central locking stopped working

[hix2003]

Hi, apologies if this has been posted previously, I'm new to the site.
I have a May 2005 (05) 1.9 dci, Manual gearbox. 15" wheels running Avons. I've had it from new and it has 65K miles on the clock. Purchased from Virgin cars in Sheffield It has been regularly serviced by Sutton Park Reanault in Coventry since new.
I came to the car this morning and the key card did not open the locking. I used the manual key and the card started the car as normal. I chnged to the spare card and this did not work. I change the battery and still no joy. I've checked the fuse and that's OK. Any ideas and will it be expensive? I have RAC extended warranty that covers parts and £37.50 per hour labour. No diagnostic work is covered.
thanks for any advice...

[Ray]

Have you tried:
changing the batteries in the cards?
using the buttons on the card (assuming it's a handsfree model)?

You have said you used spare card, but the batteries are most likely supplied in a batch when the car was new and both batteries could be dead regardless of how much use it's had.

[hix2003]

yes first thing I tried was spare card, then changed batteries in cards. Still on joy. Car locks from the button inside the car OK. No It does not have the hands/card free locking system fitted, so the card buttons are used.

[hix2003]

I have the car booked in for diagnostics next Monday. The chap on the service desk said he'd expect problems with the hands free system but not mine. He also said it may be something as simple as a re-code. i'll let you know the outcome...

[hix2003]

Well, it went in today for diagnostics. Dealer told me the diagnotic said it was the hands free system!!! The car does not have the system fitted!!! They then told me it could be the UCH unit, but they can't confirm until it is replaced. Cost = £369.67. If this does not fix it, they will change the cards & readers. Cost = £270.00. I should have lived with the manual locking.....I'll let you know how it goes..

[jim-boy]

Excuse me for asking this, but if your car is a May 2005 model, i.e. less than 3 years old, isn't it still covered by warranty for this defect? Worth checking with the dealer again. I know he has quoted a price for repairing the fault but if you have not made it clear about the warranty, the b*gg*r will keep quiet.

[hix2003]

The car has done 65K miles, therefore out f warranty. To be fair to the dealership service department, they told me to call Renault UK and ask about contributing to the cost of repair. This I did today and they have said they will investigate and will advise if they can. The chap I spoke to seemed optimistic that the fault would be considered and a contribution to the repair costs will be made. Will find ot on Monday. I' keep you posted. cheers

[hix2003]

Well guys here's the story:-
Finally got Renault UK to make a decision after many calls to them. they were asking the wrong dealership for information, hence the delay in making a decision.
I was told that as my car was purchased via a car supermarket and was 'imported' it did not come with the same warranty as a normal UK purchased car. I purchased the car from virgin Cars. It was apparently destined for Cyrus, therefore only has a 40,000 KM warranty period. I was told that Renault UK changed there policy in line with legislation on 20th December 2005, therefore my vehicle falls outside this. The up shot is that they are not prepared to contribute anything towards the cost of repair. The dealership told me it was a manufacturing defect with the UCH. Question is, do I have any rights or do I just swollow a very bitter pill?