🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Renault

Model:

Espace

Model Code:

J64 (Phase 3/4)

Generation:

Third Generation (Phase 3 & 4)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Large MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, individuals requiring spacious and versatile transportation

Key Competitors:

Ford Galaxy, Volkswagen Sharan, SEAT Alhambra, Chrysler Voyager (European market)

Vehicle Selling Points:

Spacious interior, flexible seating configurations, comfortable ride, practicality for families, distinct French design.

Cost Savings:

Enables DIY repairs and maintenance, significantly reducing labor costs at dealerships or independent garages.

Ease Of Use:

Designed to make repair jobs easier with step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Full Professional Service & Repair Manual (Workshop Manual)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PC, MAC, Tablets, Smartphones)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, timing components.

Engine Management And Electronics:

Fuel injection systems (MPI, Common Rail Diesel), ignition systems, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics and programming, emission control systems (EGR, catalytic converter).

Transmission:

Manual transmission (gearbox overhaul, clutch service, shift linkage), Automatic transmission (fluid changes, torque converter, valve body diagnostics).

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, drive shafts, constant velocity (CV) joints, wheel bearings.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shock absorbers, control arms, anti-roll bars), power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, fluid), wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs, pads, calipers, brake lines, master cylinder, ABS system diagnostics and components).

Electrical System:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuse box diagrams, wiring schematics for all major circuits.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair and replacement, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, underbody protection, structural components.

Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning (HVAC):

HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, climate control unit diagnostics.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and fill, brake fluid replacement.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Systematic fault finding guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, electrical circuit testing procedures, component testing methods.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, fuel pump replacement, timing belt/chain replacement.

Component Installation And Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing alternators, starter motors, radiators, water pumps, power steering pumps, door handles, window regulators.

Bodywork And Interior:

Door panel removal, seat removal, dashboard disassembly, bumper replacement, headlight adjustment.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, diagnostic procedures, and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content

Printability:

Printable pages

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options Covered:

Petrol: 2.0L (F3R), 2.0L Turbo (F4R), 2.9L V6 (Z7W). Diesel: 1.9L dTi (F9Q), 2.1L TD (J8S), 2.2 dCi (G9T - later in the generation).

Specific Engine Focus:

Likely covers a broad range of engines prevalent in the 1997-2000 models, primarily the F3R, F4R, F9Q, and J8S.

2.0L F3R (Petrol):

Approx. 115 PS (85 kW), 177 Nm torque

2.0L Turbo F4R (Petrol):

Approx. 163 PS (120 kW), 225 Nm torque

2.9L V6 Z7W (Petrol):

Approx. 190 PS (140 kW), 267 Nm torque

1.9L Dti F9Q (Diesel):

Approx. 98 PS (72 kW), 200 Nm torque

2.1L Td J8S (Diesel):

Approx. 88 PS (65 kW), 151 Nm torque

Fuel Delivery Petrol:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Delivery Diesel:

Direct Injection (DI), Turbocharged Direct Injection (TD), Common Rail Direct Injection (CDi) for later variants.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (DP0/AD4)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Often featured a sport/comfort mode, sometimes with manual override options on higher trims.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4500-4700 mm (depending on specific variant and model year phase)

Width:

Approx. 1750-1810 mm

Height:

Approx. 1620-1650 mm

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Highly variable due to modular seating, typically around 350-500 liters with all seats in place.

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Can exceed 2000 liters with rear seats removed.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1400-1650 kg (depending on engine and specification)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

Not extensively tested under modern Euro NCAP protocols for this era. Early MPVs generally had lower scores than contemporary sedans.

ABS:

Standard on most models from this period, with 4-channel ABS.

Traction Control:

Optional on higher trims, especially with larger engines.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some higher-spec models.

Seatbelts:

All seating positions equipped with three-point seatbelts, often with pre-tensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player with speaker systems. Later models might have integrated controls on the steering column.

Navigation:

Optional factory fitted satellite navigation system available on higher trim levels, often with a monochrome screen.

Cruise Control:

Optional on many models, especially those with higher engine displacements.

Remote Central Locking:

Standard on most models, often with key fob operation.

Power Windows And Mirrors:

Standard or optional depending on trim level, featuring electric adjustment and operation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 10,000 - 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific engine/oil type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for 2.0L (F3R) and 1.9 dTi (F9Q) engines. Recommended interval around 60,000 - 90,000 km or 5 years. Consult manual for exact interval and if interference engine.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 km depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium).

Engine Oil Spec Petrol:

API SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3, viscosity typically 5W-40 or 10W-40, depending on climate. Consult manual for precise spec.

Engine Oil Spec Diesel:

API CF/CG-4 or ACEA B2/B3/B4, viscosity typically 5W-40 or 10W-40. Consult manual for precise spec.

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically green or blue. Renault Type D or equivalent. Mixture 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Renaultmatic D2 or equivalent ATF fluid (e.g., Dexron II/III compatible, depending on specific DP0 variant).

Common Issues Petrol:

Ignition coil failure, lambda sensor issues, camshaft sensor faults, exhaust manifold leaks, occasional head gasket problems.

Common Issues Diesel:

Glow plug failure, injector seal leaks (especially on early dTi), turbocharger wear, potential for head gasket issues on higher mileage units, EGR valve clogging.

Common Issues General:

Electrical gremlins (faulty sensors, intermittent warning lights), window regulator failure, HVAC blower motor issues, suspension wear (ball joints, bushings), rear axle torsion bar issues (less common in this generation compared to earlier models but possible).

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring harness degradation or corrosion can lead to various electrical faults, requiring careful tracing using wiring diagrams.

📚 Vehicle History

Renault History In Mpv:

Renault has a strong history in innovative vehicle segments, pioneering the MPV concept with the original Espace in 1984.

Third Generation Development:

The third generation (J64) introduced a more rounded, aerodynamic design compared to its angular predecessor. It also saw significant interior updates and a wider range of powertrain options.

Phases Within Generation:

The 1997-2000 period covers the later 'Phase 3' and 'Phase 4' updates, which introduced minor styling tweaks, improved engines (like the F4R turbo and F9Q dTi), and updated interior features.

Production Location:

Primarily manufactured in France (Sandouville plant) and also under license in other regions.

Production Years Of Generation:

1991-2002

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year Legacy:

While the first generation Espace won European Car of the Year in 1985, the third generation continued to be a significant player in the MPV segment, recognized for its practicality and innovative design.

Family Car Awards:

Consistently ranked well in European family car surveys for its spaciousness and modular interior during its production run.