•
Replacing tyres with those not originally speci-
fied by RENAULT could affect the proper op-
eration of the TPMS.
• RENAULT recommends using only the Emer-
gency Tyre Sealant provided with your vehicle.
Other tyre sealants may damage the valve
stem seal which can cause the tyre to lose air
pressure. Visit an approved dealer or quali-
fied workshop as soon as possible after using
tyre repair sealant (for models equipped with
the emergency tyre puncture repair kit).
CAUTION
• The TPMS may not function properly when the
wheels are equipped with tyre chains or the
wheels are buried in snow.
• Do not place metallised film or any metal parts
(antenna, etc.) on the windows. This may
cause poor reception of the signals from the
tyre pressure sensors, and the TPMS will not
function properly.
Some devices and transmitters may tempo-
rarily interfere with the operation of the TPMS
and cause the TPMS indicator light to illumi-
nate. Some examples are:
–F acilities or electric devices using similar
radio frequencies are near the vehicle.
–I fatransmitter set to similar frequencies is
being used in or near the vehicle. –I
fac omputer (or similar equipment) or a
DC/AC converter is being used in or near
the vehicle.
–I fdevices which transmit electrical noise
are connected to the vehicle’s 12V power
supply.
• When inflating the tyres and checking the tyre
pressure, never bend the valves.
• Special aluminium valves are fitted to mount
the TPMS sensors on the wheels. The TPMS
sensor is fixed at the wheels by
anut. The nut
needs to be correctly fitted at atorque setting
of 7.5 ±0.5 N•m. If the TPMS sensor is tight-
ened exceeding the limit, there is apossibility
the sensor grommet will be damaged. If the
sensor is tightened under the limit, there is a
possibility of causing an air leak.
• Use valve caps that comply with the factory-
fitted valve cap specifications.
• Do not use metal valve caps.
• Fit the valve caps properly. Without the valve
caps the valve and tyre pressure monitor sen-
sors could be damaged.
• Do not damage the valves and sensors when
storing the wheels or fitting different tyres.
• Replace the sensor grommet and washer dur-
ing
atyre change. Once they have been re-
moved, the sensor grommet and washer can-
not be reused and must be replaced. The
TPMS sensors can be used again. •
Use caution when using tyre inflation equip-
ment with
arigid air supply tube, as leverage
applied by the long nozzle can damage the
valve stem.
Starting and driving 5-11
TYRE RECOMMENDATION FOR 4WD
CAUTION
• Always use tyres of the same size, brand, con-
struction (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 Four-
Wheel Drive (4WD) models.
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.
Snow tyres
If you install snow tyres, they must also be of the
same size, brand, construction and tread pattern on
all four wheels.
Tyre inflation pressure
Periodically check the pressures of all tyres, includ-
ing the spare, with agauge while at aservice sta-
tion. If necessary, adjust to the specified pressure.
Tyre pressures are shown on the tyre placard af-
fixed to the driver’s side centre pillar or rear access
door. Tyre rotation
RENAULT recommends that tyres should be rotated
every 5,000 km (3,000 miles).
Snow chains
Snow chains must be installed only on the rear
wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with snow chains on paved roads that are clear of snow. Driving with chains in such condi-
tions can cause damage to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to overstress. When driving on
clear paved roads, be sure to change to Two-Wheel
Drive (2WD) mode. The rear differential lock is designed to transmit en-
gine power to the left and right rear wheels equally.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc. or
one wheel is off the ground and the differential lock
is not on, engine power is transmitted to the wheel
with least resistance causing it to spin, leaving insuf-
ficient traction on the other wheel. The rear differen-
tial lock allows the left and right wheels to rotate as
au
nit, enabling your vehicle to free itself.
To lock the rear differential gear:
1) Stop the vehicle completely.
2) Turn the 4WD mode switch to the 4LO position. For operation of the 4WD mode switch, see
“Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) (where fitted)” earlier
in this section.
3) Push the differential lock mode switch to the ON position.
The differential lock indicator light will blink
in the meter and then remains on while the differ-
ential gear is completely locked. JVS0533XZ
REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCKING
SYSTEM (where fitted)
5-32 Starting and driving
•
When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the ESP sys-
tem may not operate properly and the ESP
warning light may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface such as
at urntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the ESP
warning light may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after driving
onto astable surface.
• If wheels or tyres other than the RENAULT
recommended ones are used, the ESP sys-
tem may not operate properly and the ESP
warning light may illuminate.
• The ESP system is not
asubstitute for winter
tyres or tyre chains on asnow covered road.
The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs and
vehicle motion. Under certain driving conditions, the
ESP system performs the following functions:
• Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip on
one slipping drive wheel so power is transferred
to
an on slipping drive wheel on the same axle.
• Controls brake pressure and engine output to
reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle speed
(traction control function). •
Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and
engine output to help the driver maintain control
of the vehicle in the following conditions:
–u
ndersteer (vehicle tends to not follow the
steered path despite increased steering in-
put)
–o versteer (vehicle tends to spin due to cer-
tain road or driving conditions).
The ESP system can help the driver to maintain con-
trol of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of ve-
hicle control in all driving situations.
When the ESP system operates, the ESP warning
light in the instrument panel flashes so note the
following:
• The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help the
vehicle on the steered path.
• You may feel
apulsation in the brake pedal and
hear anoise or vibration from under the bonnet.
This is normal and indicates that the ESP system
is working properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving to the road condi-
tions.
If am alfunction occurs in the system, the ESP warn-
ing light illuminates in the instrument panel. The
ESP system automatically turns off.
The ESP OFF switch is used to turn off the ESP
system. The ESP off indicator light illuminates
to indicate the ESP system is off. When the ESP
OFF switch is used to turn off the system, the ESP system still operates to prevent one drive wheel from
slipping by transferring power to
anon slipping drive
wheel. The ESP warning light flashes if this
occurs. All other ESP functions are off and the ESP
warning light will not flash. The ESP system is
automatically reset to on when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFFposition then back to the ONposi-
tion.
When the <4LO> position is selected with the Four-
Wheel Drive (4WD) mode switch, the ESP system
is disabled and the ESP OFF indicator light illumi-
nates.
See “Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders” in the “2. Instruments and controls” sec-
tion and “Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) (where fitted)”
earlier in this section.
The computer has abuilt-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle forward or in reverse at aslow
speed. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a
“clunk” noise and/or feel apulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indication of a
malfunction.
5-34 Starting and driving
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
4. Snow chains may be used if desired. Make sure
they are the proper size for the tyres on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. Use chain tension-
ers when recommended by the tyre chain manu-
facturer to ensure atight fit. Loose end links of
the tyre chains must be secured or removed to
prevent the possibility of whipping action dam-
age to the wings or underbody. In addition, drive
at ar educed speed, otherwise, your vehicle may
be damaged and/or vehicle handling and perfor-
mance may be adversely affected.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be car-
ried in the vehicle during the winter:
• As
craper and stiff-bristled brush to remove ice
and snow from the windows.
• As
turdy, flat board to be placed under the jack
to give it firm support.
• As
hovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
PARKING BRAKE
When parking in the area where the outside tem-
perature is below 0°C (32°F), do not apply the park-
ing brake to prevent it from freezing. For safe park-
ing:
• Place the shift lever in the
P(Park) position (Au-
tomatic transmission model).
• Place the shift lever in the
1(1st) or R(Reverse)
gear (Manual transmission model). •
Securely block the wheels.
CORROSION PROTECTION
Chemicals used for road surface deicing are ex-
tremely corrosive and will accelerate corrosion and
the deterioration of underbody components such as
the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines, brake
cables, floor pan and wings.
In the winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically. For additional information, see
“Cleaning exterior” in the “7. Appearance and
care” section of this manual.
For additional protection against rust and corrosion,
which may be required in some areas, consult an
approved dealer or qualified workshop.
5-52 Starting and driving
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