Twizy Transmission Issue

Hi, I've got a 2018 Renault Twizy (electric engine) with about 49k kilometers on it. Recently, I've been having some issues with what I suspect is the transmission. The paddle shifters aren't working properly, shifting feels rough, and I even hear some grinding noises sometimes. It's like the gearbox is slipping. Also, the response from the paddle shifters is really slow, and the car went into emergency mode once. I checked the error memory and there's an error stored. Has anyone experienced something similar?

4 comment(s)

Sounds like a faulty TCU (Transmission Control Unit). Those symptoms, especially the emergency mode and stored error, point directly to it. When the TCU goes bad on these electric vehicles, it can cause all sorts of havoc with the shifting. Does it always happen, or only under specific conditions (like when the battery is low, or after driving for a long time)? Have you checked the TCU connector for corrosion or loose wiring? A simple visual check might save you a lot of hassle. If the connector looks good, it's almost certainly the TCU itself.

Thanks for the quick reply! It seems to happen more often after driving for a bit, especially when the car is warm, but it has also happened randomly. I haven't checked the TCU connector yet, but I will take a look. Where exactly is it located?

Okay, intermittent issues that worsen with heat often point to failing electronics. The TCU on the Twizy is usually located inside the car under the dashboard, on the right side. While you're checking connections, also ensure the battery terminals are clean and tight. A voltage drop can sometimes cause weird ECU issues. But honestly, with those symptoms and the stored error, I'd bet money on the TCU. If the connector looks fine, it's time to visit a workshop with diagnostics equipment. A replacement is gonna set you back around 1000€, including labor.

I took it to a shop, and you were spot on. It was indeed the TCU. They replaced it, and now it's shifting perfectly again. Cost me about 1000€ as you predicted. Thanks for the help!

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