Segment:
Family car, compact executive car.
Era Context:
Competed in a segment with strong offerings from Ford, Volkswagen, Peugeot, and Fiat.
Key Competitors:
Ford Taunus/Cortina, Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 505, Fiat 131 Mirafiori.
Design:
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, known for its modern and aerodynamic styling for its time.
Layout:
Front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with some markets offering optional 4WD (Quadra).
Geographic Coverage:
Primarily European markets, but applicable to global variants with noted differences.
Model Variants Covered:
All body styles including Sedan, Estate (Break), and potentially early GTL or TS variants.
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (Specific count not provided, but described as comprehensive).
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description, though original manuals were often multilingual).
Powertrain:
Engine, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, drive shafts, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, disc/drum configurations).
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seating, body repair procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, fluid level checks.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault code interpretation (if applicable for the era), symptom-based diagnosis.
Refurbishment:
Procedures for component restoration and refurbishment.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and detailed diagnostics.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if the PDF was created from a scanned document with OCR, or natively digital.
Resolution:
Dependent on the original source; for a quality PDF, expect clear text and diagrams.
Illustrations:
Includes diagrams, schematics, and potentially photographic illustrations for repair procedures.
Binding:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Engine Family:
Renault '800 series' (Cléon-Fonte derivative for larger applications)
Engine Displacement 1:
1.4L (1397 cc)
Engine Displacement 2:
1.6L (1565 cc)
Engine Displacement 3:
2.0L (1995 cc) for TS/GTL/TS Estate/GTL Estate
Engine Configuration:
Inline-4 cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV) or Overhead Camshaft (OHC) depending on variant.
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 60 hp (1.4L) to 110 hp (2.0L Turbo for specific markets, though standard 2.0L was around 96 hp).
Torque Range:
Varies by engine, typically from 90 Nm to 150 Nm.
Fuel Delivery 1:
Carburettor (e.g., Solex, Weber) for most variants.
Fuel Delivery 2:
Fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic) on higher performance variants (e.g., R18 Turbo).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (lead substitute additives may have been recommended for earlier models if running on leaded fuel).
Type 2:
5-speed Manual (common on higher trims and later models).
Type:
3-speed Automatic (e.g., by ZF or Renault's own design).
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate diaphragm spring clutch.
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios are detailed within the manual, varying by transmission type and engine.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Typically API GL-4 specification manual transmission fluid (e.g., 75W-80 or 75W-90). Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for automatic gearboxes.
Length:
Sedan: Approx. 4390 mm; Estate: Approx. 4460 mm.
Height:
Sedan: Approx. 1370 mm; Estate: Approx. 1450 mm.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2600 mm.
Kerb Weight:
Approx. 950-1150 kg depending on body style and engine.
Cargo Volume Estate:
Substantial for its class, enhanced by the estate body style.
Era Safety Standards:
Reflects safety standards of the late 1970s and early 1980s, which were less stringent than modern standards.
Brakes:
Hydraulic braking system, typically front discs and rear drums. Power assistance usually standard.
Steering:
Rack and pinion steering. Power steering was an option on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelts, typically lap and diagonal. Rear seatbelts may have been optional or standard depending on market and trim.
Construction:
Unibody construction with safety crumple zones designed into the chassis.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km or 6-12 months, depending on usage and oil type (refer to manual for exact specification).
Major Service Interval:
Spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment, valve clearance check (if applicable) typically around 20,000 - 30,000 km.
Engine Oil Grade:
API SE/SF or equivalent. Viscosity grades like 10W-40 or 20W-50 often recommended, depending on climate (manual specifies).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Specific mix ratio (e.g., 50/50) required.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Rust And Corrosion:
Prone to rust, particularly in wheel arches, sills, and around windows, typical for vehicles of this era.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connections, and faulty switches can lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors may require periodic adjustment or rebuild due to wear and deposits.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings and ball joints in the suspension can wear over time, leading to knocking noises and imprecise handling.
Manufacturer Legacy:
Renault, a French manufacturer with a long history in mass-market and innovative automotive design.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily France, but also produced under license in other countries including Argentina, Colombia, and Spain.
Production Volume:
Significant global production run, reflecting its popularity as a family and executive car.
Industry Awards:
While not a single 'Car of the Year' winner in major markets, the R18 was well-regarded for its practicality and comfortable ride, earning it a solid reputation.
Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered reliable for its time, but like all older vehicles, requires diligent maintenance. Specific long-term reliability varies by individual car and maintenance history.
Emission Standards:
Compliant with emission regulations of the period in its respective markets; manual will detail specific emission control systems if present.
