
While driving on
aslippery surface, be careful when
braking, accelerating or downshifting. Abrupt brak-
ing or acceleration could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through wa-
ter, the brakes may get wet. As aresult, your brak-
ing distance will be longer and the vehicle may pull
to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at asafe speed
while lightly depressing the footbrake pedal to heat
up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to nor-
mal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds until
the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake running-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened or
whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums/
rotors are replaced, in order to assure the best brak-
ing performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by an approved dealer
or qualified workshop.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is
asophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces. Remember
that stopping distances on slippery surfaces will
be longer than on normal surfaces even with ABS.
Stopping distances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you are using
tyre chains. Always maintain
asafe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately, the driver
is responsible for safety.
Tyre type and condition may also affect braking
effectiveness.
• When replacing tyres, install the specified size
of tyres on all four wheels.
• When installing
aspare tyre, make sure that it
is the proper size and type as specified on the
tyre placard. (See “Vehicle identification” in
the “9. Technical information” section.)
• For detailed information, see “Tyres and
wheels” in the “9. Technical information” sec-
tion.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard brak-
ing or when braking on slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem detects the rotation speed at each wheel and
varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing each wheel
from locking, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimise swerving and
spinning on slippery surfaces. Using system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. Depress
the brake pedal with firm steady pressure, but do
not pump the brakes. The ABS will operate to pre-
vent the wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle to
avoid obstacles. WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may re-
sult in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and acomputer. The
computer has abuilt-in diagnostic feature that tests
the system each time you start the engine and move
the vehicle at alow speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a“clunk”
noise and/or feel apulsation in the brake pedal. This
is normal and does not indicate amalfunction. If the
computer senses amalfunction, it switches the ABS
off and illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. If the ABS
warning light illuminates during the self-test or while
driving, have the vehicle checked by an approved
dealer or qualified workshop.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 5to10km/h (3
to 6M PH). The speed varies according to road con-
ditions.
5-50 Starting and driving

When the ABS senses that one or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies and
releases hydraulic pressure. This action is similar to
pumping the brakes very quickly. You may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear anoise from
under the bonnet or feel avibration from the actua-
tor when it is operating. This is normal and indicates
that the ABS is operating properly. However, the
pulsation may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while driving.
When the differential lock (where fitted) is engaged,
the ABS warning light illuminates. This indicates that
the anti-lock function is not fully operating. (See
“Rear differential locking system (where fitted)” ear-
lier in this section for the rear differential lock func-
tion.) WARNING
• Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and decelerate with great care. If
accelerating or decelerating too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
• Allow more stopping distance in cold weather
driving. Braking should be started sooner than
on dry pavement.
• Keep at
agreater distance from the vehicle in
front of you on slippery roads.
• Wet ice (0°C, 32°F and freezing rain), very cold
snow and ice can be slick and very difficult to
drive on. The vehicle will have
alot less trac-
tion or grip under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.
• Watch for slippery spots (glaring ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If
apatch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any sudden
steering manoeuvres.
• Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
• Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas under
your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehicle. BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze
and damage the battery. To maintain maximum effi-
ciency, the battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze,
drain the cooling system, including the engine block.
Refill before operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
TYRE EQUIPMENT
1. If you have snow tyres installed on the front/rear
wheels of your vehicle, they should be of the
same size, loading range, construction and type
(bias, bias-belted or radial) as the rear/front tyres.
2. If the vehicle is to be operated in severe winter conditions, snow tyres should be installed on all
four wheels.
3. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tyres may be used. However, some countries, prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before installing stud-
ded tyres.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tyres, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer
than that of non-studded snow tyres.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-51

4.
Automatic transmission model:
Move the shift lever to the P(Park) position.
Manual transmission model:
Move the shift lever to the N(Neutral) position.
DO NOT STOP THE ENGINE.
5. Open all the windows.
6. Turn off the air conditioner. Move the tempera- ture control to maximum hot and the fan control
to high speed.
7. Get out from the vehicle.
8. Visually inspect and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator before opening the
bonnet. Wait until no steam or coolant can be
seen before proceeding.
9. Open the engine bonnet.
10. Visually inspect if the cooling fan is running.
11. Visually inspect the radiator and radiator hoses for leakage. If the cooling fan is not running or
the coolant is leaking, stop the engine.
12. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir with the engine running.
Do not open the radiator or coolant reservoir
cap.
13. Add coolant to the reservoir if necessary.
Have your vehicle inspected/repaired at an
approved dealer or qualified workshop. When towing your vehicle, local regulations for tow-
ing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment
could damage your vehicle. To assure proper tow-
ing and to prevent accidental damage to your ve-
hicle, RENAULT recommends that you have profes-
sional road assistance personnel tow your vehicle. It
is advisable to have the professional road assistant
carefully read the following precautions.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS
• Be sure that the transmission, steering system
and powertrain are in working condition before
towing. If any units are damaged, the vehicle
must be towed using
adolly or flatbed tow truck.
(Two- Wheel Drive (2WD) model)
• RENAULT recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving wheels off the ground.
(Two- Wheel Drive (2WD) model)
• To tow
avehicle with automatic transmission,
and appropriate vehicle dolly MUSTbe placed
under the towed vehicles drive wheels. Always
follow the dolly manufacturer’s recommenda-
tions when using their product.
• Always attach safety chains before towing.
• Never tow Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) model with
any of the wheels on the ground as this may
cause serious and expensive damage to the driv-
etrain. TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
RENAULT
Towing Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
Front wheels on the ground:
1. Place the ignition switch in the “ON” position and
turn all accessories off. NCE482
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-13

Towing Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models
RENAULT recommends that your vehicle be towed
with all wheels off the ground as illustrated or place
the vehicle on aflatbed truck.
CAUTION
Never tow 4WD models with any of the wheels on
the ground. Doing so will cause serious and ex-
pensive damage to the drivetrain. Freeing trapped vehicle WARNING
• Never allow anyone to stand near the towing
line during the pulling operation.
• Never spin the tyres at high speed. This could
cause them to explode and result in serious
injury. Parts of the vehicle could also overheat
and be damaged.
In the event that your vehicle’s tyres become trapped
in sand, snow, or mud, and the vehicle is unable to
free itself without being pulled, use the towing eye.
• Use the towing eye only. Do not attach the pull-
ing device to any other part of the vehicle body.
Otherwise, the vehicle body may be damaged.
• Use the towing eye to free
avehicle only. Never
tow avehicle using only the towing eye. NCE481
NCE476
In case of emergency
6-15

Lights*:
Clean the headlights on
aregular basis. Make sure
that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are all operating properly and
installed securely. Also check the aim of the head-
lights.
Tyres*:
Check the pressure with agauge often and always
prior to long distance trips. Adjust the pressure in all
tyres, including the spare, to the pressure specified.
Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tyre rotation*:
In the case of Two-Wheel Drive (2WD), and where
front and rear tyres are the same size: tyres should
be rotated every 10,000 km (6,000 miles). Tyres
marked with directional indicators can only be ro-
tated between front and rear. Make sure that the
directional indicators point in the direction of wheel
rotation after the tyre rotation is completed.
In the case of the Four-Wheel Drive and All Wheel
Drive (4WD/AWD), and where front and rear tyres
are the same size: tyres should be rotated every
5,000 km (3,000 miles). Tyres marked with direc-
tional indicators can only be rotated between front
and rear. Make sure that the directional indicators
point in the direction of wheel rotation after the tyre
rotation is completed.
In the case that front tyres are different size from
rear tyres: tyres cannot be rotated.
The timing for tyre rotation may vary according to
your driving habits and the road surface conditions. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components (where fitted):
Replace the TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve
core and cap when the tyres are replaced due to
wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle should pull to either side while driving
on astraight and level road, or if you detect uneven
or abnormal tyre wear, there may be aneed for
wheel alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vi-
brates at normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windscreen:
Clean the windscreen on aregular basis. Check the
windscreen at least every six months for cracks or
other damage. Repair as necessary.
Wiper blades*:
Check for cracks or wear if not functioning cor-
rectly. Replace as necessary.
Inside vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on aregular basis, such as when perform-
ing periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and make
sure that the pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mats away from the pedal. Brake pedal*:
Check the pedal for smooth operation and make
sure that it is the proper distance from the floor mat
when depressed fully. Check the brake booster
function. Be sure to keep the floor mats away from
the pedal.
Parking brake*:
Check the parking brake operation regularly. Check
that the lever (where fitted) or the pedal (where fit-
ted) has the proper travel. Also make sure that the
vehicle is held securely on
afairly steep hill when
only the parking brake is applied.
Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt system (for
example, buckles, anchors, adjusters and retrac-
tors) operate properly and smoothly, and are in-
stalled securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts,
fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the steering condition, such
as excessive play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:
Make sure that all warning lights and chimes are
operating properly.
Windscreen defogger:
Check that the air comes out of the defogger outlets
properly and in good quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-3

If you have
aflat tyre, see “Flat tyre” in the “6. In
case of emergency” section.
TYRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Periodically check the pressure of the tyres, includ-
ing the spare. An incorrect tyre pressure may ad-
versely affect tyre life and vehicle handling. The tyre
pressure should be checked when tyres are COLD.
Tyres are considered COLD after the vehicle has
been parked for 3ormore hours, or driven less than
1.6 km (1 mile). COLD tyre pressures are shown on
the tyre placard.
Insufficient pressure can lead to an overheating of
the tyre and subsequent internal damage. At high
speeds, this could result in tread separation and
even bursting of the tyre.
TYPES OF TYRES
CAUTION
When changing or replacing tyres, be sure all
four tyres are of the same type (that is, summer,
all season or snow) and construction. An ap-
proved dealer or qualified workshop may be able
to help you with information about tyre type, size,
speed rating and availability.
Replacement tyres may have alower speed rating
than the factory equipped tyres, and they may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never
exceed the maximum speed rating of the tyre. All season tyres
RENAULT specifies all season tyres on some mod-
els to provide good performance all year, including
snowy and icy road conditions. All season tyres are
identified by ALL SEASON and/or M&S on the tyre
sidewall. Snow tyres have better snow traction than
all season tyres and may be more appropriate in
some areas.
Summer tyres
RENAULT specifies summer tyres on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads. Sum-
mer tyre performance is substantially reduced in
snow and ice. Summer tyres do not have the tyre
traction rating M&S on the tyre sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, RENAULT recommends the use of snow
or all season tyres on all four wheels.
Snow tyres
If snow tyres are needed, it is necessary to select
tyres equivalent in size and load rating to the original
equipment tyres. If you do not, it can adversely af-
fect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tyres have lower speed ratings than
factory equipped tyres and may not match the po-
tential maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed the
maximum speed rating of the tyre. If you install snow
tyres, they must be the same size, brand, construc-
tion and tread pattern on all four wheels.
SDI1839Z
Vanity mirror light (where fitted)
TYRES AND WHEELS
8-26 Maintenance and do-it-yourself

For additional traction on icy roads, studded tyres
may be used. However, some states and provinces
prohibit their use. Check local, state and provincial
laws before installing studded tyres. Skid and trac-
tion capabilities of studded snow tyres on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-studded
snow tyres.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) model
CAUTION
• Always use tyres of the same type, size, brand,
construction (bias, bias-belted or radial), and
tread pattern on all four wheels. Failure to do
so may result in
acircumference difference
between tyres on the front and rear axles
which will cause excessive tyre wear and may
damage the transmission, transfer case and
differential gears.
• ONLY use spare tyres specified for the 4WD
model.
If excessive tyre wear is found, it is recommended
that all four tyres be replaced with tyres of the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern. The tyre
pressure and wheel alignment should also be
checked and corrected as necessary. Contact an
approved dealer or qualified workshop. TYRE CHAINS
Use of tyre chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing tyre
chains. When installing tyre chains, make sure that
they are of proper size for the tyres on your vehicle
and are installed according to the chain manufactur-
er’s instructions.
Use chain tensioners when recommended by the
tyre chain manufacturer to ensure
atight fit. Loose
end links of the tyre chains must be secured or
removed to prevent the possibility of whipping ac-
tion damage to the wings or underbody. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tyre
chains. In addition, drive at areduced speed. Oth-
erwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or ve-
hicle handling and performance may be adversely
affected.
Tyre chains must be installed only on the rear
wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tyre chains on paved roads which
are clear of snow. Driving with chains in such condi-
tions can cause damage to the various mechanisms
of the vehicle due to some overstress. TYRE ROTATION
RENAULT recommends that tyres be rotated every
5,000 km (3,000 miles) for Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
or every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) for Two-Wheel
Drive (2WD) model. However, the timing for tyre
rotation may vary according to your driving habits
and the road surface conditions. (See “Flat tyre” in
the “6. In case of emergency” section for the tyre
replacement.)
WARNING
• After rotating the tyres, adjust the tyre pres-
sure.
• Retighten the wheel nuts when the vehicle
has been driven for 1,000 km (600 miles) (also
in cases of
aflat tyre, etc.).
• Do not include the spare tyre in tyre rotation. SDI1662Z
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-27

•
Incorrect tyre selection, fitting, care or main-
tenance can affect vehicle safety with risk of
accident and injury. If in doubt, consult an
approved dealer or qualified workshop or the
tyre manufacturer.
TYRE WEAR AND DAMAGE
➀ :W
ear indicator
➁ :W
ear indicator location mark
Tyres should be periodically inspected for wear,
cracking, bulging or objects caught in the tread. If
excessive wear, cracks, bulging or deep cuts are
found, the tyre should be replaced immediately.
The original tyres have abuilt-in tread wear indica-
tor. When the wear indicator is visible, the tyre
should be replaced.
Improper service of aspare tyre may result in seri-
ous personal injury. If it is necessary to repair the
spare tyre, contact an approved dealer or qualified
workshop. TYRE AGE
Never use
atyre over six years old, regardless of
whether it has been used or not.
Tyres degrade with age as well as with the vehicle
usage. Have your tyres checked and balanced often
by arepair shop or, if you prefer, an approved dealer
or qualified workshop.
CHANGING TYRES AND WHEELS WARNING
Do not install
adeformed wheel or tyre even if it
has been repaired. Such wheels or tyres could
have structural damage and could fail without
warning.
When replacing atyre, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. (See “Tyres and wheels” in the “9. Tech-
nical information” section for recommended types
and sizes of tyres and wheels.) The use of tyres
other than those recommended or the mixed use of
tyres of different brands, construction (bias, bias-
belted, or radial), or tread patterns can adversely
affect the ride, braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tyre clearance, snow chain clearance,
speedometer calibration, headlight aim and bumper
height. Some of these effects may lead to accidents
and could result in serious personal injury.
If the wheels are changed for any reason, always
replace with wheels which have the same offset
dimension. Wheels of adifferent offset could cause
early tyre wear, possibly degraded vehicle handling characteristics and/or interference with the brake
discs/drums. Such interference can lead to
decreased braking efficiency and/or early brake
pad/shoe wear.
WHEEL BALANCE
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling and
tyre life. Even with regular use, wheels can get out
of balance. Therefore, they should be balanced as
required.
SPARE TYRE
Conventional spare tyre (where fitted)
As tandard tyre (the same size as the road wheels)
is supplied with your vehicle.
Temporary spare tyre (where fitted)
The temporary spare tyre is adifferent size from the
road wheels.
Temporary spare tyres can be distinguished as fol-
lows:
—T yre and wheel size differs from the four mounted
tyres and wheels.
—T here is alabel in the wheel with aspeed limita-
tion.
In order to avoid malfunction adhere to the follow-
ing:
• Never drive at speeds above 80 km/h (50 MPH).
• Drive with special caution when
atemporary
spare wheel is mounted. SDI1663Z
8-28 Maintenance and do-it-yourself