Posted by Pete Mutlow on December 17, 2013, 6:30 pm
Year of Manufacture *: 2007 ( Optional ) Engine Code or CC: 1.9DCI
Greetings,
I would be grateful for some advice on this vehicle which appears to have a card reader fault.
HISTORY: The owner has been having problems starting the vehicle for the past few weeks and it eventually starts by "jiggling/twisting" the card. It no longer starts.
FINDINGS: Card is inserted, and there is no satisfying clicks nor dashboard lights except one which says "Card Not Detected". The card activates the central-locking. The immobiliser light flashes continuously as far as I can remember. No comms established with Autocom.
QUESTION: We think it may be a faulty card reader which looking through the archives would appear to be quite common. I understand the card itself can be checked by Renault. My question is this: If a new reader is fitted, does it have to be coded to the car, or does the card have to be coded to the reader? From my understanding of the system, the card only activates the micro-switch within the reader. If coding is required, is it feasible to fit a second hand reader complete with card without coding, or, if coding is required, to utilise the security code from the donor car?
Sorry about all the questions but I am trying to cover all eventualities.
If it starts or used to start by twisting and jiggling the key then its most likely to be a faulty card rather than the card reader although we have had both fail in the past or if your really unlucky it could be both.
If it hasn't got a spare card, Which for some unknown reason seems to be the case with most megane owners. ?? the easiest way to check is to go into key programming and see if it identifies the original key card, if it doesn't then try a new key card and see if it recognises the new one, If it does, carry on a program it up.
It will be the card pete as stated. there are 2 electric contacts that break i think in the upper left corner,last one i had i repaired by squeezing the card together and wrapping some tape tightly around the card until the new card arrived. i have a megane key here which is new but not sure if i can code it into your car as i think they are matched to vehicle when ordered. i can code you a key foc if you are around this area. as stated the reader is plug and play and takes about 30 mins to fit. about £45 from dealer. sean
Many thanks all for your responses. This vehicle unfortunately only has one key-card, so testing by substitution is not possible. As far as further testing is concerned, I cannot see how much further I can go because Autocom does not appear to have the facility to live read the immobiliser system. So we are in a position of not knowing if the card is at fault or the reader. I am also aware that a different/second-hand card cannot be re-programmed to this vehicle because they are unique to the original vehicle. So in view of the foregoing, I have suggested that the keycard be sent to a specialist company for refurb/repair which appears to be a cheap option bearing in mind the cost of a new replacement and coding from Renault. I have seen reports that such repairs do not always appear to be a permanent repair and have advised accordingly. A new reader will be fitted if required. I understand the customer will obtain a spare keycard when finances allow.
Further updates will be provided as and when required.
Again, thanks for all you offers of help. Very much appreciated.
on December 17, 2013, 6:30 pm
the easiest way to check is to go into key programming and see if it identifies the original key card, if it doesn't then try a new key card and see if it recognises the new one, If it does, carry on a program it up.