Card not detected (megane)

shamrock55

Ok so for the last few days when i put in the keycard to start up it says card not detected,also at times it takes more then 1 push of the button to switch off the engine, i have pushed the button and taken out the key and headed off only to realise the bloody car is still running
Is this a keycard problem or starter motor or something else, when the card is detected it starts with 1 push of the button so im thinking card problem, if this is the case how much is this gonna cost to get sorted?? Thanks

pred racer

It's a card problem! Any good locksmith will get you a new one for €100
Or.....it's the reader, there are 2 micro switches in there that have a habit of breaking. You can pull out the whole module and have a look.

Either way, the card isn't doing what it should or the reader isn't reading it correctly. Any competent locksmith is dealing with 2-3 of these a week.

Wait for this expression :rolleyes: when you mention it's a Renault with card key

Edit: don't put it on the long finger, it will fail completely pretty soon, the cards can be repaired if they are not too badly buggered, so can the readers.

power pants

There is a forummer on here who has a megane and quite clued up on them

..... oh wait....

slimjimmc

Usually it's a faulty keycard. Over the years flexing (such as keeping the key in your back pocket) can eventually cause an internal solder joint to break over time. The card reader doesn't get a signal from the card and assumes the card is not inserted.
If the spare keycard (if you have one) works without problem then you know for certain it's the main keycard.
Autokey.ie in Dublin repaired my keycard, it takes up to 2 days once you get the key to them.

It's a normal feature that you have press the start button twice to switch off when the card is not detected in the slot.

It could be the micro-switches as these trigger the card reader to interrogate the keycard. Usually if the accessories power up but the display still says "card not detected" then it's the card.

pred racer

power pants wrote: »

There is a forummer on here who has a megane and quite clued up on them

..... oh wait....

It's not me! My sister has a Laguna II

ba_barabus

Dunnes Locksmiths in Nenagh have the equipment to do these. I've found them reasonable price wise for sorting issues like this. They would be worth a call.

Jayop

shamrock55 wrote: »

Ok so for the last few days when i put in the keycard to start up it says card not detected,also at times it takes more then 1 push of the button to switch off the engine, i have pushed the button and taken out the key and headed off only to realise the bloody car is still running
Is this a keycard problem or starter motor or something else, when the card is detected it starts with 1 push of the button so im thinking card problem, if this is the case how much is this gonna cost to get sorted?? Thanks

Is it one with a card reader (slot) that you put the card in or is it keyless entry where you keep the card in your pocket?

If it's the card reader then it could well be one of those and it's a fair bit cheaper than replacing the card. I've not worked for Renault for a few years but that's how I remember it.


Do you have two cards and if so is it happening with both?

Also, try this. When you put the card into the slot press the card upwards from underneath from the little bit that sticking out of the slot. If it then detects the card it could well be the reader.

pred racer

ba_barabus wrote: »

Dunnes Locksmiths in Nenagh have the equipment to do these. I've found them reasonable price wise for sorting issues like this. They would be worth a call.

That's who sorted out my sisters last time, replaced parts of the reader and fixed the card for €80. Top bloke!

shamrock55

Jayop wrote: »

Is it one with a card reader (slot) that you put the card in or is it keyless entry where you keep the card in your pocket?

If it's the card reader then it could well be one of those and it's a fair bit cheaper than replacing the card. I've not worked for Renault for a few years but that's how I remember it.


Do you have two cards and if so is it happening with both?

Also, try this. When you put the card into the slot press the card upwards from underneath from the little bit that sticking out of the slot. If it then detects the card it could well be the reader.

Yea its one with a card reader, i have 2 keys but the thing is the spare key never worked from day one, there is a renault dealer just out the rd from me but tbh they are very expensive and i know they will screw me for everything, they will probably tell me i will need a new car:D

Jayop

shamrock55 wrote: »

Yea its one with a card reader, i have 2 keys but the thing is the spare key never worked from day one, there is a renault dealer just out the rd from me but tbh they are very expensive and i know they will screw me for everything, they will probably tell me i will need a new car:D

Try that pushing the card up and see if it detects it. COuld be an indication of the reader at fault. If not then it's probably the key.

The lads above there reckon there's places in Dublin that can fix the card so if you can do without the car for a day or two try that first and if that's no good then it's the reader.

shamrock55

I just tried pushing it up but no good, still saying card not detected:(

slimjimmc

Renault dealer will charge about €230 for 1 replacement card. Mine cost €110 to repair but I had already butchered it with a bit of DIY and needed a bit more work, otherwise it would have been a bit cheaper.


The common failure is a broken solder joint where the wire of the internal induction coil is soldered to the circuit board of the keycard. This coil is what transmits the imobiliser code to the security ECU. I found that if you pinch the card hard in the area to the right of the tailgate button you can sometimes get out of being stranded. I assume it must have re-connected the broken solder joint just enough to get going again.

Jayop

Aye the new cards are mental expensive. I wonder is there any way to get your spare one working? Does it need to be coded or battery changed?

finalfurlong

Think renault doing themselves persisting with these cards .By their nature wont take abuse like standard key.Is their any upside to them?.

Jayop

finalfurlong wrote: »

Think renault doing themselves persisting with these cards .By their nature wont take abuse like standard key.Is their any upside to them?.

All the manufacturers are acting like idiots with these fancy key and entry systems. What was so wrong with a sturdy key that you put into the ignition and turn with a button on it for the CL?

lollsangel

I had this. Bought a new outer case. Carefully opened the key around with a blade and soldered the wires back together. Then put it into the new case...it ain't pretty but it works.. I have one key that opens the car but won't drive it and another that drives the car but don't open it 😂

Guy:Incognito

Jayop wrote: »

All the manufacturers are acting like idiots with these fancy key and entry systems. What was so wrong with a sturdy key that you put into the ignition and turn with a button on it for the CL?

The ones that were often snapped off in ignition barrels?

We've had our Scenic 8 years now. Had to get the key resoldered once, last year. No other issues.
The mothers Megane the same.

I've had to resolder normal keys too in the past. Apart from the key in the ignition part theres no difference between a Renault key card and a normal key and with the newer ones in the last few years where you dont need to put the card in the slot or press buttons to open and lock the car there should be no fatigue issues.

Jayop

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

The ones that were often snapped off in ignition barrels?

We've had our Scenic 8 years now. Had to get the key resoldered once, last year. No other issues.
The mothers Megane the same.

I've had to resolder normal keys too in the past. Apart from the key in the ignition part theres no difference between a Renault key card and a normal key and with the newer ones in the last few years where you dont need to put the card in the slot or press buttons to open and lock the car there should be no fatigue issues.

I worked in the motor trade for about ten years in main dealer service and I can tell you that the problems by cards and keyless entry systems out number those from standard remote keys by at least 20/1.

I've also never encountered or heard of a key snapping in the ignition barrell or any lock so not sure if that's a common complaint.

shamrock55

Has anyone used autokey before? I think i might just give them a ring tomorrow altogether, i dont own any soldering gear anyway so i may aswell

slimjimmc

shamrock55 wrote: »

Has anyone used autokey before? I think i might just give them a ring tomorrow altogether, i dont own any soldering gear anyway so i may aswell

Used them about 5 years ago (keycard working perfectly since). Found them good to deal with, initially told me it could take 2 days but would aim to be ready next day. They rang me next midday to tell me the repair would be delayed for another day and then rang me the next day to confirm it was ready. They even showed me the keycard holds all sorts of data about the car including the odometer reading.

ThisRegard

Jayop wrote: »

I've also never encountered or heard of a key snapping in the ignition barrell or any lock so not sure if that's a common complaint.

Seems to happen with the flick knife style of keys a fair bit, such as those used by Audi and Opel/Vauxhall.

Jayop

ThisRegard wrote: »

Seems to happen with the flick knife style of keys a fair bit, such as those used by Audi and Opel/Vauxhall.

Never owned or word for either of those makes. I'd still be amazed if they give the same amount of trouble the card keys give.

slimjimmc

finalfurlong wrote: »

Think renault doing themselves persisting with these cards .By their nature wont take abuse like standard key.Is their any upside to them?.

I think they're a great idea. They slip nicely into your wallet or pocket, don't have any pointy bits to punch holes in your pockets or springs to break like in retractable keys and there are no tumblers to wear out. They're actually not as delicate as portrayed and I read that the newer models are tougher. Imo so long as you're not in the habit of sitting with it in your ar5e pocket it should be fine.

Jayop

slimjimmc wrote: »

I think they're a great idea. They slip nicely into your wallet or pocket, don't have any pointy bits to punch holes in your pockets or springs to break like in retractable keys and there are no tumblers to wear out. They're actually not as delicate as portrayed and I read that the newer models are tougher. Imo so long as you're not in the habit of sitting with it in your ar5e pocket it should be fine.

Honestly, they are crap. I've lost count of the amount of them I've replaced or taped up for people. Barring lost keys all the other manufacturers I've worked for (ford bmw Saab Hyundai Volvo and dome crap us makes) have not had a fraction of the problems Renault cards had.

The old skinny ford round keys used to get worn out but you could buy a new cut blade for a tenner.

jimmycrackcorm

lollsangel wrote: »

I had this. Bought a new outer case. Carefully opened the key around with a blade and soldered the wires back together. Then put it into the new case...it ain't pretty but it works.. I have one key that opens the car but won't drive it and another that drives the car but don't open it 😂

I had the same with a megane keycard. I was quoted €230 to get a replacement card. Looked up youtube to see how to fix it. I did the same, opened up the plastic, and did a minor solder job.

Here's the video:

350k views shows you just how common this problem is

18MonthsaSlave

finalfurlong wrote: »

Think renault doing themselves persisting with these cards .By their nature wont take abuse like standard key.Is their any upside to them?.

My keyless entry/start on my Renault(s) has worked perfectly but I've got a latest model Renault as opposed to the earlier ones.
I wouldn't want to go back to a conventional key.

ThisRegard

Jayop wrote: »

Honestly, they are crap..

Probably cursing myself now but I run and do some pretty vigorous races with mine in short pockets and it's still fine. Whereas the broken key in the house is of the folding style. The in laws had the same thing happen and a Google told me it's not that uncommon.

I'm not saying they don't have issues but all modern keys seem to have their idiosyncrasies.

shamrock55

I rang autokey this morning and they organised a courier to collect my key and drop it back to me in 2 days for 70euro, ill be well happy if it comes back fixed for that price, still waiting for courier though!! ( i thought i posted this earlier but obviously not)

shamrock55

I got the key back from autokey on sat morn as good as new, i would highly recommend them

CianRyan

Damn, in too late.
If you stick a knife in the hole with the key that makes it work. Net even messing.
You can just snap an old knife, tape it to the key and it'll work.

No idea why.

keithclancy

CianRyan wrote: »

Damn, in too late.
If you stick a knife in the hole with the key that makes it work. Net even messing.
You can just snap an old knife, tape it to the key and it'll work.

No idea why.

Would guess it compresses the key and forces the broken solder joints together.

Not a long term fix and may cause other damage inside the unit.