Faulty Renault UPC (8200674661) on Clio 3 / Modus? Diagnosing Common Failures
Renault Clio 3 and Modus are frequent visitors in the workshops of our partner garages. The Protection and Switching Unit (UPC) is a prime suspect when persistent electrical malfunctions appear—such as headlights that won’t turn off or unpredictable wiper behavior. This critical module is involved in numerous vehicle functions and can cause complex issues when it fails.
Role and Function of the UPC (Protection and Switching Unit) in Renault Vehicles
The Protection and Switching Unit (UPC), sometimes referred to as the engine fuse board or smart fuse box, is a key electronic system located in the engine compartment of Renault vehicles, especially Clio 3 and Modus models.
Its role is twofold:
- Power Distribution: It distributes electrical power to various components in the vehicle.
- Circuit Protection: It integrates protection systems (typically relays and internal switching components) for those circuits.
The UPC specifically manages functions such as:
- Headlights (parking, low beam, high beam, fog)
- Front windshield wipers
- Rear window defroster
- Engine cooling
- Power supply to certain ECUs or sensors
A failure in this electronic module can lead to a wide variety of symptoms, making diagnosis particularly tricky.
Common Failures of UPC 8200674661: Symptoms on Clio 3 and Modus
Based on our experience at Reparlab by Faurecia Clarion and feedback from garage customers, several issues related to the UPC—especially those bearing part numbers 8200674661, 8200674661A, 8200674661B, 8200774336, 8200774336A, 8200774336B, or 284B73886R—are frequently reported on Renault Clio 3 and Modus:
low beam or parking lights stay on
One of the most common symptoms is that the low beam or parking lights remain on—even when the ignition is off and the switch is disengaged. This can drain the battery quickly.
“Issues with low beams staying on” and “parking lights won’t turn off” are daily repairs for us with these UPCs.
Total or partial failure of front wipers
Wipers may completely stop working, only work at one speed, or stop randomly.
“Wipers no longer working” is a common repair request for these modules.
Before Blaming the UPC: Essential Preliminary Checks
Before concluding that the UPC is internally faulty, it is critical to perform a few simple checks to rule out other possible causes:
- Check External Fuses and Relays (if present): Inspect conventional fuses (not integrated into the UPC) related to the malfunctioning functions. Test any external relays involved.
- Battery and Charging System Health: A weak battery or failing alternator can cause erratic electrical behavior.
- Inspect UPC Connectors: Disconnect the battery first! Then unplug and inspect the UPC connectors. Look for corrosion (greenish residue), moisture, bent or burnt pins. Poor contact is a common culprit.
- Check the Controls: Ensure the controls themselves (wiper stalk, light switch, central locking button) are not defective. Use a diagnostic tool to verify input signals.
- Check Ground Connections: Oxidized or loose ground points can cause multiple electrical faults.
When the UPC is a strong suspect: why you should never open the unit
If, after these checks, the symptoms clearly point to one or more circuits managed by the UPC, then an internal failure is the most likely cause.
At this stage, a golden rule applies: NEVER OPEN THE UPC.
The UPC’s electronic components and printed circuits are extremely sensitive. Any attempt to open or tamper with it by someone unequipped or untrained may cause irreversible damage, making future repair far more complex-or even impossible.
Opening the unit alters its original condition, which can interfere with our technicians’ diagnostic accuracy.
To ensure the quality of our repairs and maintain our 24-month warranty, we only accept units that have not been opened or tampered with before arrival at our Custines facility.
If you suspect a UPC internal failure, the best course of action is to contact a specialist in automotive electronic repair.
Renault UPC repair by Reparlab: certified expert process
Repair is a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to automatically replacing the part with a new one.
Failures in the Protection and Switching Unit (UPC) on Renault Clio 3 and Modus can be puzzling, but they can be systematically diagnosed. Once external checks are complete and the UPC is suspected, it’s essential not to tamper with the unit and to entrust it to experts.
We offer reliable, economical, and long-lasting solutions to restore your faulty UPCs. If you need a repair for UPC 8200674661 or any other reference, check our catalog and use your professional account to submit a repair request.
Have questions? Find your answers here!
What is the difference between the UPC and UCH on a Renault?
These are two distinct ECUs. The UCH (Body Control Unit) primarily handles comfort and cabin safety features (immobilizer, window lifters, etc.), while the UPC (Protection and Switching Unit), located in the engine bay, is more focused on power distribution and controlling functions such as lights and wipers.
Can I install a second-hand UPC?
It’s possible-but often risky. The real condition of a second-hand UPC is unknown, and compatibility or configuration issues may arise. Having your original part repaired by a specialist like Reparlab by Faurecia Clarion, with warranty, is a safer and often more durable solution.
Is my 8200674661 UPC repair covered by warranty at Reparlab?
Yes, all our repairs come with a 24-month warranty.
What if my UPC reference isn’t listed on your website?
Our repair catalog is constantly being updated. Feel free to contact us to check if your specific part number is eligible for repair.