Diagnostics test cost

[dolbz]

Hi,

I've been having a toxic fume light problem as I said in the sticky thread.

We took the car into our local dealer and they want £57 just to run a diagnostics test. Is this normal? and how can they justify prices like that just to plug a computer into it and take some readings? Also will they charge this on top of any work that needs doing? If so this is going to be very expensive....

Thanks
Nathan

[IainMW]

If the car is out of warranty most dealers will charge you for plugging it in to the computer.

It sounds like you have one or more faulty coil packs if you are getting this message.

Very common problem on Meganes, but easily fixed by replacing the duff coil(s)!

[dolbz]

Hi,

Thanks for that. Yeah I read about the coil problem but the car still runs fine (no misfires, chugging etc) and I read about a possible cam shaft sensor problem which can also cause this light. If I knew for certain it was the coils I'd pick some up and do it myself but it'd be useful to know the results of the diagnostics to be sure...

[petesafc]

Join the AA online £69 they will come out and do diagnostic checks as part of your cover and give good advice.

[dolbz]

Glad I got the test now. It didn't turn up anything but the guy noticed the clattering noise on startup and said it sounds like a dephaser problem. He recommends not driving it else it'll just make matters worse. Is this true? I've only had the bloody thing for just over a week and got this already

Regarding the toxic fumes light it just turned out that a sensor connection was loose. They wiggled the wires and the light went off. I love technology

Next step try and speak to the guy who sold it me who gives a warranty for 'major mechanical parts'...what do people think...will this be covered under that? When I spoke to him initially he said it's for major engine issues and transmission etc

[IainMW]

The Dephaser Pulley is a major engine issue!

Kiss goodbye to £500 to get it changed out of warranty. If you've only had it a week reject the car!

[dolbz]

If he agrees to pay for the repair (which he should according to what has just been said) is this something that only a renault dealer should do? As from what has been said on these forums it's a very big job which will take 8 hours and I'd feel a lot more satisfied getting the pro's to do the right job.

[IainMW]

I would make sure it is done by a Renault Dealer, the one where you had the diagnostic test done seeing as they discovered the fault.

[MeganeChick]

my local non-renault garage quoted me £20 for diagnostics - might be worth asking about?