2016 RENAULT DUSTER Owners Manual

2.29
Handbrake
To release
Pull lever 2 up slightly, press button 3
and then lower the lever to the floor.
The red warning light on the instrument
panel will come on if you are driving
with an incorrectly released handbrake.
To apply
Pull lever 2 upwards and make sure the
vehicle is immobilised.
An impact to the underside
of the vehicle (eg. striking
a post, raised kerb or other
street furniture) may result
in damage to the vehicle (eg. defor-
mation of an axle).
To prevent any risk of accident,
have your vehicle checked by an
approved dealer.
GEAR LEVER, HANDBRAKE
When stationary, and de-
pending on the slope and/or
vehicle load, it may be nec-
essary to pull up the hand-
brake at least two extra notches and
engage a gear (1
st or reverse gear)
for vehicles with a manual gearbox
or position P for vehicles with an au-
tomatic gearbox.
When driving, make sure
the handbrake is com-
pletely released.
Risk of overheating.
1
2
3
Gear lever
Selecting reverse gear
(vehicle stationary)
Vehicles with manual gearbox: refer
to the grid on the gear lever knob 1.
Vehicles with automatic gear-
box: refer to the information on the
“Automatic gearbox” in Section 2.
The reversing lights will come on as
soon as reverse gear is selected with
the ignition on.

2.30
4x2 (2WD) and 4x4 (4WD)
mode selector
Depending on the road conditions, tur-
ning selector 1 enables the following
modes to be selected:
– 2WD ;
– AUTO ;
– 4WD Lock.
TRANSMISSION: 4-wheel drive (4WD) (1/4)
“AUTO" mode
To activate this mode, turn the selec-
tor 1 to the “AUTO” position.
Operating principle
“AUTO” mode automatically distributes
the engine torque between the front and
rear axles according to the road condi-
tions and the vehicle speed. This po-
sition optimises roadholding. Use this
mode on any type of road (dry, snow-
covered, slippery, etc.) or when towing
(trailer or caravan). This mode is not in-
dicated on the instrument panel.
“2WD" mode
To activate this mode, turn selector 1 to
the “2WD" position. The
‘ indica-
tor light will light up on the instrument
panel.
Operating principle
The “2WD” mode uses the front wheels
only. Use this mode on dry roads with
good grip.
Remember that driving a vehicle off-
road is very different to driving it on
the road.
To make the most of your vehicle
in an off-road situation, we recom-
mend that you are trained to drive a
4x4 (4WD) vehicle.
The safety of both you and your
passengers is your responsibility,
and depends on your skill and the
care you take when driving off-road.
1

2.31
TRANSMISSION: 4-wheel drive (4WD) (2/4)
This problem may be resolved by chan-
ging the tyres. Always use four identi-
cal tyres (same brand, profile, etc.) and
with similar wear.
In the event of excessive wheelspin,
the mechanical components may be
overheating.
If this happens:
– at first, the
’ warning light
flashes. “4WD Lock” mode is still
active, however we recommend that
you stop as soon as possible to allow
the system to cool down (until the
warning light stops flashing);
– if the wheels still spin, the system au- tomatically switches to “2WD” mode
to protect the mechanical compo-
nents.
The
‘ warning light flashes. The
mode cannot be changed while the
light is flashing.
After one minute, the system switches
to “2WD” or “AUTO” mode depending
on the position of the selector.
Note: if the vehicle is travelling at a
speed of more than approximately
49.6 mph (80 km/h) or if it is travel-
ling at a speed of between 37.2 and
49.6 mph (60 and 80 km/h) for more
than one minute in «4WD Lock" mode,
the system automatically switches back
to "AUTO" mode. The warning light
’ goes out.
Special features of the
4-wheel drive transmission
The vehicle may make more noise when
the “AUTO" or "4WD Lock" modes are
activated. This is normal. If the system
detects a difference in the dimensions
of the front and rear wheels (eg. un-
derinflation, severe wear on an axle),
the system automatically switches to
"2WD" mode.
The
‘ and Ò warning lights on
the instrument panel come on. Drive as
soon as possible at a moderate speed
to an approved dealer.
To deactivate this mode, turn selector
1
to the “AUTO” position. The
‘ indi-
cator light on the instrument panel goes
out.
“4WD Lock" mode
To activate this mode, turn selector 1 to
the “4WD Lock” position. The selector
the returns to the “AUTO” position. The
’ indicator light will light up on the
instrument panel.
Operating principle
“4WD Lock” mode distributes the
engine torque between the front and
rear axles in order to optimise the per-
formance capacity of the vehicle in off-
road situations. This mode should only
be used in extreme driving conditions
(mud, steep slopes, sand).
To deactivate this mode, turn selector 1
to the “4WD Lock” position again. The
indicator light on the instrument panel
goes out. When the engine is switched
off, the system stays in “4WD Lock”
mode for one minute.

2.32
TRANSMISSION: 4-wheel drive (4WD) (3/4)
Electronic stability program and
traction control when driving off-
road
(vehicles equipped with ESC)
When driving on soft ground (sand,
mud, deep snow), we recommend that
you deactivate the ESC function by
pressing the “ ESC” switch.
In this case, only individual wheel bra-
king remains active. This function ap-
plies the brake to any wheel that is slip-
ping, allowing the engine torque to be
transferred to the wheels with the most
grip. This is particularly useful when
crossing a bridge.
All the ESC functions will be reactivated
when the vehicle speed reaches ap-
proximately 30 mph (50 km/h) (36 mph
(60 km/h) in 4WD Lock mode), when
the engine is restarted or when the
“ESC” button is pressed again.Operating faults
If the system detects an operating
fault, it automatically switches to “2WD”
mode, and the
‘ and Ò war-
ning lights come on.
Drive as soon as possible at a mode-
rate speed to an approved dealer.
For certain operating faults, the system
may not be able to switch to “2WD" or
"4WD Lock" mode. "AUTO" mode re-
mains active.
Contact an approved dealer as soon as
possible.
In this case, we recommend that you
stop as soon as possible to allow the
system to cool down (until the warning
light stops flashing).
Cooling may take up to five minutes.
If the system detects excessive whee-
lspin on the front wheels, it adapts the
engine to run in a way that reduces
wheelspin.
Anti-lock braking in “
LOCK” mode
(vehicles equipped with ABS)
When “4WD Lock" mode is active, the
ABS switches to off-road mode. In this
case, the wheels may lock intermit-
tently to achieve better grip, thus redu-
cing braking distances on soft ground.
When this mode is active:
– the vehicle’s manoeuvrability is limi- ted during braking. This operating
mode is therefore not recommended
in very low-grip conditions (eg. ice).
– there may be some noise. This is normal, and does not indicate an
operating fault.

2.33
TRANSMISSION: 4-wheel drive (4WD) (4/4)
All-wheel drive system
– Irrespective of the mode selected, do not start the engine if one or mor\
e wheels are not in contact with the ground
(eg. when the vehicle is on a jack or roller bench).
– Do not turn the mode selector when cornering, reversing or if the wheels\
are spinning excessively. Only select the
“2WD”, “AUTO” or “4WD Lock” mode when the vehicle is being driven in a str\
aight line.
– Only use tyres which meet the required specifications.
– “4WD Lock” mode is reserved solely for use off-road. The use of this mode in any other conditions may adversely affect the
vehicle’s manoeuvrability and damage its mechanical components.
– Always ensure tyres with identical specifications are fitted to all four\
wheels (brand, size, structure, wear etc.). Fitting tyres
of different sizes to the front and rear wheels and/or left and right wheels m\
ay have serious consequences for the tyres,
gearbox, transfer gearbox and the rear differential pinions.

2.34
ABS (anti-lock braking
system)
Under heavy braking, the ABS prevents
the wheels from locking, allowing the
stopping distance to be managed and
keeping control of the vehicle. Under
these circumstances, the vehicle can
be steered to avoid an obstacle whilst
braking. In addition, this system can
increase stopping distances, particu-
larly on roads with low surface grip (wet
ground etc.).
You will feel a pulsation through the
brake pedal each time the system is
activated. The ABS does not in any way
improve the vehicle's physical perform-
ance relating to the road surface and
roadholding. It is still essential to follow
the rules of good driving practice (such
as driving at a safe distance from the
vehicle in front etc.).
DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES/AIDS (1/4)
Depending on the vehicle, this is com-
posed of:
– the ABS (anti-lock braking
system);
– the emergency brake assist;
– electronic stability control (ESC)
with understeer control and trac-
tion control.
– hill start assistance.
These functions are an ad-
ditional aid in the event of
critical driving conditions,
enabling the vehicle behav-
iour to be adapted to suit the driving
conditions.
However, the functions do not take
the place of the driver. They do
not increase the vehicle’s limits
and should not encourage you
to drive more quickly. Therefore,
they can under no circumstances
replace the vigilance or responsibil-
ity of the driver when manoeuvring
the vehicle (the driver must always
be ready for sudden incidents which
may occur when driving).
In an emergency, apply firm and
continuous pressure to the brake
pedal. There is no need to pump
it repeatedly. The ABS will modu-
late the force applied in the braking
system.
Special feature of 4-wheel drive ve-
hicles
In 4WD Lock mode, the system may
lock the wheels briefly to optimise the
braking distance on very wet ground
(snow, mud, sand, etc.).

2.35
DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES/AIDS (2/4)
Emergency brake assist with
electronic brake distribution
(depending on the vehicle)
This system supplements the ABS
and helps reduce vehicle stopping dis-
tances.
Operating principle
The system is for detecting an emer-
gency braking situation. In this case,
the braking assistance immediately de-
velops maximum power and may trig-
ger ABS regulation.
ABS braking is maintained as long as
the brake pedal is applied.
Operating faults

– If the x warning light on the in-
strument panel comes on while you
are driving, the brakes will still
work normally without ABS;
– If the
x and D warning
lights on the instrument panel come
on while you are driving, there is a
fault in the braking system.
In both cases, consult an approved
Dealer.
Your braking systems
are partially operational.
However, it is dangerous
to brake suddenly and
it is essential to stop immediately,
as soon as traffic conditions allow.
Contact an approved dealer.

2.36
DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES/AIDS (3/4)
Electronic stability program
ESC with understeer control
and traction control
Electronic Stability Program ESC
(depending on the vehicle)
This system helps you to keep control
of the vehicle in critical driving condi-
tions (avoiding an obstacle, loss of grip
on a bend, etc.). Understeer control
This system optimises the action of the
ESC in the case of pronounced under-
steering (loss of front axle road hold-
ing).
Traction control
This system helps to limit wheelspin of
the drive wheels and to control the ve-
hicle when pulling away accelerating or
decelerating.
Deactivating the ESC
function
In some situations (driving on very wet
ground: snow, mud, etc. or driving with
snow chains fitted), the system may
reduce the engine output to limit whee-
lspin. If this is not required, it is possible
to deactivate the function by pressing
switch 1.
The warning light
 on the instru-
ment panel comes on to warn you of
this.
If you deactivate this function, the
traction control system will also be
deactivated.
With the Electronic Stability Program
ESC with understeer control and trac-
tion control providing additional safety,
you are advised not to drive with the
function disabled. Correct this as soon
as possible by pressing the switch 1
again.
Note: The function is automatically
reactivated when the ignition is switched
on, or when the speed exceeds 30 mph
(50 km/h) in “AUTO” and “2WD” modes,
and approximately 36 mph (60 km/h) in
“4WD Lock” mode.
1