My Laguna has always had an annoying rattle coming from the key slot so the other day, when I had some spare time, I decided to investigate.
I removed the module that the key pushes into (a fairly simple procedure) and then pulled the plastic cover off it. I shook it and out fell a small plastic paddle. (see pic)
At first I couldnt work out what this paddle did but looking at the devices PCB what stood out was a small red button with nothing to engage it. I put two and two together and saw that the paddle had once sat above the button and pressed down on it when a key was inserted half way. There was another red button at the end that was engaged when the key was inserted all the way.
My mind raced as to all the possibilities of what this small red button once did.
Was it something to do with the security system? Did it cancel the bloody annoying message that pops up on the middle dash screen every time you start the car? If the button was pressed, would I get more power, better mpg? Auto-key ejection? Only one way to find out.
I carefully glued the paddle back on with some super glue and backed up the joint with some epoxy resin. I then re-assembled everything and put the module back in the car. I didnt put the ignition key in straight away as the glue would still be setting that would have to wait for my late night journey to work (I just hoped that pressing the red button would not have any negative effects).
Several hours later it was time for the much anticipated key insertion. I inserted the key more carefully than normal and at first there was no apparent change in behaviour as the car came to life and the EMS went through its checks. I paused and then hit the ignition key. And then to my utter amazement .. the light around the key slot went out for the first time ever!! :eek:
Yes folks that was it. The red button switches off the light around the key. Great.
I wasnt even too sure at first was that light ever off? Its not something thats ever really bothered me I cant remember ever driving along and thinking dam, I wish that light around the key slot was switched off! But its obviously something that the Renault engineers thought was important. Maybe the power saved extends the life of your battery by a day or so over 10 years?
So thats the end of the mystery and if your key slot light is permanently on then now you know the answer.
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I removed the module that the key pushes into (a fairly simple procedure) and then pulled the plastic cover off it. I shook it and out fell a small plastic paddle. (see pic)
At first I couldnt work out what this paddle did but looking at the devices PCB what stood out was a small red button with nothing to engage it. I put two and two together and saw that the paddle had once sat above the button and pressed down on it when a key was inserted half way. There was another red button at the end that was engaged when the key was inserted all the way.
My mind raced as to all the possibilities of what this small red button once did.
Was it something to do with the security system? Did it cancel the bloody annoying message that pops up on the middle dash screen every time you start the car? If the button was pressed, would I get more power, better mpg? Auto-key ejection? Only one way to find out.
I carefully glued the paddle back on with some super glue and backed up the joint with some epoxy resin. I then re-assembled everything and put the module back in the car. I didnt put the ignition key in straight away as the glue would still be setting that would have to wait for my late night journey to work (I just hoped that pressing the red button would not have any negative effects).
Several hours later it was time for the much anticipated key insertion. I inserted the key more carefully than normal and at first there was no apparent change in behaviour as the car came to life and the EMS went through its checks. I paused and then hit the ignition key. And then to my utter amazement .. the light around the key slot went out for the first time ever!! :eek:
Yes folks that was it. The red button switches off the light around the key. Great.
I wasnt even too sure at first was that light ever off? Its not something thats ever really bothered me I cant remember ever driving along and thinking dam, I wish that light around the key slot was switched off! But its obviously something that the Renault engineers thought was important. Maybe the power saved extends the life of your battery by a day or so over 10 years?
So thats the end of the mystery and if your key slot light is permanently on then now you know the answer.
Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register to forum by clicking here to see images.