heater switches on wipers!? (yes its a renault...!)

roo_photo

Cue snorts chuckles and 'I told you so...'

I have a renault megane '99 1.4 16v - and boy is it living up to renault reputation for electronics.

The problem is that the heater switch causes the wipers to switch on (very, very slowly). The wiper switch doesn’t work at all.

I have checked all fuses…and had a good rummage for any bad earth connections. The local mechanic has also had a look – and he could not turn up anything. He had a word with a Renault mechanic, who said it sounded like a faulty ‘control management unit’ and would cost about €850 for the unit alone!?

Anybody had similar problems or have any ideas? A search on the net revealed that this has happened a few times with meganes…but there was no real hint of a solution.

Kimbot

If its "faulty ‘control management unit’ " would renault not have to replace it at their expense??

Anan1

If I were you i'd give Hamiltons a call on 01 4755157 and run the situation by them.

mike65

Can you access the control unit and does it have wiring which is attachted with a multi-plug or does it enter through the casing? You might be able to swap it without to much trouble or it may be more tricky.

Mike.

crosstownk

I don't think Renault will pay for anything - the car is 7 years old!

I'll second Anan1 on the suggestion to talk to Hamiltons - great at electrics.

sparkyjo

i have been doing a little work on my renault (98) if you take off the housing above the steering wheel there is a white plug right in the centre that is were the wipers are switched from you should make sure sure that the plug isn't damaged or burnt

roo_photo

Thanks for all the tips!

I'll have a final rummage (and check out the connections) over the weekend..weather permitting:rolleyes:

Prob if it is that unit, only Renault can calibrate the sodding thing... I'll def give hamiltons a call though.

When (or if) I find out the prob, I'll post what it was... I reckon there may be a few megane owners following in these footsteps...:eek:

roo_photo

Tis a faulty 'UCH' module. (otherwise known as a Body control module I think).

Replacement cost for the unit is 1000 ex VAT!? :eek: A used equivalent is not an option unfortunately.

On top of that a few hours work is required, bringing total cost of repairs to over 1500. Its all got to be done by renault!?

I'm gobsmacked...

mike65

'Got to be done by Renualt? You have been!

Seriously though thats shocking, when you get the work done put the car up for sale.

Mike.

colm_mcm

We've established by a poll that Renaults are quite reliable cars, I'd like to take this opportunity to state that expensive electrical problems on Meganes are quite uncommon, and tales of such nightmare scenarios are usually propogated by people who don't know what they're talking about or are simply anti-Renault..

Mr.Diagnostic

roo_photo wrote:

Tis a faulty 'UCH' module. (otherwise known as a Body control module I think).

Replacement cost for the unit is 1000 ex VAT!? :eek: A used equivalent is not an option unfortunately.

On top of that a few hours work is required, bringing total cost of repairs to over 1500. Its all got to be done by renault!?

I'm gobsmacked...

Has it been diagnosed as being the UCH? What I mean is did someone actually test the system or just guess thats what it is?

Was it a renault dealer who told you it has to be done by them?

The UCH is the body module/fuse box and also contains the immobiliser. To fit a new one the security code is required to recode the keys, along with the correct equipment of course. This code is contained within the module and can be read out. A good specialist should be able to do this.
Another option would be to fit a full set from a breakers yard. These may require coding for the correct options, again simple for a specialist.
Another option would be to repair the old unit, may be possible.

jayok

colm_mcm wrote:

We've established by a poll that Renaults are quite reliable cars, I'd like to take this opportunity to state that expensive electrical problems on Meganes are quite uncommon, and tales of such nightmare scenarios are usually propogated by people who don't know what they're talking about or are simply anti-Renault..

mike65

colm I nearly bought that post wholesale!

Mike.

junkyard

colm_mcm wrote:

We've established by a poll that Renaults are quite reliable cars, I'd like to take this opportunity to state that expensive electrical problems on Meganes are quite uncommon, and tales of such nightmare scenarios are usually propogated by people who don't know what they're talking about or are simply anti-Renault..

There's no way would I agree with this statement Colm, there's not a day goes by without me having to sort out the electrics are sticking back something that has fallen off a Renault. They're rubbish!!!:rolleyes:

Gary ITR

I'm becoming very disillusioned with my laguna (company car). It's got 62000kms on it and it's one year old. Heat shield keeps falling off even though 3 different advance tyres guys have put it back on. Breaks make noise when I drive, like the pads rubbing and the renault garage told me thats just them 'bedding in' (they've been on the car for 3500kms, how the fcuk long does it take for them to bed in???) All of the controls have a rubber coating thats peeling off now and the suspension feels terrible too. Won't be picking a renault next time the cars are being changed.

Oh and the renault dealers... left it in for a service, got it back and the following day i got a flat and brought it to advance who told me i needed pads all round. Something i wasn't told when it was serviced the day before, booked ir in the renault garage and got them done.

colm_mcm

junkyard wrote:

There's no way would I agree with this statement Colm, there's not a day goes by without me having to sort out the electrics are sticking back something that has fallen off a Renault. They're rubbish!!!:rolleyes:

I know, yeah. I was only messin'