The "steering locked" problem - and a temp solution!

[ThatDumbGuy93]

Very interesting thread.
I am planning on changing the electronics on a 2003 1.6 16v this weekend. The ECU?/immobiliser box, the one under the dash is burnt. I have opened it up, which is easy and there are two areas of melted varnish and smells of burnt plastic. Whole replacement set for £50 from same model in scrapyard.

Now, do I need to change the steering lock? I am not clear what the experience has been in the thread. Haynes says a new lock will be automatically coded, but the implication being a old one won't.
Also, if I take the original off; Haynes has quite a list of things that have got to come off, air bags etc. No one has mentioned these. Is the lock accessible with minimum strip down?

Regards,
Colin.

you can remove the steering lock easy with very minimal strip down (just the under steering wheel trim) and then un bolt it (if it is already unlocked... it is simple just unscrew the torx bolt.... going reverse... SO CLOCKWISE to loosen and ANTI-CLOCKWISE to tighten... once it has been removed it just unclips from wires) hardness level out of 10 = 1.5

requirements:
2 torx screwdrivers...... cant remember what size (mine are worn and dont say the size) one size for pannels and one for the mounting bolt on the steering lock.

[triumph2.5man]

I am surprised to see my old post resurface after all these years! The steering lock has never played up since!
One thing I wrote before was incorrect and should be noted about the use of second hand steering locks. it is impossible to recode them to another vehicle. The lock does NOT contain an EEPROM. Once coded , it is done for life. In fact the Renault instructions to their technicians are that a new lock from parts department must never be used to test a faulty unit. Haynes is correct in that new locks come uncoded and are automatically coded when fitted. There is no going back....

Colin, I see you are contemplating an identity swap for your 1.6. You will need ECU, UCH (these are both coded for life), steering lock and key cards. The UCP (switching and protection unit) is not coded and you can retain your original one. The donor vehicle must be identical to yours obviously. If the donor vehicle is "dead" you will have to buy and replace the whole steering column. Hopefully it is not.

Over the years there have been many rumours on this forum about what can and can't be done with steering locks. Every body appears to know "somebody who fitted a second hand lock....."
What I have written here (without sounding big-'eaded) is kosher!

Hope this helps.
Mike

[ThatDumbGuy93]

I am surprised to see my old post resurface after all these years! The steering lock has never played up since!
One thing I wrote before was incorrect and should be noted about the use of second hand steering locks. it is impossible to recode them to another vehicle. The lock does NOT contain an EEPROM. Once coded , it is done for life. In fact the Renault instructions to their technicians are that a new lock from parts department must never be used to test a faulty unit. Haynes is correct in that new locks come uncoded and are automatically coded when fitted. There is no going back....

Colin, I see you are contemplating an identity swap for your 1.6. You will need ECU, UCH (these are both coded for life), steering lock and key cards. The UCP (switching and protection unit) is not coded and you can retain your original one. The donor vehicle must be identical to yours obviously. If the donor vehicle is "dead" you will have to buy and replace the whole steering column. Hopefully it is not.

Over the years there have been many rumours on this forum about what can and can't be done with steering locks. Every body appears to know "somebody who fitted a second hand lock....."
What I have written here (without sounding big-'eaded) is kosher!

Hope this helps.
Mike

Hey Mike, i have the same steering locked and steering unlocked issue you had... how did you fix yours exactly i am trying to get my car to start again (it started fine after a bit of smacking with a hammer on the pin that mounted it (was causing lock to jam) but now wont do anything... my thoughts is the sensor is shot... if you could give me some advice on if it is worth buying a new lock from renault or buying a "virginized" lock from ebay would be helpful if that would work (or if there is a ghetto wire bypass im down for that... i already tested a few thoughts on it and all i got was a black dash display and it tried to start but after a few clicks came back with ELECTRICAL FAULT and all lights lit up.... i then un did my ghetto "bypass" and im back to square one.... any help would be greatly appreciated as i am expecting my first child and that would be a fairly decent family car if i could get it to start... former motorcycle rider and motorcycle "backyard" mechanic.. no formal qualifications but over 6 years experience of working with bikes and messed around with a few cars that were made in the 90's (god now i feel old) either way thanks for the update and hope you can help me in anyway

also dont suppose you have a update list radio in your megane do you?

thanks
-ThatDumbGuy93

[triumph2.5man]

Hi, I first saw the "steering locked, steering unlocked" and "electronic fault" over 6 years ago. Where have the years gone? See this post. It might help.
Our car still has the original radio/CD.
Mike

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12729&p=79333#p79333

[Davest220]

RENAULT MEGANE'S ONLY,I KNOW OF A FULL OVER RIDE FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH STEERING LOCK, IF YOU GETTING ANY FAULTS WITH YOUR LOCKING UNIT WHERE YOUR ENGINE WILL NOT START, OR START ONLY NOW AND THEN,STOP LIGHT ON, SERVICE LIGHT ON, ELECTRONIC FAULT DISPLAYING, STEERIN ON, STEERING OFF PROBLEMS OR ANY FAULT WITH STEERING LOCK I CAN GET ROUND THIS BUT ONLY THING IS IT WILL STILL DISPLAY THE ELECTRONIC FAULT ON THE DISPLAY AND STOP SIGN IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE KNOW MORE INBOX ME THANKS MARTIN

Anyone know more on this? My nephews car won't start, says steering not locked. We've had the lock out and it doesn't seem to move. Is it likely to be this. If there is a way to bypass it to test that would be handy
Thanks