
During the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles), follow these
recommendations to obtain maximum engine per-
formance and ensure the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these
recommendations may result in shortened engine
life and reduced engine performance.
• Do not drive at
aconstant speed, either fast or
slow, for long periods of time.
• Do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
• Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
• Do not start quickly.
• Do not brake hard as much as possible.
• Do not tow
atrailer for at least the first 800 km
(500 miles). WARNING
The driving characteristics of your vehicle will
change remarkably by any additional load and its
distribution, as well as by adding optional equip-
ment (trailer coupling, roof rail, etc.). Your driv-
ing style and speed must be adjusted according
to the circumstances. Especially when carrying
heavy loads, your speed must be reduced ad-
equately.
• Make sure the area around the vehicle is clear.
• Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant,
brake (and clutch) fluid, window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, at least whenever you
refuel.
• Visually inspect tyres for their appearance and
condition. Measure and check the tyre pressure
for proper inflation.
• Check that all windows and lights are clean.
• Adjust the seat and head restraint positions.
• Adjust the inside and outside rearview mirror po-
sitions.
• Fasten your seat belt and ask all passengers to
do the same.
• Check that all doors are closed.
• Check the operation of the warning lights when
the ignition switch is placed in the “ON” position. •
Maintenance items in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section should be checked peri-
odically.
RUNNING-IN SCHEDULE
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
5-2 Starting and driving

•
Your vehicle is fitted with an automatic en-
gine cooling fan. It may come on at any time
without warning, even if the ignition switch is
in the OFF position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working near
the fan.
• Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle.
• Never leave the engine or the transmission
related component harness connector
disconnected while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
• Avoid direct contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil, en-
gine coolant, and/or other vehicle fluids can
hurt the environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle fluids.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
provides instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or ex-
cessive emissions, and could affect your warranty
coverage. If in doubt about any servicing, have it
done by an approved dealer or qualified work-
shop. For an overview of the engine compartment, see
“Engine compartment” in the “0. Illustrated table
of contents” section. WARNING
• Never remove the radiator or coolant reser-
voir cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high-pressure fluid es-
caping from the radiator. Wait until the engine
and radiator cool down.
• Engine coolant is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers out of
the reach of children.
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with ahigh-quality, year-round, anti-freeze coolant
solution. The anti-freeze solution contains rust and
corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional cooling sys-
tem additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
• Never use any cooling system additives such
as radiator sealer. Additives may clog the
cooling system and cause damage to the en-
gine, transmission and/or cooling system.
• When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to
use the proper mixture ratio. Examples of the
mixture ratio of coolant and water are shown
in the following table: Outside
temperature
down to
Engine coolant
(concentrated) Demineralised
or distilled water
°C °F
−35 −30 50% 50%
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-5

The radiator is fitted with
apressure cap. To prevent
engine damage, use only aGenuine RENAULT ra-
diator cap or its equivalent when replacement is
required.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir when the
engine is cold. If the coolant level is below the
level ➁,a
dd coolant up to the
➀.If
the reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the
radiator when the engine is cold. If there is insuf-
ficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add it to the
reservoir up to the
ighten the cap
securely after adding engine coolant.
If the cooling system frequently requires coolant,
have it checked by an approved dealer or quali-
fied workshop. CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Contact an approved dealer or qualified workshop if
replacement is required.
Major engine cooling system repair should be per-
formed by an approved dealer or qualified work-
shop. The service procedures can be found in the
appropriate Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced heater per-
formance and engine overheating.
WARNING
• To avoid being scalded, never change the
coolant when the engine is hot.
• Never remove the radiator or coolant reser-
voir cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure fluid es-
caping from the radiator.
• Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant. If
skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with
soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible.
• Keep coolant out of reach of children and
pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly. Check
your local regulations. CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on
alevel surface and apply the
parking brake.
2. Start the engine and warm it up until the engine temperature reaches the normal operating tem-
perature (approximately 5minutes).
3. Stop the engine.
4. Wait at least 10 minutes for the engine oil to drain back to the oil pan.
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. 6. Reinsert the dipstick all the way.
7. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be within the range ➀.
8. If the oil level is below ➁,r
emove the oil filler
cap and pour the recommended oil into the open-
ing. Do not overfill ➂.
When filling the engine oil, do not remove the
dipstick. JVM0528XZ
M9T 2.3DCI engine JVM0535XZ
M9T 2.3DCI engine
ENGINE OIL
8-6 Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Refer to the maintenance service booklet for your
vehicle for details of recommended fluids/lubricants
and capacities.
FUEL INFORMATION
Diesel engine*
M9T 2.3DCI engine:
Diesel fuel above 50 cetane and with less than 10
ppm of sulphur (EN590) must be used.
* If two types of diesel fuel are available, use
summer or winter fuel properly according to
the following temperature conditions.
• Above –7°C (20°F) ... Summer type diesel fuel.
• Below –7°C (20°F) ... Winter type diesel fuel.
CAUTION
• Do not use home heating oil, petrol or other
alternate fuels in your diesel engine. The use
of those or adding those to diesel fuel can
cause engine damage.
• Do not use summer fuel at temperatures be-
low –7°C (20°F). The cold temperatures will
cause wax to form in the fuel. As
aresult, it
may prevent the engine from running
smoothly. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
(ATF)
Contact an approved dealer or qualified workshop if
checking or replacement is required.
CAUTION
• Use only ATF that is recommended in the
Maintenance Service Booklet. Do not mix with
other fluids.
• Using automatic transmission fluid other than
the ATF that is recommended in the Mainte-
nance Service Booklet may cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and automatic transmission
durability and may damage the automatic
transmission. Such damage is not covered by
the warranty.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
The air conditioner system of your vehicle must be
charged with the refrigerant HFC-134a (R134a) and the lubricant specified in the maintenance service
booklet for your vehicle..
CAUTION
Use of any other refrigerants or lubricants will
cause severe damage, and you may need to re-
place your vehicle’s entire air conditioner sys-
tem. The release of refrigerants into the atmosphere is
prohibited in many countries and regions. The re-
frigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your vehicle will not
harm the Earth’s ozone layer. However, it may con-
tribute in asmall part to the global warming effect.
RENAULT recommends that the refrigerant be ap-
propriately recovered and recycled. Contact an ap-
proved dealer or qualified workshop when servicing
the air conditioner system.
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS/
LUBRICANTS AND CAPACITIES
9-2
Technical information

FUEL INFORMATION
Diesel engine*
M9T 2.3DCI engine:
Diesel fuel above 50 cetane and with less than 10
ppm of sulphur (EN590) must be used. * If two types of diesel fuel are available, use
summer or winter fuel properly according to
the following temperature conditions.
• Above −7°C (20°F) ... Summer type diesel fuel.
• Below −7°C (20°F) ... Winter type diesel fuel.
CAUTION
• Do not use home heating oil, petrol, or other
alternate fuels in your diesel engine. The use
of those or adding those to diesel fuel can
cause engine damage.
• Do not use summer fuel at temperatures be-
low −7°C (20°F). The cold temperatures will
cause wax to form in the fuel. As
aresult, it
may prevent the engine from running
smoothly.
TYRE COLD PRESSURE
See the tyre placard affixed to the driver’s side
centre pillar. PETROL STATION INFORMATION