[Mike_G]

why would you get a smell of burning then if its just a key fob?
Hope it is just your key fob paul!!

Good point too! Its a mystery.

One tip b4 you call the tow truck (unless its free on your breakdown cover?) go to the van and try to start it again, sometimes these things can be intermittent so you might get lucky and get the thing started

[Paul Coleman]

why would you get a smell of burning then if its just a key fob?
Hope it is just your key fob paul!!

Not the key fob.  Both fobs did the same    .
I'm going for starter motor and barrel as you stated earlier.

[Paul Coleman]

why would you get a smell of burning then if its just a key fob?
Hope it is just your key fob paul!!

Good point too! Its a mystery.

One tip b4 you call the tow truck (unless its free on your breakdown cover?) go to the van and try to start it again, sometimes these things can be intermittent so you might get lucky and get the thing started

I will return to the van before calling them as I might not be covered for the breakdown if they realise I left it for two days.  I believe it's a free tow.  Will check first though.  I will drive it back if it starts (I don't think it will) as it would be a lot less hassle.

[alanwilson]

yeah I would back up the ignition barrel + starter motor theory.

does sound like the starter solenoid is burnt out.

should be a cheap fix, ignition barrel from breakers, rebuilt starter motor normally £20 to £30

[Paul Coleman]

Here's the latest on the saga of the broken van.
I organised its recovery today and it's now at a garage across town from me.  Renault, in their infinite wisdom, have quoted 5 - 10 days to get the new ignition barrel to the garage.  I think that's pretty disgraceful really - though I do appreciate that it has to be compatible with the current vehicle coding/keys and I've no idea of what's involved.  So ignition barrel and starter motor is the initial diagnosis prior to the garage having a more detailed look.  Obviously the starter motor can't be replaced prior to the barrel because it would probably result in another burn out.
As for the window becoming non-operational.  Ignore that.  That was me being silly.  I found out that it works perfectly if the ignition key is only turned half way.
I guess I will rent a small van for a few days.  I have enough contaINERS FOR 225 LITRES and a backpack to work from. Also I have a telescopic ladder if needed - though I would probably defer any ladder work until I get my van back.  Hardly ideal but at least I can earn.
I think it's ridiculous that Renault's slowness will cost me far more than the parts and labour.  It sounds like the parts will be a lot less than I originally guessed and the garage will be getting me a non Renault starter motor.

[davids3511]

Paul, why don't you use someone like http://www.1stchoice.co.uk/ They will contact all their suppliers who will contact you directly with offers of replacement parts usually delivered next day. As far as I know the barrel can be replaced very easily and if you leave your old key on the ring with the new key you won't have any problems with the immobilser.

The gear will be second user but I bet you would have it by wednesday and at a fraction of the price renault will charge you.

[H S and Son]

I guess I will rent a small van for a few days.  I have enough contaINERS FOR 225 LITRES and a backpack to work from. Also I have a telescopic ladder if needed - though I would probably defer any ladder work until I get my van back.  Hardly ideal but at least I can earn.

At least that is halfway to being acceptable considering the circumstances.

I guess the fact that this week isn't going to be a full week due to the weather might help in some form of consolation as well.

[Paul Coleman]

Paul, why don't you use someone like http://www.1stchoice.co.uk/ They will contact all their suppliers who will contact you directly with offers of replacement parts usually delivered next day. As far as I know the barrel can be replaced very easily and if you leave your old key on the ring with the new key you won't have any problems with the immobilser.

The gear will be second user but I bet you would have it by wednesday and at a fraction of the price renault will charge you.

Thanks for the thought.
I have made my arrangements now though.  Sometimes I suppose it's easier to pay more and just let someone else sort it out.  The hire van is ordered.  The barrel has been ordered.  Also, I will preobably want to sell the van one day.  It will be about 11 years old by then so won't be worth much.  If vI tell the buyer that they have to mess around with keys etc., it might make an awkward sale into an impossible one.  Therefore, it could turn out to be a false economy.  I don't want to go to the expense of van replacement until I have paid off an existing personal loan (early in 2014).