no keys

[citroen7]

I have just acquired a mk1 megane coupe cabriolet which has no keys and the steering lock is on ,how can i get the steering lock off without the key and is it possible to swap the ecu and matching key from a similar car with the same engine ? Renault want a fortune and it could take 2/3 weeks plus they want to see the tax book, i really dont want to go to that expense only to find the engine is no good, any advice most welcome!

[GiveMeABreak]

If it's anything like PSA cars, the engine ECU, Transponder card key/ fob and the main computer (I think Renault call their BSI a UCH) will be matched and coded together requiring a replacement of all three. So it might actualy be cheaper to prove ownership and get a replacement key from the dealer after all.

[elma]

There is a way to undo the steering lock but it will likely cause damage to the steering column. Im not going to post it here as its step 2 in stealing a car. If you'd like it explained please pm me.

Be under no illusion though its either a lot of work or you can do it the fast way but are about 90% likely to wreck the column.

[Gibbo2286]

Before you cough up the dealer price try the locksmiths, many of them are now equipped to make and programme coded car keys.
If you can find the original code number so much the better, have a rummage around any paperwork/handbooks that came with the car, owners often keep the key code scribbled down in the handbook or other stuff.
Here's an example: http://www.lockmanuk.com/?gclid=CIr2jOH ... 7QodHcEHNw

Don't take that as a recommendation I've not used that company myself. The last time I had one done was here at home by a guy trading as Jock the Lock.

[xantia_v6]

I think your original plan of acquiring keys locks and ecus from a scrapped car is sensible, if you can find the required information.

[citroen7]

got hold of a matching ecu,bsi and key fob along with an ignition barrel which i managed to fit without breaking the steering lock! remote locking and everything else works but immobiliser not going from fast flashing to slow so wont start i am going to leave it overnight and then try to get the code to bypass the immobiliser,at least now i can see what works i have even got new glass for £20 and the soft top woks fine so i think worth fixing for some late summer fun!

[wheeler]

Just search for Renault immo bypass on ebay, there are plenty of emulators especially for early ones.
Is it an IR or RF key ?
There are also plenty of programs online that can generate start codes, on some models you can use the central locking button to input the code to allow it to start, this has to be repeated on every start