replace card battery warning

[stephenp]

As a new member of this forum, I wonder if someone can give me some advice.

I bought a 2003 Megane Dynamique three weeks ago. It is the first Renault I have owned, all previous cars being Ford.
Two days after having the car the "Replace Card Battery" warning appeared on the dashboard. I changed the battery straight away and the message disappeared. However, two days later it reappeared and now comes on each time the car is started. Please has anyone else seen this problem and is there any way of stoping the message appearing? Any advice appreciated.

[AlexB]

Is it he same with the second card? If you don't have one, then order it, which will solve the problem. The reliability of cards is limited by the human factor - you have to have two of them.

[stephenp]

Thank you for the advice. The dealer I had it from only had the one card. Any advice on the best place to get a second card from and how do you get it programmed. Are they expensive?

[davelowe]

Thank you for the advice. The dealer I had it from only had the one card. Any advice on the best place to get a second card from and how do you get it programmed. Are they expensive?

Yes they are expensive (circa £200). However, you might want to consider a 'locksmith' operating from the back of a white van. They are reputed to reprogramme 'second hand' cards for a tenth of this figure.

I do not condone such behaviour, but the choice is yours to make...

[stephenp]

Thanks for the advice. As I have only had the car for less than a month, I will ask the dealer I had it from whether they had a second card and forgot to give it to me. Otherwise I will look into the best, and cheapest way of getting a second card.

[davelowe]

Don't forget to examine any contractual documentation as regards the purchase of the car. For example, did it stipulate that a second key was to be provided? If so, they should honour any such provision.

Also, cheap CR232 batteries (if that is the correct type!) have a tendency toward a short life. Meter its voltage to see if it is as rated (3.2V from memory).

[stephenp]

Thanks again for the information, the replacement battery was a Duarcell so I would have thought it was OK. I will check in any case.

[stephenp]

Hi again. I have been trawling the Internet for more information on Megane cardkey problems. I am now thinking that I have made a big mistake when I bought this car, (2003 Megane Dynamique, 1.6 petrol), just a month ago. All I seem to read are negative comments about problems and expensive repairs. After driving a R reg Escort for about 12 years, I was pleased, and excited, about being more adventurous and buying a completely different car with more features and gadgets. However, all I feel now is despondency and wondering whether the card will be detected the next time I get in the car!

Is there anyone out there with anything positive to say about this car?

I am also reading conflicting reports about programming spare cards. Please can someone confirm if you must buy the card and programming from a Renault dealer, at much expense, or are there alternative companies that can do this, (I live in South Wales).

[morganjake1544]

Positives.
Had ours from new 11/11/2005.
Comfortable, lots of kit, 59mpg, £30 road tax, grp 3 insurance, still looks like new.

Negatives.
3 window regulators.
3 hands-free locking buttons on door handles.
All done under warranty at no cost.

Best car I've ever owned.

Keep it clean, service it well.

[davelowe]

Card not detected and replace battery should be unrelated. The card in the slot is a passive device - it operates using a coil. The coils can fail - there are threads that explain a DIY solution. I'm confused: perhaps I'm wrong; my understanding is that the battery operates only the handsfree and locking/unlocking of the doors.

Don't give up on the car. Yet.

[stephenp]

Thanks for your replies, they make me feel a little better. I am certainly not giving up yet. I am going back to the dealer tomorrow after work to ask about the second card.

Other than this, I am impressed with the number of features and the cars feels solid and safe. I hope I can have some years of reliable motoring. I will keep you posted with regard to the card.

[MartyW]

It does still need the battery do detect the card even if it is in the slot, my batt went flat in mine, had to use the emergancy key to get in but still would not start the car.

[ryan999]

just wanted to complete the thread even though it has been over 6 years now , However, the manual says to press any button on the card after replacing the battery 4 times near the car door, the next time you start the car the message should disappear...