Sidelights not working

[upanddown22]

The centre console lights on my car went last night, after 20 minutes of driving they switched back on and I hoped all was fine, unfortunately later on they stopped working completely. Unfortunately it also affected the sidelights, tailights and number plate lights.

I've checked all the fuse in the engine box that are relevant. F7a and F7b. But they were both ok. What do I check now???

Any ideas??? HELP!!! this is the third problem in a month, I'm going mad.

[upanddown22]

Just to add more info, the car has auto lights but the tailights don't work in auto or manual.

[davelowe]

I don't have my wiring diagrams to hand. I'll have a look tomorrow if anyone else hasn't sorted it by then.

[upanddown22]

Thanks Dave, really appreciated.

I've just changed the fuses just to be on the safe side, unfortunately it was no good. I'm starting to think it might be the multiplex unit, no idea how to check it though. This is starting to look expensive.

[upanddown22]

Update: Checked all the bulbs and put a voltmeter over the fuse, there is no supply there.

How do I check that the switch is working? I assume it's complicated as the car has auto lights? Is there anything else I can do before giving in and taking it to Renault???

HELP!!!

[davelowe]

Not sure what you mean by centre console lights (dashboard or overheads?), anyhow, try checking F1R & F2U (both 20A) in the glove box. These supply the interior multiplex module (which controls the stuff you mention has failed), instrument panel and air conditioning. Best check all the fuses in there and also that the wiring harness isn't loose (also the engine fuse box - lots of WD40 on it). Also measure the battery voltage at cold and also when running.

If they are good check the earthing points E3 and E4 for soundness - they may be loose or corroded if you have had water inside the car. There are at least three earthing straps - one either side of the fascia and one in the centre - but you might have to remove a lot of trim to get at them - they would appear to be bolted to the cross member behind the dashboard.

Let us know how you get on.

[davelowe]

Update: Checked all the bulbs and put a voltmeter over the fuse, there is no supply there.

How do I check that the switch is working? I assume it's complicated as the car has auto lights? Is there anything else I can do before giving in and taking it to Renault???

HELP!!!

Which fuse?

[upanddown22]

Update: Checked all the bulbs and put a voltmeter over the fuse, there is no supply there.

How do I check that the switch is working? I assume it's complicated as the car has auto lights? Is there anything else I can do before giving in and taking it to Renault???

HELP!!!

Which fuse?

Fuse 7a and 7b there is no power from them. These are the only two fuses that seem to be on the circuit. I'm hoping there could be a problem with the switch. But I've no idea how the manual and the automatic switches are connected.

So far I've checked the earthing, all the fuses interior and the relevant ones in the engine bay and checked all the bulbs, I don't like where this is headed!!!

[davelowe]

Have you checked F1 & F3 on the battery terminal (30A). They have known to be damaged when jump leads are attached or maybe the terminal is loose.

[upanddown22]

Yep they all seem to be ok, we've had a voltmeter across them. Stupid meganes.

[davelowe]

Also check F1G (15A) for voltage - this supplies the steering wheel switches - they are connected to the interior multiplex module via a multi-way wiring harness. Earth E6 (right hand dashboard) might be loose. Check continuity.

[upanddown22]

Cool will do. All the other switches are working fine though but definitely worth a shot.

Strangely the manual switch turns on the speedo/tacho backlight when turned to sidelights but nothing else.

[Nige]

Wouldnt be a possible stalk fault?? Loose connection...As you mentioned before the lights did flicker briefly then off again. To me that would seem like a loose wire somewhere....if you put on the main beem does everything come on?

[upanddown22]

Hi Nige, thanks for the suggestions, I gave up looking in the end and took it to the Renault garage, they were pretty good, said they'd find the problem without spending more than £48. They found it was the UCH, so unfortunately it's turned out to be quite an expensive fix, £350 and it's been in the garage over a week as they haven't been able to get the parts because of the snow oh well

[dougieCC]

Whats a UCH ?

Alan