May 2008

home Fix label Vehicles label_important Cars category Renaultdone

Have a look in here

http://wojtek-n.blogspot.ie/2016/08/code-card-not-detected-code-card-error.html

Thx, September 2016

I have a 2005 Grand Scenic 1.9 dci and had same key card problem. Followed Eddie's (from South Africa and I also live in South Africa) advice and found one of the legs on the coil had come adrift! Soldered it and voila, it works. Many thanks as it saved me R2400 and a day without the car. Just be very careful when using a utility knife to separate the two halves of the key card as the coil etc are very close to the sides.
While on the line, does anyone know how to reduce the smoke emissions? It has had a new turbo, injectors are fine and it uses no oil at all. It is a bit sluggish but otherwise fine! I have removed the catalytic converter (recommended by a Renault expert and it makes no difference). Any ideas ?

John Giddings, July 2015

send it to the keyrepair firm in north london -- brilliant at $25

bob, March 2015

My wife has a 2005 Grand Scenic, and the key has been playing up for a while. I damaged the first one trying to open it up, so be aware if you try this. The second key developed the same fault. I found the fix to be this, get a pair of pliers and gently squeeze around the area marked with an arrow. Don't press too hard. It worked. Now the car starts first time every time. Give it a try, it can't hurt. Email me if this helps. johnobrien6'at'msn.com

John, October 2014

Never will i buy a renult again first and last i have had all the above probs and am not amused...!

Peter, August 2014

After reading through some of these answers and watching a clip on you tube I gave it a go and it really does work!!!! Carefully cut along the middle of the key all around the sides to undo.. Then if you dont have a soldering kit to hand (like I imagine most single mums don't at 12.30am hours before taking their children to school) simply take some tin foil, fold up as small as you can to almost match the size of the point you would need to solder and tape in place. Place some card on the other side of the actual green chip and tape the whole key back together... Not to much tape as first of all it didn't fit into the reader but after taking a layer off it did! First thing I will be popping out for some extra strong glue to make sure this doesn't happen anytime in the near future!!

Christine, March 2014

I program new renault cards and they are known for lots of different issues. There a a few fixes available but in my experience they are temporary. Normally the most reliable solution is a new card which has to be programmed to your car. Renault charge a fortune and take weeks to order in but there are auto locksmiths available who can do them like myself.
My website can answer many questions
www.littledarbys.com
Advice is always free;-)

Greg, March 2014

I too am having a problem. The card wont work. Batteries have both been changed but the card reader keeps saying card not detected i read that this could be because of moisture, well when you go to put it in the card reader on a rainy day you dont think!!!
Ive had t hairdryer on it all day but still not working..so moral of the story is renault megane convertable are great in the summer, but come winter park itin the garage. Not worth the hassel.. Cas cornwall dec 2013

cas, December 2013

I agree with you Mark!! iv e only had my megane 'Dynamique' 04 since Feb and had no end of trouble with it. It looks superb but everything is going wrong all at once, drive shaft, clutch electrics. error messages 'Card not detected', 'replace card battery' damn nightmare!!

Mel, November 2013

after reading all these posts think i might just set fire to this pile of turd car ..only had it 12 mths.boot wont open ..drivers window wont open.my grandma can run faster than the car..and she died 18 years ago..and dont get me started on the key card...great looking car but so many problems

dj donoughue, September 2013

Hi can anyone help I have a 2004 megane 225 sport and after changing the key card battery the key will no longer unlock or lock doors still works in car reader to start car just won't work with central locking. I've read that if the key battery was out longer then couple mins may need resetting? How do I do this? Thanks

Hailey, March 2013

I did it, when i opened the key the coil was loosen, we resoldered but now the card reader doesn't see anything. What should i'll do? Please i need help.

Carlos Covas, March 2013

Here's the issues I currently have with this piece of junk car... (which i've only had 6 months)

Both drivers side and drivers side rear windows do not open
Key does not unlock the car door
Keeps stalling
Springy accelerator pedal

It's absolutely shocking.

Scott, January 2013

Thanks me car started coz of every1s advice couldn't hack it dis close 2 Christmas yeah ;-) p.s never buy Renault again in my life

Mememememeeeee, December 2012

Hi. I also had the same problem "card not detected". I just read all the answers and we would be able to fix it. We did open the card and we found the "coil" problem. 2 of the pins of the coil had come off. I opened my card using a Stanley Knife (although we did broke the plastic and the card is not in perfect condition any more). We saw the coin and the loosen pins. My husband fixed it by puting a little piece of paper (following a recommendation read in this forum) on the pin. By closing the card again, the 2 sides of the card, presses the paper and it presses the pin to it's place. Some tape arround the card and it is ready. Thank's every body!

Begona, November 2012

open card right hand top corner with a knife you will see two tiny rectangular transistors next to each other these come loose simply stick them to board with selotape close keypad body back up and stick with glue or tape .slight pressure on righthand top corner when pressing buttons helps with contact ,mine works perfectly ,also simply squeezed second key fob righthand top corner with pair of pliers seems to of cured it as well good luck everyone.

ROVERROAMER 42, October 2012

I've been having intermittent problems with the card reader on my megane saying card not detected too so I've just read one of the answers below, cut up my old National Trust Membership card into the same shape as the key, stuck it on the back and, hey presto! I stuck it in the slot, it clicked into place and I started the car first time. A temporary measure I know, but it'll do for now.

Simon an bysow, October 2012

Hi. I allso had the same problem "card not detected". I've read those answers and fixed it. My card allso had the "coil" problem. 1 of the pins of the coil had come off. I opened my card using a knif. The card is not in perfect condition any more, but who cares. I saw the coin and the loosen pin. I fixed it by puting a little piece of paper (I have made it round like tiny ball) on the pin. By closing the card again, the 2 sides of the card, presses the paper and it presses the pin to it's place. Some tape arround the card and it is ready. Thank's every body! My money are not spoilen because of you. Thank's again
Sakis from Greece

Sak, October 2012

Cheers boys!! had the same prob for a while with card not detected intermitterdly. failed to not work for good tonight.
so i opened the key card up gently with stanley blade,,very gentle as there is a coil near where the battery goes in. and noticed the loose connection.it was the 3 little legs that spur off the coil (black round coin shape thingy) had come off the connectors. so simply soldered back on. abit tricky and fiddly but with a little patience and time hey presto!!! key works like a good un! now im a girl and if i can do it so can all you guys. saves big bucks being paid out..so what can ya lose..give it a try..if it dont youd only have to had forked out for new card anyhow..but worked for me yippee :)

sally, October 2012

i have the same key card problem how can open the doors

quincy, September 2012

......or does someone have the circuit diagram of the key fob?

Brian B., September 2012

I opened the key card but my problem is that the one pin closest to the battery on the transmitter has completely broken off from the PCB. Where does this pin feed to/from so I can run a small wire between the two to complete the circuit

Brian B., September 2012

had the "insert card" problem, opened it up, and yes, on of the coil wires was broken off.
Great! except that I inserted the knife to far,
and have damaged the coil on the side. bummer!

Can these coils be ordered somewhere? RS components, farnell or something? Cannot measure the impendance as it is broken...

ReneD, September 2012

don't go buying another key! they can be fixed, carefully run a stanley knife around the edge until you seperate the two halves, dont go in any further than about 1/4 inch and you will have to cut under the battery section to seperate the two halves,you can always glue them back together later, when apart you will see a round coil which has three connections from the edge to the board, its almost certain that one or more has broken so solder together,then check the copper connections from battery before you glue back together, your key Does'nt need a battery in it to start car, the battery section only works the locking

MICK (MST), September 2012

card not detacted

adam, September 2012

I've had my 03 reg 1.6 Renault Megane 8 yrs this week and now have "card not detected" on both card keys....

Is there anyone in Newcastle upon Tyne that fixes them???

Nicola Wilcox, August 2012

same problem, card not recognised
opened up card carfully with stanley knife and 2 coil connections snapped, a quick solder back and works perfect.
thanks for this advice, saved me a fortune.

carl from uk, August 2012

Eddie in south africa is spot on, if anyone is handy you can use a stanley knife to open up the card, this is dificult and be carefull not to damage the board by putting the knife in too far, you will see a flat round disc this is the coil the key slot recognises, there should be 3 conectors coming from this attached to the board, mine had snapped on 2 of the connectors, all i did is solder them back on and now the fob woks fine, good luck

Redjames82, July 2012

after i opened my card ewrything was looking alright bat after carefully check i found that chip whicz is placed betwen three buttons quite often get cracks on soldered joints then simply when pusching buttons card slighty get bend and joints are cracking in my case after resoldering ewery joints card start working completly ok

jacek, July 2012

I've got a similar problem. I have a 2005 megane and 3 days ago my key card said 'card not detected'. I read this forum for suggestions and have sent it off for repair in london. Luckily my spare key was still working. But after a couple of days the spare key now says 'card not detected'! Is it really possible that 2 keys, that are treated differently can stop working at almost exactly the same time after 7 years? Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Sarah, June 2012

i am having a slight problem with my 2003 megane. the car starts with the key but will not open it, have to open it manually from the passenger side. rang renault and they said i need a new key £184.00 any solutions to this problem? (apart from setting the car on fire) :-)

phil darlington, June 2012

I've had the same problem.Bought a megane about six years ago.After 3 years the first card packed up saying card not detected,it would unlock the doors but wouldn't start the car.So i started using the spare card,now thats packed up with the same prob.Guess i'll send them off to the london address on here thats been mentioned to try and get it repaired.In the meantime as a 'get me started' measure i've managed to get the thing going by cutting down an old plastic membership card to the exact same size/shape as the key and inserted it at the same time as the key with the key on top ,and hey presto it starts like a good un,i've been running it like this for a couple of weeks and its started fine everytime so far,good luck.

Neil, June 2012

I have had a 52 plate megane for 2 years. NEVER AGAIN!!!! I've had SO many problems!! Its cost me nearly as much as I paid for the actual car on repairs.
The steering rack snapped (So lucky I wasn't on a main road or the motorway or me & others - in other cars/pedestrians would have been seriously injured), I've had the suspension fixed a number of times & after a few weeks it starts to make noise again, the cd player stopped working after a year - I had to buy a new one & get it installed and a few months ago both cards stopped working & both said CARD NOT DETECTED. It is actually ridiculous, having read the comments on here I have also complained to watchdog and hope this matter is investigated. So tempted to sue the idiots renault.

zee, May 2012

I had the same problem "Replace your card battery" 2004 Megane. Like everyone else, replaced the battery.
Then I tried the second key, same result, I then pressed the brake when it told me too and the same thing.....Out of frustration, I kept hitting the brake about 6 or more times in quick succession, Guess what it worked ! I got my mileage back. It seems the French don't like being kicked and swore at !!!!

Ray, May 2012

Went to the very helpful chaps in Palmers green N12 today 02088897593. All done in 20 mins!!! £25 my key works again!!

raymfc, April 2012

This might not be the answer to all your problems BUT..Most problems can be solved by slightly bending the card. These cards are not meant to sit in your back pocket to have your rear end sitting on it.Try it, it may save you a small fortune.

the fixer, April 2012

Hi , I have just got off the phone to Renault , they are not prepared to pay any cost`s for the key card or reader (no shock there then ) because of the age of the car ? . Anyway I have also got the airbag light coming on when you move the seat (yet another common problem ) so they are going to pay half the diagnostic cost which is £36 . I have agreed to this but I have told them I not paying for a Renault repair so they are going to look at the cost when the problem is found . I am trying to play the safety side of it .

I would urge everyone who`s got a problem like these to contact Renault UK and complain . They told me they are not aware of these problems tell them tell them tell them .

Paul Clark, April 2012

I cant lock or my car any more and i cant open the boot, i only ever had one key card and dont know what to do. That msg replace card battery has always appeared on the dash aswell, even thought i have replaced it lots of times can anyone help me??

Marian, April 2012

I have the same problem, how easy it it to open card if it is moulded?

Debbie, April 2012

Hi,
I have a migrane 2003 model that just suddenly decided to not start after stopping at a client. Towed home and realised that no fuel was getting through. looked on forums and found that the keycard could be #1 suspect and I should open it. I did that and found a leg from the coil next to the battery was off. however there is no wire that connects to the pc board as there are no tracks inside the board or anywhere to solder the leg back onto the PC board.

frikkin french klap and you can;t bypass the immobiliser or you can but no one knoes how....

Any suggestions sides the Buddy fix.....

Buddy fix----take an empty 500ml coke buddy to the gas station and fill with petrol. walk back to vehicle and empty contents on roof and set alight.

Brian, April 2012

Thanks Ronnie. Got in to my Megane today only for to display "Key card not detected". I changed the battery with didnt help. The card could lock and open the doors but not start the car.

So I took the key card to the repair shop in Green Lanes London you mentioned on here. They fixed it for £27.

Thanks again from what others on here have said it looks like you saved me alot of cash.

Jay82, April 2012

Hi all, if anyone is following this topic I thought I would post a little update , I have today received a phone call from a lovely women from Renault UK she is following up on the complaint I have made to Renault .
She listened to what I had to say asked me what I wanted out this to which I said well Renault to issue a recall notice because this problem with the key card / reader are more than just ware & tare and I would like the cost of the parts to be paid back to me (wishful thinking I know ) . Anyway she said she will see what she can do . She also asked if I had any other problems with the car so I said yes the Airbag light comes on when we move the drivers seat (yet another common problem with this car ). She is calling my local Renault garage to see if she can sort these problems out because and she said this it`s a safety issue ? .
I do not know what the outcome will be but I will update again tomorrow after she`s called me back .

I will not be holding my breath though :)

Paul Clark, April 2012

Gordon .... If you could let me know what you have told watchdog that would be great because I am planning on doing the same , also if it`s possible could you post an email address of Renault . I am also having problems with the great French s**t :) . Just this morning I have had a new card reader installed £214+vat fitted and they have just rang to say the card is now faulty £!45+vat . I have used a non Shitault garage for the repair .

Having read all the forums on about this problem to me it needs a recall because it`s beyond normal ware and tare . Also the price is a joke .

Just one question though what get`s re-programmed is it the CARD READER OR THE CARD ? because the garage have told me it`s the card reader and I was under the impression that the card couldn`t be re-programmed . So if you can`t re-programme the card then why does the new card reader not come with a new card ?

Paul Clark, March 2012

Hi,

I had the same problem as you, my card kept on saying not detected. I called Renault and got a quote. After reading and researching loads on-line I tried to first replace the card reader as Renault seemed to always advise one to buy a new expensive key. As a person here mentioned they fail to try and repair an old key.

I had my reader replaced by Renault, but this didn't work. I took the key to an auto locksmith in N13 (London) who told me that it was just the plastic card at fault. After shelling out £136.00 with Renault I paid £25.00 in North London and have had no problems since. In fact Renault failed to inform me that my key doesn't have to go into the reader.

I'm referring my case to BBC Watchdog as plenty of us have come across this problem. When I told Renault that this problem is well documented on the internet they said I should not believe the reviews on the internet.

I would suggest that if you are in the London area Google 'Auto Locksmith's in N13' and you will find the firm I used. I don't want to say the name or too much more because I am currently seeking a resolution from Renault. If you read the stuff on-line you will see that the key, studs and even the coil inside the plastic casing can be at fault. They can often be replaced far cheaper than the £186.00 Renault wanted to charge me for a key without looking at my old one.

Good luck

Gordon, February 2012

Just had the same problem as others with defective Key cards. £190 for 2!!!. Spoke to Renault UK who were less than sympathetic. Saying that it costs £150 for 1 but they because of complaints they now charge £190 for 2 Keys. NEVER NEVER NEVER will I buy another RENAULT.

First Time (and last) Renault Megane Owner, February 2012

had my car about a year now and to start off with was fine then after about 4 months i had probelms with the card key which kept sayin 'not detected' and change card battery which i did but after that it just keeps failing to work getting more batterys and workin for about a week then stops again lol any suggestions???? also the battery keeps failing for some reason start the car and it not work :S manage to start it with jump leads from another person and it worked but all the dashboard was reset so obviously the battery keeps goin flat for some reason... also couldnt bump start it because of the button start its shit so getting rid of it soon but was just lookin for ansews....

Rossko (Notts), February 2012

all i can say is i will never buy a renault again. last night i spent more that 30 min trying to start the car, guess what. card not detected. this is shit. the car looks nice but. it is absolute rubbish

JOSLINE, January 2012

I had the Card Not Detected on both my keys
After reading on this forum I opened the card with a Stanley Knife very carefully
I found the same fault on both cards
One leg of the coil was not making contact on the PC Board
I soldered the legs back on and now I have 2 working Cards
Bingo
Anyone can do this it is not rocket science

Slainte

Eddie in South Africa, December 2011

I have recently bought a renault megane 2003. then whilst i was chatting to the seller i noticed on the dashboard "replace card battery" so i mentioned it & he said yeah it needs a new battery which can be purchased from a local jellewry store! went and got this replaced nd noticed it was still saying the same thing on the dashboard, ignored it! then the passanger window is broken which again i ignored. then my partner put his doctors note into the front side of the drivers door and when he went to get it, yes it was soaking. wondering where the hell the water came from. things have been very busy right now so i didnt have a chance to investigate. upon getting into my car today to go on a long journey it said "cannot detect card!" i was thinking are u having a laugh, didnt know what to do and had to go on this journey so wiggled it around a little and it worked. then i had to turn the car off a number of times today and at one stage thought i was going to be stuck far away from home with this simple car. decided to read up on forums to see how much this was gona cost me and this forum has scared me shitless so much problems and so much money i only have this car 3 weeks!!! HELLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

JEMMA FROM DERRY, November 2011

Ï†Ï‰Ï„Î·Ï‚, November 2011

My problem seems that the insert for the key card is very loose and will not detect card. Any suggestions !!!

gill megane, October 2011

Hi,
Without wanting to tempt fate, I've had my 2004 Megane 1.5 dci from new. It was a replacement for a 2003 Megane which was written-off in a 100 mph head-on smash which myself and my front-seat passenger walked away from. It is coming up to 92,000 miles and apart from the fuel pump failing at 3,800 miles (under warranty) has had none of the problems mentioned (although it's had it's fair share of front indicator bulbs!). I have just encountered the problem with the keycard not being read so i called into my local Renault dealer who checked the card and told me it was u/s free of charge. I found this forum and read about the dodgy connections inside the card so i split mine open, got out my soldering iron and gave it a go. It seems to have done the trick the car unlocks and starts. If anyone wants to contact me i will happily have a go at their card (can't make any gaurantees!) and see what i can do. My number is 07901 776749.

Steve C, October 2011

i too am having the same problem. have had my 04 megane for since 2007 and its been nothing but a pain in the arse for the last 12 months. first both card battery's needed replacing within a couple of weeks of each other. first card would not start the car (CARD NOT DETECTED) and the second card would not operate the locks, so i had to use both cards every time i went out. now my car will not read either card but one of them still operates the locks.....i'm in the hopeless position of having to pay through the fcukcin nose because i'm aleways a bit wary of back st auto maniacs, i mean mechanics! HELP!!!!!

dalass, October 2011

It seems that this is a common problem caused by a design flaw in the keys, which would suggest that it is Renault's rather than the end user's problem. Have Renault ever made an effort to reach out to owners and offer a fix?

The Dom, July 2011

hello

me, July 2011

Does anyone of you knows if is it possible to change just the outside cover of the renault megane key? I just found the cover online since mine is a bit broken but I'm afraid to change it as I don't know how the inside of the card is exactly.

Rodianne, June 2011

It started with the messge "replace card battery" and after a while I had the message "card not detected".I fixed it by resoldering the coil legs (two legs' soldering was broken) and now the card works fine.It is hard to open the card but with attetion I manage to open it without destroying the shells (only some scratches) , I glued it back with a fast drying glue (cyanoacrylate )and it was ready.

Tony, June 2011

To everyone having this problem CARD NOT DETECTED give these guys a call they'll fix the card for you,they dont even need the car all they need is the card and it only costs u only £25 "keyfob Repair 21c green lanes,palmers green,London n13 4tt their phone no is 02088897593,these guys are the real deal

Ronnie, May 2011

Hope slaughtering my only key card will work, got just the one, but got to get soldering iron first! Keep u in touch.

Jabu South Africa, May 2011

HI, I have the same problem but only with Laguna II 3 button key card. The open/close buttons work ok, but I don't have acces to use a hands free function.I have opened a card with mini cutting disc - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/6-PC-DIAMOND-CUTTING-DISC-SET-MINI-DRILL-CUTTER-CRAFT-/290324484672 - without problem, have checked also all soldered points but unfortunely HF does not works still. I should say that a card shells after cutting can be glued by poluretane glue. For resoldering you needed a soldering tool with spiky ends this one can use for rescratching a compound for getting access to all of components. The 2 button card can repair by this way easy and quickly.GOOD LUCK

Gintautas, Lithuania, April 2011

I am currently having the same problem with my key cards. I have a 2003 reg renault megane dynamic 1.6 engine. About 2 years ago my first keycard stopped working when I put it in the slot it said card not detected. I live in Manchester and went to a place called Keyfax they said my card was dead and I needed a new one and the cost would be £166 plus VAT. I told them where to stick it and used the spare key which has now started doing the exact same thing, I was still able to start the car if I messed about with it. I put my car in the local garage and they told me the reader needed replacing this has now been replaced and its working better but on occasions is still saying card not detected! The other card still will not work we have replaced batteries etc.

Does any one think noth the cards need replacing? If so where can I get this done cheaper?

vicky simpson, April 2011

put keycard in & nothing happened so replaced the battery put card in & comes up press brake or clutch & thought hey thank god but nothing happenings! got some power... lights,wipers ...though weak. went to renault dealer & they put the card on a slot to see if anything like chassis no would come up on the screen but nothing! they said my card was totally dead & need a new one which will cost £185 f**k me i thought! must be another way....also thought about trying a jump start thinking might just be dead battery but been told that this might do damage because of electric components! anyone know about this.

Paul, February 2011

Try this my wifes car has the same problem card not detected took it to renault £50 later and a diagnostic check they said we need a new card. The key opens the car doors so i pressed the door open button on the card and held it down and pressed the engine start button at the dsame time and guess what?? The car Started on the other key card yes that doesnt work either i held down the door lock button on the car and pressed engine start. Let me know if that helps anyone...Stuff Renault and there sky high costs!! 04 Scenic spent £1000,s on it and had that lost dashboard display problem. Will never buy one again!!

John T, February 2011

Thanks guys for your advice. I am having the same problem currently and I will try your advice later today and give you my feedback tomorrow.

Kagisho frm South Africa

Kagisho, February 2011

Hi just fixed my renault megane keycard it is the coils dry soldered joints, just resolder and it will be fine. One word of warning if you are going to open the card, the card is moulded and it is very dificult to seperate the card, but if you manage it you will have to use black tape to close it all up again.

Robert Henry, January 2011

i too had the same problems with my renault key card but managed to find a lock smith that supplied new cards and re coded to the car (call out service-free) for a fraction of the price from renault and also next day delivery (renault 5-10 working days and they need the car taken to them - as i found impossible when i could not get the car to start), the locksmiths name is rockley locks n safes based in stoke-on-trent so always worth asking lock smiths before main dealer, i also went down the route of having a card repaired but to be honest it worked great for a couple of weeks an then fell apart literally so cost me twice to get sorted.

loz, January 2011

I've had trouble before with my keycard for my 53 plate megane. A while ago it stoppe working (so I couldn't even get in the car), so had to use the spare, but then a while later, it started working again. Then, last night in the freezng cold after work when I was about to go home, the card failed again, so couldn't get in the car, and the spare was at home. Then, today I've tried it and it works again. Renault dealer says its a faulty card, and not a imple battery replacement. Will cost £180 to get a new one. Think I'd rather get shot of the megane though. Never, ever buy a renault again! The entire electrics have failes three times since new aswell.

Andy, December 2010

Thanks to this website, because the stories that i read here helped me to fix my key card, for the past three weeks i am still waiting for Renault Dealer to notify me if the card from France has arrive and they cannot tell when the card is coming. i opened the card and find a broken wire, i then took my solding iron and attach it to the mother board of the card, so even today my card is working properly or rather better than before. Renault Dealer have'nt contacted me yet, therefore i will never buy any Renault make in my life.

kenny from JHB South Africa., November 2010

Hi webmonkey83 from Irlam, Manchester - I read your fix with interest. One of my card was not operating the doors but starts the car ok. I opened it up dubbed some solders on. Now the key operates the doors, but unfortunately the key is not recognised by the car anymore for starting. Just says 'Insert Card'. You mentioned about pressure on the coil and a site you got info from. Any details and the site address would be most welcome. The coil on the card looks ok, not damaged and the connections looks good. I will appreciate any help on this.

GolfHacker, November 2010

i have also problem with card not detected in my megane, in renault said that is because the card is very sensitive of preasure so to not holding in my pocket,

drago, October 2010

I FIXED MY KEY!! READ....this site is cool!! was running on 2 keys, 1 opened and locked the other started the car finally the one that starts the car kicked it and I was stranded!! Jumped on here on my phone and managed to open the card with my knife, stuck a bit of paper in to press the coil back onto the board, taped it up and hey presto.... started first time woo hoo!! good old mobile tech with a bit of initiative goes a long way.... will fix the other next and glue them up nicely.... just got home now and thought i'd show my appreciation to those who posted the fix.... p.s. BE CAREFUL THE COIL IS NEAR BATTERY... I actually dinted it and thought i'd totally broke it but it still worked, just be patient!! take your time with a steady hand dudes... cant wait to flog this renault and get a VW

webmonkey83 from Irlam, Manchester, October 2010

My experience with Renault customer services is terrible, My car broke down two miles away from Renault London West due to the key card 'not being detected' I didn't have a spare key on me and I had ordered a new onethem that was being delivered from France nearly a month ago. I was told it would only take one week originally, but they kept on telling me that their was a delay. They refused to pick me upp and pay for a hire car. Instead the AA had to tow me there, and I have to pay £23 a day for a hire car until the key fob arrives. I will be billing them for the damage. I am going to the Office of Fair Traiding to report them and never buying a Renault again.

Anon, October 2010

i have same prob,wiv card reader, have been quoted, neary £500!!, what a pile of poo!!!, i did not realise there was so many of you wiv the same problem!, you would have thought renault would maby recall the car and repair for free,or change it full stop! typical french!

dave, September 2010

got a grand scenic 05.iv'e had blank dashboard problem where it wipes mileage etc etc.cost me 100pounds only after watchdog broadcast the problem.also just been in to fixed a software problem with the hand break but renault cant fix it because the 2 key cards ive got wont start the ignition.john from renault quoted me 200pounds for a key."quote from john they may have bent in my pocket".funny thing is they are solid plastic and flat.tonight i'm going to win the lottery, 2moro im going to leave my renault grand scenic in johns lap and walk next door to buy a bentley.never again will i buy a renault.sorry had to get it of my chest.

disgruntled renault owner, September 2010

i am a one parent family and cant afford to keep up with all thease fkkkin faults..... i see u baby shakin ur purse........ never again

georga, September 2010

What a pile of poo! my megane won't lock/ unlock. It wont start constantly saying change battery card/ or card not detected! my service light has been on for two years even though there is nothing wrong as ive had it checked out. ive tried opening the card up and attching the broken bits, but it only worked for a couple of weeks! RENULT ARE CRXP!!!!!!!! DO NOT BUY ONE!

alexis, August 2010

i have a renault scenic and i am very pleased to say that i have had same problems as you have had so far, but this is good for the economy because it generates jobs, circulates capital and makes renault even richer.

but as i am caring for those who care for me fcuk renault and the economy and i have decided not to buy a renault again even if it is needed to buy a new card. if you take same action as me, we will have those losers in the same situation i am at the moment, out of money, no card - no car, no £180.00 to get a card because i had to change the dash board last month.

so my campain is do not buy a fcuking renault again, because if you do you are going to end up like me - a fcuking stupid.

ANTONIO ROCHA, July 2010

Arrrrgh!! Stupid RENAULT MEGANES!!! very safe car maybe, but really they are money grabbing pieces of dung. is there nothing we can do about this. I am so angry!! i think my car has an immobiliser fault, could anyone let me know if they have had this problem?

Claire, July 2010

I've had all the problems listed below. I took my car (independently towed to the renault centre as they refused to pick it up). When I bought my car they only gave me one key card with a flappy bit of plastic which I later realised (when got locked out of car) was supposed to be the failsafe emergency key!! When I told the renault garage about the electrical problem they seemed shocked and said they'd never seen this problem before. B******CKS! he then precided to ask me what mug I'd bought the car off 2 years ago...... I'd bought it from the same dealers. Idiots. Going to have to pay 150 for a new key card now. great.

AC, July 2010

having the same problems as a lot of you guys with my 2003 megane " card not detected", spare key not working. Airbag/service light coming on all the time. As a single mum with no money im going to have a go at mending it myself what harm can it do if it works ive saved a few hundred if it doesnt im only going to have to pay out what i would have done if i hadnt of read these messages. but would be interested in knoing if anyone has had any response from renault or watchdog.

caz, July 2010

renault should be asamed we are being robed.end of story.I bought magane 03 big mistake.nothing but problems again.again.again.ex.ex.ex.No money/ 5 kids thanks renault.I b sure to let people know.

glen, June 2010

does any one know what might be wrong wiyh my 2004 renault scenic. it said change battery so i did, then it was saying card not deceted. but if you lock and unlock the doors lots of times might work, but now wont start at all so droped it off at renault>>> any suggestions please. kellie.

kelllie, June 2010

Has anyone had any response from our lovely friends at Renault? This is crazy absurd!!

h, May 2010

The card to my Megane started with displaying the same "CARD NOT DETECTED"-problem about two weeks ago. Naturally I resorted to my spare card, which was not used since I bought the car - only to discover that it does'nt work. I've been limping along since then. For the whole of this afternoon my car was stuck in my driveway. When I read about two hours ago what others have done, I carefully opened one of the cards only to discover that one of the points connecting the coil to the board was loose. It helps to heat the Stanley with a blow torch to facilitate easy cutting. After soldering it, the card worked the first time. Thanks for the warning about the location of the coil. Renault suggested that the card be reprogrammed. How the hack was reprogramming going to make the card work, if the soldering on one of its main components came loose? My next car is definitely not going to be a Renault! Well, meanwhile I have one more card to open.

Romae, May 2010

These cars are a pile of crap from an electrical standpoint. I brought mine with 44K on the clock and within a month, started to notice a sudden drop in power, almost as if the car was been held back from accelerating. Turns out this is a "coils" problem. I then had the key card of death alert, NO CARD INSERTED, CARD READER FAULT, CARD NOT DETECTED, appear on the dashboard... Turned out that a small black coil inside the actual keycard is hounded by dry joints (bad soldering to those non techs). Opening the key was a pain in the ar5e although with a steady hand and a sharp Stanley blade, I managed to open it up. **NOTE** - If you try to repair one of these things, take real care around the area where the battery plugs in. The coil is in this area and its close to the edge of the card your trying to cut through. If you damage or even lighty catch any of the fine copper wires on the coil, you'll be binning the key. Anyway, I managed to get it open and one of the three connector legs was clearly detached. I soldered it and taped the card back together and, Hey Presto! Car starts first time every time. The only other electrical problem I have now is, if your tall and you have to push the drivers seat back, watch in awe as your airbag / service light comes on. This is caused by a pile of sh1t connector under the drivers seat that will only allow you to push the seat back so far before it looses its connection. I think its something to do with the seatbelt tensioner but, if you keep getting your service light come on after somebody tall has been driving your car, this is the reason. Renault should be recalling this crap and at least covering the cost of your first faulty key card. A lot of people are complaining about this so, I think Watchdog are due an interesting letter which will also be going to trading standards.

Mr Box, May 2010

I had the same problem with my Megane card just a few days ago, it opened the doors but then the message read ‘Card not detected’. I checked with the Renault dealer – a new card would set me back 120euro + 60euro to program it. As I concluded that this was a real rip-off I decided to try fixing it. It took a bit of time to open it, however one has to be patient. Best to use a Stanley knife. Like some of you mentioned over here, it was just the coil that needed some soldering (the black round thing that looks like a plastic coin). It might be difficult to see with the naked eye so I had it checked by a professional technician. He instantly identified the fault after checking the coil with a magger – there was no signal coming from the coil. After soldering the coil back in place, the card worked perfectly. So please don’t go rushing to buy a new card before trying out this solution.

marco, March 2010

I too had ta similar problem, last night actually, put the card it, and it said 'card not detected' I then took it upon me to google. only to find this site, which was a great help, thanks to Lee and Nick. I opened the card with the Stanely Knife, cut myself a few times doing it, but thought to myself... oh well the card is already broken, I can't break it worse, besides, the Dealership said it would cost my R1700 to order the card and R500 for labour, all in all R2200(xcl Vat of 14%) of oh the exchange rate to the pound is 1 pound = R15.7 so do the math as to know how much that is in pounds lol.... they have to order the card from France, which takes about 10- 15 days, in that time i would have to stay without a car.... Guys if you have the same problem... OPEN THE CARD, THE PROBLEM IS THE LITTLE WIRE LEGS FROM THE BLACK ROUND THING, THEY DISLOCATE, YOU HAVE TO PUT PRESSURE ON IT WITH A PAPER OR RUBBER AND SUPPER GLUE THE CARD TOGETHER. its a temp measure though, while you wait for the new card.

Lungisa from South Africa, March 2010

hi just dropped my megane off at the dealers for the same prob. the key. if it is going to cost me lots. i will get rid. no way wod i keep pooring money dow the draine. like sum people have done.

mr Bee., March 2010

Renault is CRAP its a rip off for a worthless car I have the card not functioning and we know this is the problem and we still got charged for diognastics and £300.00 for a new card, total madness its crazy but Renault bosses will suffer the consequences.

Your Good Friend, March 2010

if you have gone by an airport metal detecter that will stop it working

neil, February 2010

my key on my 2003 megane started to show the card not being read. nightmare.Replaced battery=useless. The spare key just wouldnt work. It worked one day and then stopped.The car was stuck in my driveway. Renault were no help and told me to get it going and get it down to them. took me over an hour for the KEY to connect and once it started i didnt let it stop. £18o to replace. robbery but we are at their mercy.This car has been a nightmare, windows all stuck,water fills the right front pocket,bulbs blow permanently, coils-well they are a joke.just a black hole for money. DONT EVER BUY A MIGRAINE!!!!

AE MCATEER, February 2010

Hi my boyfriend has a 2003 Renault Megane and i have a 2002 renault clio. Firstly we have had to replace all the coils on both cars which was very costly but since that the clio has been fine. However, the Megane's passenger window failed to close after being opened and was stuck down for a week, luckily my dad used to be an electrician and after finding the wire had rotted away inside the door panel, he did some re-wiring and managed to close the window. Finally last week, my boyfriend unlocked the Megane as normal, but when he placed the card in the reader it said "Card Not Detected" which meant the engine wouldn't start and the steering was locked, but after a few attempts the car then started. However this week the car would not start at all and an AA mechanic spent 1 and a half hours trying to start it and came to the conclusion that it must be the card reader. It is currently in a garage but they are not sure if they can fix it. Has anyone else had the card reader problem and if we take it to Renault are they going to charge us a fortune?

Sophie, February 2010

I have a renault megane 03 plate i have just had same problem with the card not detecting my car is in ranault at the moment its been there for a week now and still no card i have problems with the coils they cost me £200 to be fixed when i open and close the doors my service light comes on and drivers airbag this is the worse car i have ever own in all my years of driving i think people should get together and get something done about it cos its just hgetting money of everyone for the problem and bad design of renault maybe write to one show or watch dog and egt them on to it make others aware of the problem with renault

GARY manchester, January 2010

Be careful if you are opening these Keycards they are very easy to damage when opening them, you can always send them to www.keyrepair.co.uk and I will repair your Megane / Scenic key for you.

Gary, January 2010

Tried the repair as suggested by Lee, posted Oct 2009
IT WORKS! IT WORKS! re-solder the lugs as suggested by Lee and save yourself hundreds of pounds. Have done one key card, and it works great in the card reader considering it would work at all before the repair. The only down side is that the card is reluctant to lock and unlock the car unless you are right up close to the drivers door.
will try to repair the other card tomorrow night.

Nick, January 2010

Hi ive got the problem where my car cant lock or open ,but can start with the keycard ,luckily i found a r man ,who for £20 fixes your keycard ,amazing.....and a lot less hassle key returned within 3 days ,hes on ebay under renault key repair.

lynda, December 2009

DO NOT TRY TO PROGRAM A SECOND HAND CARD FROM ANOTHER CAR INTO YOURS. IT CAN CLEAR ALL THE CODES IN YOUR CAR AND END UP COSTING OVER £600 AT RENAULT

I am an Auto locksmith, i wont entertain these cards, cost me more to buy them and code them than renault can do them for, because the only supplyer is..... yep, Renault. No one supplies a copy one.

Had tonnes of calls for replecements. I can get in through the lock (the old fashioned way) but these key cards are useless, just designed to make money for renault

Gary (Warrington), November 2009

Hi got an o6 plate renault megane 7 seater need it got 5 kids thought it was a good buy absolutely shit never do again, had it for 4 weeks alarm system always goes of so leave the car doors open overnight, the card keep saying 'card not detected when placed in to reader so tried using 2nd card same with second one, said 'change battery/battery low' so changed key battery made no difference, got in touch iwth renault birmingham wont give me 4 digit code for immobiliser and said i need to change key slot/reader at £170 cant afford it single parent too costly and too many underlying charges if this problems are being experience by many thousands why are they not sorting them out for free absolute con never buy renault again

rukhy, November 2009

what a load of crap..FRENCH CARS THEY ALL THE SAME. I used to work at renault dealers in york, TELL YOU WHAT GUYS AND GIRLS THEY RECEIVE SO MANY COMPLAINTS A DAY LET ALONE A WEEK IT SO UNBELEIVABLE. STAY AWAY FROM RENAULTS!!

Syras., November 2009

Well, I think it's plain old profiteering. How can they justify £150 for a new card key. I need 2, that's £300.
They must cost all of 20p to make in China.!
I'm writing to the BBC - Watchdog. Old Ginger Nut's...... what's her name, the Weakest Link woman. She can name and shame them... again..! Have you heard how the whole front dash has to be taken out because 1 bulb cuts out the entire car....while your driving along. That must be nice, belting round the M25 and suddenly you loose your power steering.
I've had renaults all my life, but never again.
Who's up for a bit of Watchdog then..?

Spencer., November 2009

i had this same problem with my 2004 dynamic ,the card just started reading "card not detected" so i grabbed the second card and it read change battery ,ok so i changed the battery and it was still the same but the car ran fine ,iread this form and thought about opening the card myself although it sounded dangerous ,so i just kind put as much pressure on the buttons as i could with my fingers and around the whole card and guess what it works every time ,well the dozen or so times i tried it ,somthing was maybe loose in there ,just in case i will carry the spare while i monitor the situation with the other card ,and keep you posted ....................

joe, November 2009

I've had the same fault, the card will unlock the doors but, when inserted in the key port, states "Card not detected". So I'm now using the spare and hoping it wont pack up too! Pointless gadget, give me a key any day!

I've had the usual main problem with all these cars, the window regulator failing and the window being useless. It was replaced under warranty but then packed up a month or two later, just after the warranty had expired and of course the dealer refused to do anything about it stating "there's no guarantee on warranty work after the warranty's expired". Also the front drivers door pocket continually fills with water when it rains (I may just stop emptying it and pop a goldfish in there!).

I know these are problems experienced by lots of people but, when you try to bring this up with the dealer, they pretend you are an isolated problem and deny all knowledge of these widespread inherent faults.

What it would take is for a solicitor or law company to collate these issues from owners who've experienced these constant design faults and take forward a class action against Renault to make them acknowledge and rectify these issues and the disgraceful customer service that has followed as a result. This happened before with Renault over the Clio which had an inherent bonnet catch fault which they continually refused to admit, despite several crashes when it popped up as the cars were going along. Eventually a court action forced them to admit it and recall the cars for repairs. Audi similarly had faults with the TT (old style) cambelt failing before it's due replacement mileage, causing a very expensive repair. Again, Audi refused to admit to this until a class action was brought against them and they recalled the affected batch of cars. So it can be done if everyone pulls together! As a single voice people are easily dismissed but as a group, they're much harder to ignore! And the press love to report these things too!

I've owned my 2003 Megane since new and like the car but hate the problems!

So, if there's any lawyers out there willing to act on this, get in touch!

Jon Williams, November 2009

im having the key problem. this is the worst car on the road. i have had windows going up and down on their own.cost nearly a grand to fix them and now the drivers side is stuck again. the bulbs constantly blow. the tyres dont hold the pressure. bought new batteries for the key. one wont work at all and the other is barely starting the car. takes several goes so i guess i will have to buy a new card .if i could afford to i would throw a match on this useless piece of c--p!!
please dont ever buy renault. they just cant make cars

arlene, October 2009

I ( like so many others) also had a problem with the key! Whilst trying to start the car the display said 'unable to read card' being a novice I s**t myself thinking I need a new key AND get it programmed to my car. But I took it upon myself after reading this very thread to take the key apart using a stanley knife, and found that TWO of the legs coming from the coil were basically floating in mid air, therefore not completing the circut, so I soldered the two legs carefully back to were they belonged, put the card in and hey presto she lit up!! Not the best patent of a key but as Im sure you've all guessed, Renault simpily dont think!!!!

Lee, October 2009

Friday night, i've parked on a single yellow, you can only park there from 6pm to 7am. 2pm i go back to my car and the card is not detected, the window will not go up and i dont have breakdown cover! its 3.30 now and im still thinking what to do! Ive have endless problems, one being it kept cutting out just after starting, had to rev it up to gear 3 it was ok, but this was everytime i started the car! Sometimes looks are not the best things to go for when it comes to a car! :(

Priya, October 2009

If you have two key cards and only one of them works (to start the car) then the problem is the card. I have just fixed mine, but I had to cut the card open along the seam line. I used a Stanley Knife and I would urge caution doing this, so as not to cause injury to yourself. Cut the seam line along the three sides (two long and front short edge, which is the oposite end from the keyring hole). The case can be temporarily eased open to reveal the induction coil, which is the most likely cause of the problem (identified by the copper windings) one of the legs had become desoldered from the circuit board and was simply soldered back in position...now works fine. I decided to just close the case with a black electrical tape, which will make it easier to access in the future. Good Luck.

Michael, September 2009

For those who have read the previous entires and still want a Megane please keep clear I like others have spent a fortune on repairs .In the first year I have spent £400 on a throttle body as the car was reving on its own then £300 on a offiside window regualtor.But worse was still to come the water pump went which in turn led to the the timing belt snapping and destroying the engine which cost £2500 to repair.And now when trying to get into my car the central locking wouldnt open so I thought maybe its card battery so that was relpalced and I got into the vehicle by the key inside of the card but with still no joy.When inserting the card it is not switching the imobilser or steering lock off and everything is dead.I dread to think after reading similar problems how much Im going to be stung for this time.
I will never but another Renault and would advise others not to either.It is the worst car I have ever bought.

Matt, September 2009

Bought Megane 1.6vvt 2003. The day after i bought it, the alternator went. that cost me £290. 3 days later The engine management light came on. Found out it was the coil packs so i got them changed at a cost of £185 a week or so later the display said replace card battery, so i did again and again with no joy. Then the card was not being recognised unless i pushed the card in an upward direction then a day later the car kept cutting out after starting it up so i had to keep the revs high. This went on for a while as no garage could find any faults. I was so annoyed i just drove the car so fast hoping the engine would blow cos i knew the problems were not over, the engine didn't blow but it fixed the cutting out problem. i bought a new card reader as i thought it must be that, i changed it and it was exactly the same. so i have ordered a new card at a cost of £150 still waiting! Today the car went in for a new timing belt and a service. I went to pick the car up and i started it up in the garage and it was reluctant to start but it did and 5 seconds later it made a massive knocking sound and cut out. The local private garage gave me a lift home straight away and told me they would be in touch. I hope they don't charge me for a mistake that they may of made.

Can Anyone tell me how much it would normally cost to replace a cam belt and service the car. They gave me a quote of £650 But i expect this price to rise as i can imagine they are going to say the reason the car broke was some problem with another part.

Craig Lewis, September 2009

i had this problem but i got hold of a old second hand card unsolied the round transmitter thing on the key card and resoiled it to mine and has worked perfectly ever since

che, September 2009

hi i have a 2004 53 plate renault megane i have had the car for 16 months and so far i had to get the vvt fixed a new window wiper motor,2 new o2 sensors,boot lock stoped working now working....., drivers door is coming away from the a frame, my rear veiw mirror keeps falling off it the large one, my screen for my stero is faulty, my hand brake case is broked, and for changing the indicator bulbs god help us, my car is keyless entry and start sometimes it starts without the key needing to be in then sometimes it says card is not detected .oh and i nearly forgot front spring went tooo...... lol the joys

karen, August 2009

WHEN I PRESS THE STOP BUTTON AT THE END OF MY JOURNEY AND TAKE OUT THE CARD,IF I PRESS THE START BUTTON AGAIN IT STARTS UP WITH NO CARD INSERTED ????? HELP AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR IS THERE SOMETHING I SHOULD BE DOING THAT I AM NOT ????

PAULA, July 2009

u have to go to the company to reprogram the computers. Shouldn't cost u anything, they are supposed to do that at the company when u buy it tho!

trini guy, July 2009

Is there anyway of changing the lanuage on the on-board computer to English from french.
Thanks In advance

TomTom, July 2009

I also have a 2003 renault megane. I bought the base model cause it waz said that it has less problems. I am a student and im going bankrupt from this car. I got that card problem a few days ago. I feel like i have overhauled my car. cause everything has been changed basically. I changed all coils (4). i bought i new chip for my A/C. i changed the Ecu already. Alot of sensors. Its very true renault's are the worst. I have changed more parts to but its just to much. In all i must of spent abt $5400TT.

Trini Guy!, July 2009

well my megane has been fine.....only front passenger window motor failed 3 times, nearside front suspension failed, key card reader fell out, air con does not work, heater fan fell out of housing twice, ecu failed twice, heater plugs failed 5 times water leaks into the under floor storage areas, water leaks into both front door storage panels, windscreen wiper sensor failed 3 times, key cards have failed twice, drivers window works now and again, egr valve on exhaust failed and not to mention that the front bulbs are a bugger to change. The above is all 100% true, however, I may have missed some things as there has been so many issues for which i apologise.
I have said many many many times I will never buy a renault again.
The only place you can get new key cards from is Renault £131.58 inc VAT. Wonderful. I SEE YOU SHAKING THAT HEAD, SHAKING THAT HEAD. NO WONDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chas Not A Renault Fan, June 2009

i have Renault megane 2003 i nearly spent 3000 in last 5 years to maintain Replace key, ECU failed both door mirror motor failed, never start in 1st time, Service light ON even after Renault dealer service they are asking 350+VAT switch off Service light( they are telling me some wiring prob),

One day while i driving car stopped power steering doesn't work, i am luck to alive, and then if you start the car you can't stop, so i have to open the bonnet to remove coil connection,

I MADE A BAD CHOICE TO HAVE THIS STUPID CAR, NEVER EVER BUY RENAULT CAR,

arun, June 2009

You can only buy from renault, they can't re-programme old keys bought via ebay etc so don't waste your money.
I've had my car for 1year i have had to replace dashboard computer as it was shutting down while driving along leaving the whole screen blank inc radio plus i have had to replace all 4 coil plugs each individually as no-one told me until the 4th one that once one goes they will eventually all go one by one.
So all in all NEVER BUY RENAULT EVER worst mistake i've ever made

Ashley Lovett, June 2009

Hi Renault Company
kindly ask you to solve this urgently problem make all user of renault very sad.please reply as soon as possible.

loly, May 2009

Recent correspondence to Renault.....
Good afternoon.
I own a 2003 megane.
Including components used during manufacture, it has had 3 front offside window motors, 2 front near side window motors, 2 fuel flap locking mechnisms, the rear near side window motor has failed and now i cannot lock the car. The key fob is completely useless.
This car is only six years old.
Is this level of component failure acceptable to Renault?
Could you please also comment on Renaults policy on in-built obscelescence?
On my travels for my employer and socially i am conveying the message that anyone who is about to aquire a new or used vehicle should not consider buying a Renault. They are a financial liability.
I am at my wits end and do not know what to do next to repair my key fob without incurring more cost.
This car has cost me nearly £2000-00 in component costs in the last two years.
Is there any good news that renault could offer me with regards to some customer support that matches the financial support i have heaped upon renault?
I know that there are a few questions to be answered here, but as your web site indicates, i shall look forward to your positive reply within 24 hrs.
Best Regards,

Simon, May 2009

Hi mine is not reading the card unless i push the card in a upward direction,as i have taken dash to bits.not sure if it's the reader or the card though only got 1 card

lee fairgrieve, May 2009

this problem is a big problem for all user for Renault Megan , can the factory find a quick solution to push sales for this car.

magdi, May 2009

i have a megane 07 i lost the card, to get a new 1 have just bee told £88+vat for the card £44+vat for programming it .what a con wont be getting a renault again .ps this is for a handsfree one

ian, March 2009

its fu**in bullsh*t i was stuck in my car for 2 hours b4 i relised it anit gona work lol
and now its been parked outside on the side of a main road and i cnt get it recoverd cus teh sterring lock doenst unlock ...im pi**d !!!!!

andy, February 2009

had the same problem card not detected warning so contacted sunwin renault @ mansfield.Charged me £80 to tell me I needed a new Key @ £175 so for a new key £255.So if a renault dealer tells you that they need to check your card beware you may be better to just order a new card.At least Dick Turpin wore a mask.

bob, February 2009

Took spare bought from ebay (see other post) to Renault Arnold Clark. Said that they can't set the spare as it was not registered to the car?? Found out that the original key still worked. Problem was the lock on the steering column was broke?? This apparently works with the immobiliser; hence the car would not start. Cost just under £350 (Inc. Labour & VAT). Not happy.

Mike, January 2009

iv had my renau,lt megane 1.6vvt 03 plate about 2month,ive wantwed one for ages and now iv got one wish i hadnt!!! they look nice and when they work they drive nice but the electronics on them are crap!! both my keys cards have broke and it just says card not detected..plus my drivers window wont go up and the whole car jus wont lock..i dont hav the money to get it repaired therefore im car less and hav a baby to get about without a car..i bet the only reason renault hav brought anuva new shape meganne out so quick is so that they can cover ther mistakes with the other shape,i must say i would ever buy another renault and im very disapointed!!!

kty8789, January 2009

Getting a card bought from ebay (£20). Going to take it to a local Renault Dealer and see if they will program it for me (£40)?? Here's hoping.
Note: The card from ebay is second hand. Meaning the emergency cut key (little pull out key on the side) will not open the door. But if it works!!!

Mike, January 2009

i have a renault clio with hands free key card same thing happened to me,will cost you about £170 all together at a renault dealer

jay, January 2009

ive had bit of a knightmare with my renault might i say first and last renault. mine broke down with the message saying card not detected but htis was the only card that i had for the card . but i was stuck in work so i ordered a card from griffin mill south wales who might i say are renault repair specialist but havent a clue about ordering a card. they ordered me card but couldnt fit me in to have it programmed so i had the car towed t james and jenkins cardiff where theytried to programme the card and said it was the wrong card for the car it was a hands free card ..griffin milll wont accept responsibillity for their mistake so i have to buy another card from james and jenkins who say they can do the car when it arrives.. so if your your thinking of buying a renault dont as this is only the start of the problems that i have had... i strongly advise steer clear

jason price, August 2008

yes iam certain you will need to buy a new card , also they will ask you if its got hands free which you did not mention, the card will take up to 10 days to arrive from the time youorder the key ,and thats not all ,you have got to spend more money to get both cards, one new and the spare card programmed to the vehicle , now comes the best bit ,the prise of the card , these are approx figures , card is around the £90 plus vat and to have it programmed around £ 40 plus vat , hope this has helped.

mark, May 2008

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