Using the Renault Clio Keyless system to start the car up

This system is very weird. On the higher spec Clio Dynamique MediaNav, I could keep the key card in my pocket and start the car by holding down either the clutch or the brake and clicking on that round Start Stop button. I did not need to insert the key card into that slot. On this lower spec trim Clio Expression however, the system wants me to insert the key card into the slot thus I have to insert it and click on the button before yanking it out again. I do not need to step on the brake to start this one up.

The other major annoyances are that in the higher spec one I could stop the engine by clicking on the Start Stop button rather than having to double click and hold it down as on this lower spec one. The bigger inconvenience is the fact that on the higher spec one I could just shut the vehicle's door when I'm done and walk away. The vehicle will lock itself when it detects that the key card isn't within close proximity. That system does not work on the lower spec Expression.

I'm sure the hardware are identical but Renault have configured them differently to sell customers the better version at a higher price.

[Andy-Robus]

I have been messing around with a programme called DDT4ALL that configures the ECU parameters in the Clio 4 and that has various parameters for starting engine with the card in the slt and even start the engine without your foot on the brake or the clutch. Maybe on the cheaper spec clio 4 the features are there but just set to disabled instead of enabled - just a thought

[TheMowro]

On hi spec versions there are several antennas installed on the body of the car aimed at detecting the card inside the vehicle. Once they detect the card, and it is the right one for the vehicle you are in, you can just push the button and the car will start. On lower spec versions there are no antennas and the keycard works just as a normal key (and a normal remote too). Given that, you must insert the keycard to allow the transponder inside the dashboard detect the card, and then press start button. The transponder detects the card instantaneously, so you can remove it after the startup, even it's not the standard condition. You should leave it in and dashboard tells you that.

[loukasmallios]

If your car hasn't got any buttons on the door handles and is also unable to start up without the key in slot, then sad news, is not keyless.

[psifireborn]

Have you tried changing the battery on the card? Maybe it can't be detected due to low battery

[goal-en]

You can start your car even when your keys are in your pocket....if that can't work it means your car key card battery is low to be sensored far away

[myshuker]

how can I start car with out I put the key in place?

[madpwner]

Just bought a clio 4 did you figure out a way to make it keyless?