Renault auto gearbox fault 1999- 2006 on Scenics, Megans etc.

[Agile]

There is an annoying fault which affects most of these cars after about 50k miles. Thats about the mileage on most of the cars that I buy!

First I will say that I never used to like auto boxes but this one changes exactly when I would have changed and has a simple manual change feature.

This fault often occurs during the first mile when it goes into "limp home mode" where it sits in a lower gear and does not change at all. It is a bit frightening when you are going at 75-85 on a motorway! Usually all you need to do is to stop, put it into park and restart the engine. It may then complete the journey or return to the fault within a mile or two. Sometimes once a month and other times/cars five times on a 3 mile journey.

My latest a 2005 Scenic II has only recently started this fault and it is ALWAYS accompanied by the "check gearbox" AND always "check handbrake" AS WELL.

No one seems to know exactly what the fault is and dealers mutter about ""a solenoid in the gearbox which will be expensive" and then they walk away!

Now as an electronics engineer, I like to know exactly what any fault is caused by. And what is the "connection" between the gearbox and the handbrake?

My previous Renault only showed the "check gearbox" warning?

Anyone have any ideas?

Usually if John does not know then nobody does!

Thanks

Tony

 

[EddieM]

Transmission control module is probably playing up. My Jag does it too.

 

[Burnerman]

Very limited experience with these Tony, but I do know from bitter experience that diagnostics on these gearboxes is good - once reviewed by someone competent!
Many problems stem from oil pressure fluctuations within the 'box, I'm told.
John

 

[Agile]

All the attempts at explanations that I have read seem to mention a solenoid. But I cannot imagine what any solenoid would "not do"!

But since it virtually always occurs when the engine is cold an oil pressure issue when the oil is cold and of higher viscosity does sound as if it could be relevant.

But I got 60 miles towards Southampton where the engine would be fully hot when it occurred on the motorway!

Any idea of what sensors there are in the gearbox or where I could find out?

Then there is the other aspect of why a gearbox problem could trigger a parking brake warning? That sounds like a malfunction of the ECU !

 

[Agile]

I was only thinking yesterday the for the last week the gearbox had not demonstrated that fault! My thoughts went to the generally higher temperatures!

Of course a minute after that fault, the gearbox faulted again.

What I do not understand is that there must be mechanics working for Renault dealers who know all about this problem as they deal with it every week! But why do they not share the info with us?

 

[baldykev]

Try an oil change on the auto box. Some faults are oil pressure related ,others are solenoid faults. Oil change far the cheapest to try first. Good luck

 

[Mottie]

What I do not understand is that there must be mechanics working for Renault dealers who know all about this problem as they deal with it every week! But why do they not share the info with us?

Perhaps join some Renault forums? My mum had a Scenic II and it had nothing but electrical problems. Gearbox, handbrake, coils, windows - even had a complete dash fitted under a recall from Renault. Eventually it wouldn’t start. I had a poke around and couldn’t see anything obvious. Couldn’t even get my diagnostic on it as the centre consul was seized and I couldn’t slide it backwards (or forwards) to get to the diagnostic socket. I told her to scrap it. I get her a Fiesta. Someone I know bought it and eventually got it running and then he sold it. I saw him a week later and he said "That ****ing scenic - broken down and I had to change the whole fuse box on it"!

 

[HERTS P&D]

My mum had a Scenic II and it had nothing but electrical problems. Gearbox, handbrake, coils, windows

Shame your mum didn't know a decent mechanic!



Andy

 

[Mottie]

Shame your mum didn't know a decent mechanic!



Andy

I’m way too lazy and very careful about getting involved in aggro jobs. I mainly do servicing, brake pads, wiper blades, some bulbs........

 

[HERTS P&D]

Mottie, I was only pulling your.............................spanner.

Andy

 

[Mottie]

Mottie, I was only pulling your.............................spanner.

Andy

I was being serious. I’m a right lazy git.