Handy tips for Laguna ownersThe 2000+ Renault Laguna (the one with no keyholes) has a few quirks which are not in the owners manual (if we still had it). These are based on experience and may be mistaken but also may also apply to other cars, especially other Renault models.
- When the card key battery runs low it fails to operate the door mechanism. Changing the battery appears not to make any difference but the problem is that it has lost the code. Get into the car using the other key then use the faulty key (with a new battery) to start the car. This re-instates the code.
- If the dashboard goes haywire e.g. all lights stuck on, then it can be reset/tested by removing the card key; hold down the trip computer button on the end of the stick and while it is pressed, put the key back in. This will then reset the computer and go through a test sequence. Remove the key to stop it.
- The tyre pressure warning system is sensitive to the cold, especially sub zero temperatures. The symptoms are that all four tyres show flat and the warning light flashes. This will clear itself after about a half mile when the tyres warm up. I had it fixed once under warantee (no idea what they did) but it still does it most winters.
- A poor contact in the electric sunroof switch can cause it to open at unexpected times. The switch is expensive (c£100) so disconnect it by pulling out the plug (the switch panel just pops off). Fortunately the default position for the roof is closed.
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I’m considering buying a Renault Laguna, not older than 2003. In particular a diesel estate. I’ve been told that the computer and electrics are not reliable. Is this the case or is it the British being derogatory towards the French?
Hi jodem,
it should first be noted that our Laguna was one of the first RHD ones off the boat (and it is a petrol hatch); we ordered it straight from the demo model before shipping date. In the six years we have had a few glitches which the 3 posts on this blog relate but over all we like it a lot.
There were some reported engine overrun problems early on, prompting calls for a recall but I think that was petrol models and, in any case, the symptoms sounded like a fault with the CAT rather than the computer.
We had to get a dashboard changed because it died completely, we have a fault with the sun roof (it sometimes opens one notch all by itself) and the tyre pressure monitors are a bit temperamental. Otherwise, I know of no serious problems.
I would imagine that they would have ironed out any design faults by 2003 and, so long as you don’t get a too recent one, you can take advantage of the excessive depreciation they seem to attract.
This just saved me buying a new key that renault wanted me to purchase. Thank you. I am really annoyed that renault are making money out of people on this and i am going to tell them too.
Thank you again
Having had a 51 plate Laguna 1.6 Dynamique for over 18 months I have to say I am sick of it. I had one of the old-style laguna’s before and loved it, hence my purchase of the new model. Since I bought it I have had to spend almost £1000 on it, the main problems being the keycard and the tyre pressure -sensor.
I have gone thru 2 keycards as the circuitry board inside keeps breaking up causing the connection to fail and the car will neither open or close.
The nearside rear tyre pressure sinsor continually flashes on teh dashboard and the tyre has to be pumped up every other day. This problem is currently being worked on. The tyre is fine as it is fairly new and has no punctures. A new pressure valve has been fitted to no avail. After contacting Renault it appears it only neeeds a small amount of corrosion on the wheel at the valve, causing a hairline fracture (not sure where) but they advise the purchase of a new wheel is the only answer. Renault even said that the new range is good until problems arise and then people ‘throw them back at us!’
Furhermore since last winter my car refuses to start in wet/damp conditions. After consultation with a Renault expert a new battery was fitted – no difference. Then they suggested a new oil filter and new oil – no difference. Then they said they had a problem with approx 1 in 10 Lagunas not starting in the wet and suggested new ‘sports’ spark plugs. These were duly fitted last week and guess what – no difference. As soon as As soon as I can get these problems rectified, I’m selling it and you can bet I ain’t buying another!
Can anyone tell me why i keep seeing renault key cards being sold not just new but second hand used ones on ebay AND car part dealers. I am being told repetidly that a pre used key card cannot be re programmed to work with different car EVER So why are they being sold what on earth do people use them for.
Hi, my answer is deduction rather than known fact. I think they can be reprogrammed. When I had to replace one, they needed the old key as well as they had to program them both together with the car. When I found the original one we had lost, it no longer worked. I conclude from this that they had reprogrammed both keys and the car to a new signature.
What I would be interested in discovering is if anyone but a Renault main dealer can do the programming. It can’t be a difficult job but they charge a fortune for it and, if they are doing all three together I can’t see it needs any proprietory information. They are just being secretive to keep the business.
well i made the mistake of buying an 02 languna dci with only one keycard so i figured i would risk the £1.50 on ebay for the reprgramming ‘instructions’ and £11.50 for a ‘new’ card before mine packs up, suffice to say the instruction do not work on my particular car and other renault forums say no way can it be re-programmed, If i figure a way I will let you know, oh and since i had a flat tyre the tyre sensors keep coming on, guess i need to read the manual sdome more yet on that one
im still tryin 2 find out if i can reprogram key some folk say you can others no if i find out for def i will let you all know.
Rick,
I recentley bought a’51 plate 2.0 Ide. I bought it for the wrong reason ( it seemed very cheap) Boy what a mistake! it has little power the card key is giving problems,my wife say’s she can’t get comfortable,if anyone wants a cheap car ’51 2.0 Ide dynamic please get in touch
disapointed of Nott’s
Has anyone had problems with turbo blowing at 60000 miles? Now has air intake problem have replaced EGR valve and had intercooler checked- obviously turbo was replaced previously however still does not run. If turn engine off and then back on computer seems to re-set itself temporarily renault want to charge me £1600 for a new computer but car is only 5 years old and covered 70000 miles. Also have had problem with dipped headlights they tend to waver up and down when driving –other drivers think you are flashing at them dealer has not been able to fix
hi,
I have just bought a used 1.9 dci estate on a 52 plate. Alarm keeps going off after one minute of locking. It goes off for 30 secs then peace and quiet until another minute or two later.
Am I doing something wrong?
HI , DON’T KNOW IF YOU KNOW , BUT THERE IS A RENAULT GARAGE IN LUDGVAN PENZANCE NOW . I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY SCENIC , AND THEY WERE ACE. GIVE THEM A TRY PENZANCE 711611 . GOOD LUCK. MIKE.
hi
jus wanted to know folks i have bought a laguna 51 1.6 having problem with key card can anyone help me i have just bought a second hand key card on ebay how can i reprogramme the card. please
Hi
Found your blog when searching for info on my Laguna Sunroof Problem which is exactly the same as yours.
Main dealer wants to charge me £500 for a new Sunroof Motor. The haynes Manual is worse than useless in this area. Since returning from the Dealers for investigation into sunroof problem it no longer works at all and I have no courtesy lights. I suspect they removed a Fuse and didn’t tell me! It’s not in the main passenger compartment fusebox, Haynes mentions two other locations inside the car for fuses but neglects to mention exactly where, the Renault handbook does not mention these at all! Anyone got any ideas?
Just to note that although overall I am pleased with my motor (Y plate 1.8 Petrol Estate), it is a little underpowered and has exibited the following faults in the 6 months I have had it.
Alarm going off when doors auto lock when driving off. (disabled the auto lock)(AS “David”)
Slow leak somewhere in the vicinity of the tyre valve (Nearside front)(As “Jem Sharpe”)
The Dashboard had to be changed 30K miles ago (at 21,000)(As “Rick”)
And the Sunroof.
However on the plus side it handles like a much smaller car yet eaisly swallows whatever load you put into it.
Grim
We didn’t buy the alarm – glad about that now. They are a waste of time anyway as they just annoy the neighbours and are no theft deterrent.
Unfortunately our handbook was stolen a while ago so I can’t help you with the fuse locations – I would like to publish a chart as I have had trouble identifying them before. There is a fuse box just behind the battery but I thought they were just the hefty main supply ones. I don’t know of a third box.
One of these days I’ll learn to spell “…yet eaisly swallows whatever load you put into it….” should be “easily”
re the laguna Turbo post.. please see..
http://www.parkers.co.uk/advice/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17190
There is a full review on the issue and info by which some have been able to claim a large part of their costs back
Hope it helps
my battery is flat on my car and i can not open the doors to release the bonnet because of this, so I can jump start it how do you get into the car? (renault laguna 2000 v)
Hi jody,
On the passenger side door handle, carefully prise off the whole of the coloured end cap – that is the end towards the back of the car. Underneath you will find a keyhole. If you pull the ribbed end off your key card you will find it is a key. Insert one in the other and you are away!
Hi I have just bought a 1.9cdi and it great, so far. The drive is fine and 6 yrs old with only 50k it dose not have any major problem, but for 1. It it the heater coil light comes on & stays on after 2-3 minuite of starting the car. The dealer told me that it no the heat coils and the fuel filter fine but don’t know why the lights on! Can someone please help because I didn’t receive a hand book.