To repair or not to repair…
We often answer calls asking if we repair Renault Megane key cards or Renault key cards in general. We don’t offer this service because of few very important reasons. Renault key cards have not been designed with repairs in mind. In order to repair a key card the plastic shell of the key card needs to be opened and sealed again. You can probably imagine the problems this may cause and we are not talking only about the key card falling apart in some time after the repair but also about the lack of protection against water.
The first signs of Renault key card developing a fault are intermittent dashboard error message like ‘card not detected’ or ‘check battery’. We strongly recommend to replace your key card as soon as the notifications start appearing on your dashboard. Unfortunately key cards deteriorate very fast after developing the fault. If you locking buttons are not working and you have exchanged the battery in the key card it will also mean that your key card will need replacing shortly.
The faults developed by your key card are coming from the key card matrix and the coil which is welded to it. The coil is responsible for communication between the key card and your on board computer. It is welded in three places to the matrix and if one or more of the welding snaps the coil can’t send a proper signal to the car to start the engine up. The same situation is with the locking buttons. Due to mechanical force the matrix of your key card can be cracked which obviously will prevent it from working properly.
Going back to the subject of repairs there are few things you need to think of. Firstly you will need to post your key card to some unknown workshop, give the details of your registration number, name, address… Can you see where I’m going with it? Sending key cards with all your details nowadays doesn’t seem to be a wise and safe idea. Also if anything would happen and for example your car would get stolen, your insurer may void your insurance because in their eyes you have willingly given out the keys and access to the car to someone you don’t know. Saying that lets assume everything will go smoothly, the repair shop in order to fix your Renault Megane key card will need to cut through the plastic shell of the key card, weld the loose parts and then glue it back together. Gluing the key card back together may end up in further damage to the matrix or the parts which hold the battery and unfortunately it will not make your key card water resistant again so any rain will pose a threat to your key card. One more thing to think about is the fact that you have no warranty on how long the welding will last and you may end up with a key card that wills top working in a month or so.
Having a replacement key card has much more advantages compared to repairing your Renault Megane key card. Firstly you can have it done on the same day, no need to post anything and being without a car for few days. New key card will come with 12 months warranty giving you additional peace of mind. And last be honest here nothing will beat a new and unused item, no repair will ever be as good as the new thing.
Give us a call if you are having issues with your key card and will do our best to help you out on the same day and also for the best price possible.
