Fixing Renault Problems

Well maintained Renaults are very reliable cars offering years of fault free driving, but there are a few problems that can arise. The most common Renault faults are listed below.

With over 20 years solving Renault problems and with the latest diagnostic software and trained mechanics we can solve your car's problem too.

For a free chat about the issue your Renault has ask the Car Doctor for some help on Facebook or book a diagnostic.

Convertible Roof Faults
Sometimes the roof may fail to fully open or close fully, especially if it has not been used for a while or if the car battery is not in tip top condition.  This is not necessarily a big job to rectify.  The roof will need to be pulled manually from the closed to open position and the fault cleared from the memory.  This will in most cases remedy the fault as the roof re-calibrates its movements from closed to open.

Automatic Gearbox Fault
Affecting all Renault car models with AL4 gearbox

Modified electro valve required which will also need re-programming (which we can do). DO NOT LEAVE THIS FAULT as it can cause further problems.

Diesel Injection Fault Light
The diesel injection fault light indicates a fault with the high pressure system, ie pressure regulator or injectors.  However, before getting involved with diagnostic tests check the basics first.  Try renewing the fuel filter first before proceeding any further.  Note: ensure that the fuel filter is regularly changed to prevent this fault.

Electric Power Steering Fault
Affects Renault Megane (2002-2008)

Ensure that the vehicle’s battery is in tip top condition otherwise the PAS (power assisted steering) ECU will fail to boot and the fault will have to be cleared from the memory of the vehicle before the PAS will start to function again.

Megane: airbag light on?
Have you moved the seats?  If so, check connections to seat belt pre-tensioners.

Renault Scenic 1.6 (2000) auto box (DP0) warning light comes on regularly: Diagnostic test required.

Renault Megane 1.9dti auto 2008: gearbox fault cuts out completely when temperature is below 3 degrees. Once warm, it will re-start but injection fault light comes on and car goes into limp mode?

Diagnostic/flow return check on injectors.

Renault Grand Espace 2.2 dci 2005: it recently blew a lot of its engine oil out, while under heavy load towing my caravan?
This could possibly be sump pan pressure caused by flow past on the pistons but before rushing in disconnect the exhaust rear box and see if it does the same.

Renault Laguna II tyre pressure sensor fault is annoying on the top model as it takes up a chunk of the sat nav screen!
Can this function be disabled?
Yes, it is possible to disable the function on some models using the diagnostic equipment.


Renault scenic (2005 1.6 dci): no hot or cold air coming out of blowers on any of the settings? Possible heater motor or resistor fault.

Renault Megane Estate 1.5 diesel 08 plate: the cam belt shredding. Resulting in loss of compression and bent exhaust valves. Cambelt kit plus water pump and new exhaust valves fitted but after approx 500 miles belt has started to shred again although engine is still running.  Any ideas?

This sounds like a guide or tensioner running out of line or over-tensioning of the belt.

Cruise Control in-operative 
This fault is often caused by a break in the wiring harness to clutch pedal.
Affects Renault Clio II 1.2, 1.4, 1.5d, 1.6 16v & 2.0 (2001-2008)


Engine Stalling & Lack of Power
The throttle body may require cleaning out.

Affects Renault Clio II 1.2 & 1.4 petrol models (2001-2008)

Intermittent Start Fault/Engine Cuts Out Intermittently
Replace crankshaft position sensor.
Affects Renault Scenic/Grand Scenic II 1.6 (2003-2009)

Engine Running Fault
Carry out diagnostic check to confirm ignition coil(s) fault.  Replace with modified ignition coil(s).
Affects Renault Scenic/Grand Scenic II 1.6 (2003-2009)

Rattling Noise from Top Of Engine after Cold Start
Requires replacement of inlet camshaft position actuator.  The ECU (computer) will then need re-programming (we can do this).
Affects Renault Scenic/Grand Scenic II 1.6 (2003-2009)

Renault Scenic car sounds as though it is not getting enough fuel or only running on 3 spark plugs?
This sounds like a faulty coil.

Renault Scenic 1.4, 2004: whilst driving the main electronic dashboard is going off and the vehicle is losing all display screens even when stationary?
Firstly, check the plugs into the back of the display screen.  It would be prudent to run some diagnostics since screen faults are very common.  This could be subject to a manufacturer’s recall and is worth checking as you may be eligible for a repair at considerably reduced cost.

Renault Megane: creaking noise when driving over road humps and bumps? Suspension top leg mounts

Renault Scenic 1.9 tdci: glow plug light on the dashboard comes on & goes off intermittently? The glow plug light acts as an engine mal-function light which means it is not necessarily a glow plug fault.  Therefore, a diagnostic test needs to be carried out first to read the faults recorded on the memories.



Renault Laguna Dynamique dci 150, 2008 model: intermittent problem with speedo. 
Sometimes the speedo just drops to zero and stays there while driving, but occasionally it sticks at about 30mph, even though I may be doing 50/70 mph.

This is a difficult one to diagnose from a distance but if the speedo is physically sticking then there is a strong possibility that the fault lies within the dash pod itself (speedo housing).  For your information, the vehicle speed data is generated by the ABS system and then passed to the dashboard.  Given that you are not experiencing an ABS fault and no running faults on the engine which also uses speed data, the likelihood is that the problem lies solely in the dash pod itself.