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leoniejohnson33

Arkana Engine Control Malfunction

My 2021 Renault Arkana hybrid won't start. No cranking, just silence, but the dashboard lights up with an "Engine Control Malfunction" error. Battery voltage is fine, starter relay clicks, fuses are intact. Could this be ECU failure or a software glitch? The car has 127002 km. Any ideas?

4 comment(s)

emilyknight1

That sounds worrying. ECU issues can be a pain. Have you checked the battery cable connections? Sometimes a loose or corroded connection can cause weird electrical problems that the car interprets as a more serious engine fault. The error message sounds like something a bit more involved, though. Have you noticed any engine stalling before?

leoniejohnson33 (Author)

Thanks! I glanced at the battery terminals, but maybe I wasn't thorough. When you say "check the cable connections," do you mean removing them, cleaning everything, and reattaching them? Is there a specific procedure to ensure a solid connection and avoid damage?

emilyknight1

Yes, exactly. Disconnect them completely, clean both the terminals and the cable connectors with a wire brush to remove any corrosion, and then reconnect them tightly. Ensure the connections are making good contact. Considering the error message and that you've checked fuses, it is worth checking the cables, but I think you should consider going to the workshop.

leoniejohnson33 (Author)

You were spot on! I cleaned the battery cable connections thoroughly, and it worked! There was enough corrosion to disrupt the signal to the ECU. Cost me 155€, but I am happy it was a simple fix and not an ECU replacement! Thanks a lot for your help!

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