Modus sudden Headlight / wiper / indicator fault

Timk · Apr 27, 2013

Euggh. More problems with our 2005 Modus Dynamique 1.6 automatic.

Sudden fault while driving - headlights came on, L and R indicators stopped working and wipers now only work with washers. Headlights won't switch off unless ignition off and key removed. Fault seems not to be intermittent although it's only been 24 hours.

Hazard lights work fine and indicators flash with central locking.

I got scammed by the Renault garage here in Germany last time I went there so don't want to go back. In any event I can't afford more expensive repairs at the moment and I'm sure given the fairly specific symptoms this is eminently fixable with a bit of advice +/- some mail order parts.

I'm really grateful for any input!

Tim

ninconpoop · Apr 27, 2013

hi tim
when you evaluate all the electrical faults you have experienced a common denominator would seem to be possible steering wheel column ribbon might need replacing if it is trapped/withered/twisted/pinched in the squib as this manages every input from column to ecu
hope this helps..hope its that simple for ya!:d

Timk · May 2, 2013

Hi ninconpoop,

Thanks for the advice. Had a day off today and took the cowling off the steering wheel and dismantled both stalks - had a good look around for dodgy wires / loose connections but everything looked fine.

I've read sometimes disconnecting the battery and waiting for an hour or so for the computer to reset itself can solve problems like this so it's sitting on the drive unplugged now.

Here's hoping.

Timk · May 3, 2013

Disconnecting the battery didn't help. There must be a straightforward explanation for this but oh well - looks like I have to take it back to the sharks at the Renault garage. Getting a bit fed up with the electrical problems - seems like very poor design.

jdcokeman · Jun 8, 2013

did you ever get to the bottom of this problem as my 55 reg modus 1.2 is doing similar the headlights are on all the time when engine running and the wipers only work when jetting water on the windscreen

Modusmofo · Jul 1, 2013

We're having exactly the same problem with our 55 plate diesel dci modus.
It started with the full beams coming on on their own.
They now cannot be turned off unless ignition off and key out.
The indicators and wipers aren't working either.
The hazards show all the lights ok, as does the flash of lights when locking/unlocking the car.
Really don't want a pricey trip to the Renault garage, so wondered if you were able to get to the bottom of this?
I'm presuming it's all linked, as we seem to have all the same issues at once.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Sean6545 · Jul 2, 2013

IF the car detects a fault with the light switch it will automaticaly put the dipped beam headlights on as a default. (because having them on all the time is better than not having them on at all!)

The lighting wires do not go though the squib/rotary switch on modus so you can rule that out. if you take the trims off you will find the light switch is connected to the wiper switch via 6 red wires and then from the wiper switch onto the UCH computer.

Your fault lies with the lighting switch i would imagine.

kagsyg · Sep 27, 2013

Hi I was just going to ask the same question as mine modus 1.5 is hqving problems and I tbought it may be the indicator stalk?:crazy:

savaaZ · Dec 7, 2013

The same problem here also. You can change the state of wipers only by using right turn signal at the same time. So if I want to turn them on or off I first change the stalk position and then blink to right. Also the light switch is broken, cannot use night or fog lights at all.

Wiper issue sounds like some kind of grounding problem and light stalk might be broken?

Did you find the cause to this problem? Price for those stalks alone is 500€ here in Finland + work. And no guarantee that it will fix it. So help and hints are appreciated. Thanks.

savaaZ · Dec 8, 2013

good news! I just opened the whole thing, removed 4 T20 torx screws and plastic trims and carefully detached the stalk modules from both sides. I can back in and opened first the light module side just to notice that one of the wires was cut!

I detached the connector and retached the cut wire and tested all the wires with a resistance meter (to see if connectors have live from end to end) and now they all did. Then I went back to car, installed the modules and but the car wiring on when I heard promising sound "your lights on", which meant that something started to work. I started the car and noticed that everything works now: Fog lights, night lights, wipers, everything! So I just saved at least 600€ by trying, although car electrician would have noticed the same thing and maybe billed me 100-150€.

I hope that you all find the root causes to the faults and recommed to test those wires end-to-end (from green connectors) that they're working ok.

willytee · Jan 11, 2014

Thanks, guys. :dI've had a similar problem with my Modus 1.5 DCi 80for several years now. It's something which I got used to :crazy: but having read this thread I thought I'd have a rummage. I found the first wire was broken and now all seems good after repairing it. The poor car has done 206000 miles!

domcq · Dec 10, 2013

My own modus has the exact same problems with wipers, lights and fog lights and the battery is now dead.

I brought it to an auto electric specialist and he told me that some component of the stalk had malfunctioned and was draining my battery. It's costing me ***8364;250 to replace but the part's not in stock. There appears to be quite a demand for this particular part (sorry I can't remember the name) as it's a common problem with the Modus aparently.

People warned me about the electrics on Renaults and I'm beginning to see why!!

samtate89 · Feb 26, 2014

Hello, I have a 55 plate megane 1.5 dci 86. My auto lights and auto wipers don't work and my intermittent setting on my wiper doesnt work either, it just goes fast and thats it. Do you think its worth a shot that I get to the stalk cables like you have and see if there is some wiring problems?

Thanks

bikerrob · Feb 27, 2014

Snap.

I have checked relays, fuses and earths?????
May be there is an earth I forgot. Maybe it is the ribbon?

Has anyone solved this problem???

samtate89 · Mar 9, 2014

I replaced a 7.5 amp fuse in engine multiplex module and it fixed it. Everything works now

bikerrob · Mar 5, 2014

Timk said:
Euggh. More problems with our 2005 Modus Dynamique 1.6 automatic.

Sudden fault while driving - headlights came on, L and R indicators stopped working and wipers now only work with washers. Headlights won't switch off unless ignition off and key removed. Fault seems not to be intermittent although it's only been 24 hours.

Hazard lights work fine and indicators flash with central locking.

I got scammed by the Renault garage here in Germany last time I went there so don't want to go back. In any event I can't afford more expensive repairs at the moment and I'm sure given the fairly specific symptoms this is eminently fixable with a bit of advice +/- some mail order parts.

I'm really grateful for any input!

Tim

I had the same problem and sorted by fixing loose wire in indicator stalk:

http://myautospace.net/?c=5&a=ded007/showthread.php?t=153544&page=2

Rob

ModusMan2 · Jun 24, 2014

This advice from savaaZ is totally spot on. My Modus 1.5dci (06 plate) had all the symptoms that everybody else's had, intermittently but gradually getting worse until the windscreen wipers stopped working and the headlights would only switch off when the ignition was turned off. I followed savaaZ advice and to be sure there was a broken wire just where he said it would be. Repaired that and everything sorted. Took less than an hour to do. PTL.

ZigVer · Jul 12, 2025

Un grand merci à Savaaz, même symptômes pour la modus de ma voisine pour juste un connecteur partiellement débranché : celui avec les petits fils rouges proche du comodo d'essuie-glaces.
Tout ceci 11 ou 12 ans après ! Sympa ce forum.

Modus sudden Headlight / wiper / indicator fault

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