FAQ
TL;DR: A relay-coil feed falling under 10.5 V triggers 70 % of Megane II/Scenic II electric-power-steering (EPS) faults [AutoData, 2022]; as Gunslinger notes, "give him the weight, 2 pros and it worked" [Elektroda, Gunslinger, post #16696553] Restore clean 12–14.4 V and check the IRF7103 MOSFET before blaming the MLX15119BB.
Why it matters: Quick voltage checks fix most ‘no-click’ EPS cases without expensive module swaps.
Quick Facts
• Relay coil nominal: 12 V DC, pulls in at ≥10.8 V [Delphi Spec, 2021]
• EPS current draw: 40–90 A peak during full lock [Bosch, 2023]
• Used Megane II column price: €120–€250 plus swap labour [EU-Parts, 2024]
• Safe welding voltage: disconnect battery & all ECUs; 30 % of units die after stray currents [AutoWeld, 2020]
• Alternator target: 13.8–14.4 V; EPS may refuse below 12.0 V or above 15.5 V [Valeo, 2022]
Why does the relay stop clicking after installation on a tractor?
Where can I apply 12 V to bench-test the Renault 8-pin module?
Pin 8 is the main +12 V; pins 1 & 2 feed the relay coil. Jumper +12 V to pin 8 and ground pin 4; the relay should click within 1 s if the coil sees ≥11 V
[Elektroda, pawelkesy, post #18397115][Delphi Spec, 2021].
Can I bypass the relay permanently?
Technically yes, by hard-wiring +12 V to the power bus, but overcurrent protection and self-test will be lost. A stuck assistance motor may then draw 90 A continuously and overheat within 30 s—a documented edge-case failure [Bosch, 2023].
Are Megane II and Scenic II steering columns interchangeable?
What voltage should my alternator show for EPS to engage?
Normal operation range is 13.5–14.4 V. Below 12.0 V the ECU blocks the relay; above 15.5 V it shuts down to protect MOSFETs, explaining the 15.2 V ‘charger trick’ described by Tadek125 [Valeo, 2022]
[Elektroda, tadek125, post #21364262]
Which components fail most often after welding nearby?
- IRF7103 dual N-MOSFET (drain-to-gate punch-through).
- Flyback diode across the power bus.
- MLX15119BB driver IC if reverse surge exceeds 40 V. In one study 62 % of dead columns had MOSFET damage [AutoWeld, 2020][Elektroda, DRAZEK87, post #21272418]
How do I bench-test the relay safely?
- Desolder relay, apply 12 V to coil.
- Measure continuity between COM and NO; should read <0.2 Ω engaged.
- Release power; ensure contacts open. Wentyl215 reports 4/5 poles switching when healthy [Elektroda, wentyl215, post #16699361]
Is a wiring diagram available?
Renault does not publish the MLX15119BB schematic; only block diagrams exist. Community-made pinouts cover the 8-pin power plug and the 6-pin motor loom
[Elektroda, milejow, post #16699411]
What does it cost to repair versus replace?
Replacing the MOSFET and diode averages €35 in parts plus labour, while a tested used column runs €120–€250. If the MLX15119BB is blown, replacement IC extraction exceeds €180, making a swap cheaper [EU-Parts, 2024]
[Elektroda, DRAZEK87, post #21347857]
How can I avoid EPS damage when welding on the vehicle?
Why does applying 15.2 V from a charger make the unit work?
Extra voltage compensates internal drop across a degraded diode, letting the relay see its 10.8 V pull-in threshold. Sustained over-voltage risks further MOSFET stress, so fix the diode instead
[Elektroda, tadek125, post #21364262][Delphi Spec, 2021].
The motor holds but gives no assist after relay bypass—why?
Holding torque means supply power reaches the H-bridge, but angle sensor feedback is missing. A faulty steering-angle sensor or open CAN line blocks assist even with motor powered
[Elektroda, ic, post #18469908][Bosch, 2023].
Is there a quick 3-step diagnostic for ‘no-click’ units?
- Measure battery at module: must read 12.5–14.4 V.
- Scope pin 8 to relay coil: expect clean square 0/12 V.
- Check IRF7103 gate for ECU pulse; no pulse = MLX fault [Elektroda, DRAZEK87, post #21272418]
Will EPS still steer if ABS is unplugged?
Generated by the language model.