1995-2002 Renault Megane SUV Driving User Manual
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Driving for Your Renault Megane SUV First Generation (1995-2002)

Section 2: Driving  
(Advice on use relating to fuel economy and the environment)  
Running in / Ignition switch ........................................................................................................................... 2.02  
Starting the engine / Stopping the engine ..................................................................................................... 2.03  
Special features of petrol versions .................................................................................................................. 2.04  
Special features of diesel versions .................................................................................................................. 2.05  
Gear lever/Handbrake/Power assisted steering .............................................................................................. 2.06  
Advice on anti-pollution and how to economise on fuel ................................................................ 2.07 ¬ 2.09  
Environment ...................................................................................................................................................... 2.10  
Tyre pressure monitoring system ....................................................................................................... 2.11 ¬ 2.14  
Anti-lock brake system: ABS ................................................................................................................ 2.15 - 2.16  
Emergency brake assistance ............................................................................................................................. 2.17  
Electronic Stability Program: E.S.P. ...................................................................................................... 2.18 - 2.19  
Traction control system ......................................................................................................................... 2.20 - 2.21  
Using the automatic gearbox .............................................................................................................. 2.22 ¬ 2.24  
2.01  
RUNNING IN  
IGNITION SWITCH  
O Petrol version  
“Ignition on” position M  
For the first 625 miles (1000 km) do  
not exceed 70 mph (130 km/h)  
in the highest gear or 3000 to  
3500 rpm.  
The ignition is switched on:  
Petrol version: The engine may be  
started.  
Diesel version: Heater plugs are  
“on”.  
On completion of 625 miles  
(1000 km) you may use your car  
normally. However, it is only after  
1500 miles (3000 km) have been  
covered that you may reasonably  
expect full performance.  
“Start position” D  
If the engine fails to start at the first  
attempt, the key must be turned  
back before the starter can be  
activated again. Release the key as  
soon as the engine starts.  
$
Service intervals: Refer to your  
servicing booklet for details about  
service intervals.  
“Stop” position (St) and anti-theft  
lock applied  
To lock: remove the key and turn  
steering wheel slightly until the  
latch engages in the steering  
column.  
O Diesel version  
For the first 750 miles (1500 km),  
do not exceed 2500 rpm. On  
completion of this mileage you may  
drive faster, however, the car will  
only provide top performance  
after approximately 4000 miles  
(6000 km).  
To unlock: turn key and steering  
wheel slightly.  
During the running in period, do  
not accelerate hard while the engine  
is still cold and do not let the engine  
rev in the lower gears.  
“Auxiliaries” position A  
The ignition is switched off. Any  
auxiliaries fitted will still have a  
current supply (example: radio).  
Service intervals: Refer to your  
servicing booklet for details about  
service intervals.  
2.02  
STARTING/STOPPING THE ENGINE  
Starting the engine  
In the case of an automatic gearbox  
Diesel injection  
Refer to the information on  
automatic gearboxes in section 2.  
Cold or warm engine  
Hot engine  
Turn the ignition key to the on  
position M and hold it in this  
position until the engine preheating  
warning light goes out.  
Turn the key immediately to the  
“Starter” position. In the event that  
the engine does not start at the first  
attempt, repeat the operation using  
the preheating.  
Special  
feature  
with  
on  
an  
vehicles  
engine  
equipped  
immobiliser system  
Turn the key to the starter position D  
without accelerating.  
In  
very  
cold  
conditions  
Let the engine run in neutral  
without overrevving for several  
seconds.  
(temperatures below –20°C): so that  
it is easier to start the engine, switch  
on the ignition for several seconds  
before starting the engine.  
Release the key as soon as the  
engine starts.  
Make sure the engine immobiliser is  
not activated (see section 1 on the  
engine immobiliser).  
Stopping the engine  
With the engine idling, turn the key  
back to the “Stop” position.  
Petrol injection  
Engine hot or cold  
Turn the key to the “start” position  
without accelerating.  
Release the key as soon as the  
engine starts.  
If there is a child (or animal) in the vehicle, never leave it unattended with the key in the ignition.  
With the key in the ignition he or she could start up the engine or operate electrical equipment such as the  
electric windows and there is a risk that the child may be injured (by trapping his or her neck, arm, hand, etc.).  
Risk of serious injury.  
Never switch off the ignition before the vehicle has stopped completely. Once the engine has stopped, the power  
steering, brake servo and the passive safety devices such as airbags and pretensioners will no longer operate.  
When the key has been removed the steering will lock.  
2.03  
SPECIAL POINTS RELATING TO PETROL VERSIONS  
The following operating conditions  
may cause the catalytic converter to  
overheat and thus reduce its  
efficiency or even destroy it and  
cause heat damage to the vehicle:  
If you note any of the above  
incidents, have the necessary  
repairs carried out as soon as  
possible by your Renault Dealer.  
These incidents may be avoided by  
taking your vehicle regularly to  
your Renault Dealer at the intervals  
specified in your servicing booklet.  
• Driving for a long time with the  
low fuel level warning light  
illuminated;  
• Faulty ignition, running out of  
fuel or spark plug disconnected  
occurring as engine misfiring and  
snatches when driving;  
Starting problems  
To avoid damaging the catalytic  
converter, do not keep trying to  
start the engine (using the ignition  
key, or by pushing or pulling the  
vehicle) without having identified  
and corrected the starting fault.  
• Using leaded petrol;  
• Using lubrication additives or  
fuel which is not approved by  
Renault;  
• Loss of power;  
If the fault cannot be identified, do  
not persist in attempting to start the  
engine. Call a Renault Dealer.  
• The fitting of non-recognised  
security systems which have been  
integrated into the fuel injection  
system  
purposes;  
for  
immobilisation  
• Bump starting the vehicle, as  
unburnt petrol in the system may  
affect the catalyst if the car does  
not start quickly. However, jump  
starting with jump leads across  
the battery is permissible;  
Do not park the vehicle  
or  
in  
run  
the  
engine  
where  
locations  
combustible substances or  
materials such as grass or leaves  
can come into contact with a hot  
exhaust system.  
2.04  
SPECIAL POINTS RELATING TO DIESEL VERSIONS  
Diesel engine speed  
Precautions to be taken in winter  
Diesel engines are fitted with an  
To avoid any problems in icy  
weather:  
• Ensure the battery is always fully  
charged.  
• Always keep the fuel tank  
relatively full to avoid water  
vapour condensing in it and  
accumulating at the bottom of the  
tank.  
injection pump incorporating  
a
mechanical  
governor  
which  
prevents overrevving of the engine  
irrespective of the gear in use.  
Lack of fuel  
If the fuel tank has been drained  
dry, you may start the engine  
normally after refilling the fuel tank  
provided that the battery is  
Vehicles with diesel fuel heater  
well-charged.  
Refer  
to  
the  
This equipment enables diesel fuel  
to be used without an additive  
down to –18°C or, if the vehicle is  
used regularly for short journeys  
(cold engine), down to –5°C.  
information on the fuel tank in  
section 1 for the special instructions  
on diesel versions equipped with  
the common rail (high pressure)  
engine.  
However, if after a few seconds and  
several attempts the engine fails to  
start, contact a Renault Dealer.  
2.05  
GEAR LEVER  
HANDBRAKE  
POWER STEERING  
To release:  
When power assisted steering is  
fitted, never leave the steering  
wheel on full lock when the vehicle  
is parked as this may damage the  
pump.  
Pull the lever up slightly, press  
button 2 and then lower the lever to  
the floor.  
1
The red warning light on the  
instrument panel will illuminate if  
you are driving with an incorrectly  
released handbrake.  
2
To apply:  
Pull the lever up.  
The lever should travel about  
10 notches to hold the car. Your  
vehicle is fitted with self-adjusting  
rear brake shoes and the handbrake  
should only be adjusted during a  
brake overhaul.  
To select reverse  
(vehicle stationary)  
Move the lever to neutral, then  
position the lever in reverse.  
Ring 1 has to be lifted up to the gear  
lever knob to select reverse gear.  
When the vehicle is  
stationary, make sure  
that the handbrake is  
properly applied so that  
the vehicle does not move  
unintentionally.  
The reversing lights will illuminate  
as soon as reverse gear is selected  
(ignition on).  
Never switch off the  
ignition when travelling  
Make sure the handbrake is  
properly released when driving,  
downhill, and avoid  
otherwise  
occur.  
overheating  
may  
doing so when driving in  
general (power steering and  
brake servo will not function).  
2.06  
ADVICE ON ANTI-POLLUTION AND HOW TO ECONOMISE ON FUEL, DRIVING  
RENAULT is actively participating  
in the reduction of pollutant  
exhaust gas emissions and in saving  
energy.  
Maintenance  
Engine adjustments  
• Ignition: This does not require  
adjustment.  
It should be noted that failure to  
respect anti-pollution standards  
may lead to legal action being taken  
against the vehicle owner. In  
addition, the replacement of parts of  
the engine, fuel supply system and  
exhaust by parts other than those  
originally recommended by the  
manufacturer may alter your  
vehicle such that it no longer  
By virtue of its design, moderate  
fuel consumption and initial  
settings your Renault conforms to  
current anti-pollution standards.  
Technical design, however, cannot  
achieve all. The fuel consumption  
of your car and the level of pollutant  
exhaust gas emissions are very  
much within your control. Make  
sure that your vehicle is maintained  
correctly, use it carefully and watch  
your driving style.  
Spark  
plugs:  
Optimum  
conditions of use, performance  
and output demand that the  
specifications laid down by our  
design office be rigorously  
adhered to.  
If the spark plugs have to be  
changed, use the make, type and  
gap specified for your vehicle’s  
engine. Consult your Renault  
Dealer for this information.  
complies  
standards.  
with  
anti-pollution  
Have your vehicle checked and  
adjusted by your Renault Dealer in  
accordance with the instructions in  
the vehicle’s servicing booklet.  
Idling speed: This does not  
require adjustment.  
Your Renault Dealer has all the  
equipment necessary for ensuring  
your vehicle is maintained in its  
original standard.  
Air filter, diesel filter: A choked  
element hinders output and must  
be changed.  
Always remember that the emission  
of pollutant fumes is directly linked  
to fuel consumption.  
Injection pump setting: It must be  
set to the recommended values.  
2.07  
ADVICE ON ANTI-POLLUTION AND HOW TO ECONOMISE ON FUEL (continued)  
Take your foot off the accelerator  
pedal to slow down rather than  
use the brakes wastefully and  
judge the road well in advance.  
Monitoring exhaust gas  
The exhaust gas monitoring system  
will detect any malfunctioning of  
the  
vehicle’s  
exhaust  
gas  
depollution system.  
Avoid fierce acceleration.  
If this system malfunctions, toxic  
substances may be released into the  
atmosphere or mechanical damage  
may occur.  
• Do not overrev the engine in the  
intermediate gears.  
Always use the highest ratio  
possible without labouring the  
engine.  
This warning light on the  
instrument panel will  
indicate if there are any  
problems with the system.  
On versions with an automatic  
transmission, it is preferable to  
keep your the gear lever in D.  
It illuminates when the ignition is  
switched on and extinguishes  
within 3 seconds.  
• Do not try to maintain the same  
speed up a hill; accelerate no  
more than you would on the level.  
Keep your foot in the same  
position on the accelerator pedal.  
Driving  
- If it illuminates continuously,  
consult your Renault Dealer as  
soon as possible.  
- If it flashes, reduce the engine  
speed until the light stops  
flashing. Consult your Renault  
Dealer as soon as possible.  
Drive carefully for the first few  
miles until the engine reaches its  
normal operating temperature.  
• Double  
declutching  
and  
accelerating before switching off  
are superfluous actions in  
modern cars.  
• Speed is expensive.  
• “Snappy” driving uses a lot of  
fuel: drive with a “light right  
foot”.  
• Bad weather, flooded roads  
Do not drive through  
floods if the depth of  
water is above the lower  
edge of the wheel rims.  
2.08  
ADVICE ON ANTI-POLLUTION AND HOW TO ECONOMISE ON FUEL (continued)  
For  
vehicles  
with  
air  
conditioning, the extra fuel  
consumed in urban cycle can be  
as high as 2 litres per 100 km:  
switch the system off when it is  
not needed.  
• Never fill the fuel tank right to the  
brim as this is wasteful.  
• Do not leave an empty roof rack in  
position.  
• It is better to fit a trailer for bulky  
objects.  
• When towing a caravan, fit a wind  
deflector and adjust it carefully.  
General hints  
Tyres  
Electricity is “fuel”; switch off all  
the electrical units which are not  
really needed.  
Inflation pressures which are  
too low may increase fuel  
consumption.  
Avoid  
using  
the  
car  
for  
door-to-door calls (short journeys  
with long waits in between)  
because the engine never reaches  
its normal operating temperature.  
Try to group your calls.  
However, (with safety always in  
mind), keep your lights on when  
the visibility is bad (see and be  
seen).  
• The use of non-recommended  
tyres may also increase fuel  
consumption.  
Try to use the air vents. Driving  
with the windows open will  
increase the use of fuel by 4%.  
2.09  
ENVIRONMENT  
Your vehicle has been designed  
with the aim of caring for the  
environment.  
In addition to this, your vehicle  
meets the requirements laid down  
in European legislation relating to  
environmental protection.  
• The majority of versions are  
equipped with  
a
depollution  
catalytic  
Make your contribution towards  
protection of the environment too!  
system including  
a
converter, a lambda sensor and  
an active carbon filter. (The  
active carbon filter prevents  
vapour from the petrol tank being  
released into the open air.)  
Do not dispose of parts replaced in  
the course of routine vehicle  
maintenance (battery, oil filter, air  
filter, etc.) and oil containers (empty  
or full of used oil, etc.) with  
household waste.  
These vehicles operate with  
unleaded fuel only.  
Dispose of it through specialist  
organisations. In all cases, comply  
with local legislation.  
The majority of components in  
your vehicle can be recycled and  
your vehicle already contains  
recycled materials.  
• 95% of the plastic components in  
your vehicle are marked with a  
symbol  
which  
allows  
the  
principle component material to  
be identified. These markings  
mean that parts removed can be  
sorted  
more  
easily,  
thus  
optimising the recycling of each  
of them.  
2.10  
TYRE PRESSURE MONITOR  
This system continuously monitors  
the tyre pressures.  
A
Tyre pressures should be adjusted  
when the tyres are cold  
B
If tyre pressures cannot be checked  
when the tyres are cold, assume an  
increase of 0.2 to 0.3 bar.  
Never deflate a hot tyre.  
Operating principle  
Each wheel (except the emergency  
spare wheel) has a sensor integrated  
in the inflation valve which  
periodically measures the tyre  
pressure.  
The driver is constantly informed of  
the correct tyre pressures and  
possible variations on display A  
and the instrument panel B.  
This function is an  
additional driving aid.  
However, the function  
does not take the place of the  
driver. It cannot, therefore, under  
any circumstances replace the  
vigilance or the responsibility of  
the driver.  
Check the tyre pressures,  
including the emergency spare  
wheel, once a month.  
2.11  
TYRE PRESSURE MONITOR (continued)  
Spare wheel  
The emergency spare wheel does  
not have a sensor and so cannot be  
detected by the system.  
1
When it is fitted in place of another  
wheel, the system detects a fault a  
certain time after installation.  
C
F
D
E
Fitting tyres (replacing tyres or  
fitting winter tyres)  
1
As there are special precautions to  
be taken when replacing tyres, we  
advise you to consult your Renault  
Dealer.  
2
Non-interchangeability of wheels  
To mark the correct position of the  
wheel, see the colour of the ring 2  
(after cleaning, if necessary) on each  
valve:  
- C: yellow ring  
- D: black ring  
- E: red ring  
Tyre repair aerosols  
Because the wheels are specially  
designed, use only products  
approved by Renault's Technical  
Department.  
Each of the sensors  
incorporated in valve 1 is  
dedicated to one single  
wheel:  
under  
no  
circumstances should you swap  
the wheels.  
- F: green ring  
There is  
a
risk of false  
information which could have  
serious consequences.  
2.12  
TYRE PRESSURE MONITOR (continued)  
A
A
B
NPꢀK  
Replacing wheels/rims, etc.  
Display  
This system requires special  
The display A and the warning  
lights on the instrument panel B  
inform you of possible faults  
(deflated tyre, punctured tyre,  
system out of service, etc):  
• on the display A through the  
following warning lights:  
• on the instrument panel  
B
equipment (wheels, hubcaps, etc.).  
through the following warning  
lights:  
Consult your Renault Dealer to find  
out  
which  
accessories  
are  
,
and  
compatible with the system and  
which are available from Renault  
accessory outlets; use of any other  
The following pages show the  
breakdown of the illumination of  
various warning lights.  
accessories  
may  
impair  
the  
and  
operation of the system.  
2.13  
TYRE PRESSURE MONITOR (continued)  
Examples of illumination of warning lights on the instrument panel and display  
flashing +  
lit up +  
faulty wheel(s) flashing  
Meaning: the flashing wheel is slight flat or over-inflated, check the tyre pressures.  
flashing +  
lit up +  
faulty wheel(s) flashing  
Meaning: the flashing wheel is very flat, stop as soon as possible and check the tyre pressures.  
flashing +  
lit up +  
lit up +  
faulty wheel(s) flashing  
Meaning: puncture, replace the wheel concerned or call your Renault Dealer.  
lit up +  
no faulty wheel(s) lit up  
Meaning: system fault (if, for example, the emergency spare wheel is fitted or winter tyres are fitted). It is activated a  
certain time after installation.  
lit up  
Meaning: driving speed is not suited to the tyre pressures. Slow down or inflate the tyres to the full load pressure (see  
the “tyre pressures” table).  
2.14  
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)  
When braking sharply, the two  
essential aims are to reduce the  
stopping distance and keep your  
vehicle under control. However,  
there is a risk that road holding and  
directional control may be lost and  
the wheels may lock when braking,  
depending on the nature of the  
ground, weather conditions and  
your reactions. The anti-lock  
braking system (ABS) has been  
designed to combat this danger.  
Also, this system allows you to  
When the system has been  
activated, you will feel a certain  
degree of pulsation at the brake  
pedal. These tangible signs will  
warn you that the adhesion between  
the tyres and the ground has  
reached its limit and enable you to  
adapt your driving style to suit the  
road conditions.  
optimise stopping distances when  
the adhesion of one or more wheels  
becomes hazardous (wet roads,  
slippery or varying road surfaces).  
Although this system allows you to  
make maximum use of stopping  
distances, even with the ABS you  
still have to take account of the  
actual condition of the road surface.  
It is still essential to follow the rules  
of good driving practice (such as  
driving at a safe distance to the  
vehicle in front). The fact that the  
vehicle’s safety has been increased  
should not encourage you to take  
risks.  
The safety enhancement is that the  
brake control system prevents the  
wheels from locking, even if the  
brakes are applied too sharply, and  
allows the vehicle to be steered and  
thus its direction to be controlled.  
Under these circumstances it is  
quite possible for the driver to steer  
the vehicle and to avoid an obstacle  
whilst at the same time applying the  
brakes.  
2.15  
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) (continued)  
If the ABS system is faulty, two  
possible situations may occur:  
1 - The orange  
warning light  
illuminated on the instrument  
panel.  
The braking system then  
operates in the same way as a  
vehicle not equipped with an  
ABS system. Contact your  
Renault Dealer as a matter of  
urgency.  
2 - The orange  
warning light and the  
red brake circuit fault  
warning light  
illuminated  
on the fault panel.  
This indicates that both the  
braking system and the ABS  
system are faulty. Your vehicle  
brakes may still partially  
operate.  
However,  
it  
is  
dangerous to brake suddenly  
and it is essential to stop  
immediately, as soon as traffic  
conditions allow. Contact your  
Renault Dealer as a matter of  
urgency.  
The  
braking  
modulation  
provided by the anti-lock  
braking system is independent of  
the effort applied to the brake  
pedal. In an emergency, apply  
continuous pressure to the brake  
pedal - there is no need to pump  
it repeatedly.  
2.16  
EMERGENCY BRAKING ASSISTANCE  
This is a system in addition to ABS  
which helps reduce the vehicle  
stopping distances.  
Operating principle  
The system detects an emergency  
braking situation by means of a  
sensor which measures the speed  
with which the brake pedal is  
depressed. In this case, braking  
assistance instantly reaches its  
maximum power and allows ABS  
regulation to be reached as quickly  
as possible.  
This  
additional aid in the event  
of critical driving  
function  
is  
an  
conditions to allow the  
behaviour of the vehicle to be  
adapted to the driving conditions.  
ABS braking is maintained as long  
as the brake pedal is not released.  
However, the function does not  
take the place of the driver. It does  
not increase the vehicle's limits  
and should not encourage you to  
drive more quickly.  
Illumination of the hazard  
warning lights  
These may illuminate in the event  
of rapid deceleration.  
It  
can,  
thus,  
under  
replace  
no  
the  
circumstances  
vigilance or responsibility of the  
driver when manoeuvring the  
vehicle (the driver must always be  
aware of sudden incidents which  
may occur when driving).  
2.17  
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAMME: ESP  
This system helps you to keep  
control of the vehicle in "critical"  
driving conditions (avoiding an  
obstacle, loss of grip in a bend...).  
When the function is in operation,  
indicator light 1 flashes.  
1
This function is an  
additional aid in the  
event of critical driving  
conditions to allow the  
behaviour of the vehicle to be  
adapted  
conditions.  
to  
the  
driving  
Operating principle  
A sensor in the steering wheel  
detects the path selected by the  
driver.  
However, the function does not  
take the place of the driver. It  
does not increase the vehicle's  
limits and should not encourage  
you to drive more quickly.  
Other sensors throughout the  
vehicle measure the actual path.  
It  
can  
thus,  
under  
replace  
no  
the  
circumstances  
The system compares the path  
selected by the driver and the actual  
vehicle path and corrects this as  
necessary by applying the brakes  
selectively and/or acting on the  
engine power.  
vigilance or responsibility of the  
driver when manoeuvring the  
vehicle (the driver must always  
be aware of sudden incidents  
which may occur when driving).  
2.18  
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAMME: ESP (continued)  
1
3
2
Disabling the function  
Operating incidents  
The function is deactivated by  
pressing switch 2, warning light 1  
will illuminate to confirm this.  
As the ESP offers additional safety,  
it is recommended that you do not  
drive when the function is disabled.  
Correct this as soon as possible by  
pressing switch 2 again.  
When the system detects an  
operating fault, warning lights 1 and  
3 illuminate.  
This action also deactivates the  
traction control mechanism: refer to  
the information on the traction  
control system in section 2.  
Consult your Renault Dealer.  
NB:  
ESP  
is  
automatically  
reactivated when the ignition is  
switched on.  
2.19  
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM  
This system helps to limit skidding  
on drive wheels and to control the  
vehicle when pulling away or  
accelerating.  
The system also adjusts the engine  
speed to the grip available under the  
wheels, independently of the force  
applied to the accelerator pedal.  
1
When the function is in operation,  
warning light 1 flashes.  
This function is an  
additional aid in the  
event of critical driving  
conditions to allow the  
behaviour of the vehicle to be  
adapted  
conditions.  
to  
the  
driving  
Operating principle  
However, the function does not  
take the place of the driver. It  
does not increase the vehicle's  
limits and should not encourage  
you to drive more quickly.  
The system uses sensors in the  
wheels to constantly measure and  
compare the speed of the drive  
wheels and prevents them spinning.  
It  
can  
thus,  
under  
no  
If a wheel is tending to skid, the  
system brakes automatically until  
the drive delivered becomes  
compatible with the level of grip.  
circumstances  
replace  
the  
vigilance or responsibility of the  
driver when manoeuvring the  
vehicle (the driver must always  
be aware of sudden incidents  
which may occur when driving).  
2.20  
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (continued)  
1
3
2
Disabling the function  
Faults  
In some situations (driving on very  
wet ground: snow, mud,... or  
driving with chained wheels), the  
system may reduce the engine  
power to limit skidding. It is  
possible to deactivate the function  
by pressing switch 2 if this is not  
desirable.  
Disabling the traction control  
function also deactivates the ESP  
function: see the information on  
ESP (electronic stability program) in  
section 2.  
When the system detects an  
operating fault, warning lights 1 and  
3 light up.  
Consult your Renault Dealer.  
Correct this as soon as possible by  
pressing switch 2 again.  
Warning light 1 lights up.  
Note:  
traction  
control  
is  
automatically reactivated when the  
ignition is switched on.  
2.21  
PROACTIVE AUTOMATIC GEARBOX  
For safety reasons, certain positions  
may not be selected until the  
mechanism is unlocked: press  
button A.  
1
A
B
F
Only engage D or R when the  
vehicle is stationary, with your foot  
on the brake and the accelerator  
pedal released.  
G
Driving  
With the gear lever in position P or  
N, switch on the ignition.  
I
With your foot on the brake pedal,  
move the lever from position P or N.  
Selector lever  
The position of selector lever 1 is  
indicated on the display F on the  
instrument panel.  
P : Park  
R : Reverse  
N : Neutral  
Position D3 or 3rd gear hold  
(Gears authorised: 1, 2, 3).  
With the selector lever in position  
D, press button B. A indicator light I  
will illuminate on the instrument  
For safety reasons, to move out of P  
position it is essential to apply the  
footbrake before pressing the  
unlocking button A.  
panel. Press button  
B
again to  
deselect  
this  
position. (The  
indicator light will extinguish.)  
D : Drive in automatic  
(Gears authorised: 1, 2, 3 and 4)  
Note: When the indicator light is  
illuminated, the system will  
prevent 4th gear being selected.  
2 : 2nd gear hold (gears authorised:  
1, 2)  
1 : 1st gear hold  
2.22  
PROACTIVE AUTOMATIC GEARBOX (continued)  
Moving off forwards  
• In hilly or mountainous country:  
If you cannot remain in 4th gear  
because of the road surface and  
the number of bends, we would  
advise you to move the selector to  
the D3 position (by pressing  
button B when the selector lever  
is in D position) or even 2 (2nd  
gear hold), which will prevent  
gear changing to speeds higher  
than the one selected. Likewise, if  
position 1 is selected, the vehicle  
will remain in 1st gear and good  
engine braking is retained.  
Select position D. In the majority of  
traffic conditions, you will not have  
to touch your gear selector lever  
again: gear changing will take place  
automatically at the right time and  
at the most suitable engine speed  
because the automatic system takes  
into account the vehicle load and  
road contour and adjusts itself to  
the particular driving style you have  
chosen.  
B
C
Accelerating and overtaking  
If you are travelling downhill for a  
long way, we would advise you to  
place the lever in D3 or 2 hold  
(even 1 hold) to obtain the most  
efficient engine braking and to  
relieve the brakes.  
Fully depress the accelerator pedal  
(or even take your foot off the  
accelerator and press it again as far  
as it will go).  
Special circumstances  
• Snow position: If you are starting  
off on ground where you are  
likely to skid (snow, mud, etc.),  
press switch C. indicator light G  
on the instrument panel will  
illuminate.  
The speed of depressing the pedal  
will activate the “kickdown”  
• In cold weather, start the engine  
and wait a few seconds before  
moving the selector lever from  
position P or N and engaging it in  
D or R to prevent the engine  
stalling.  
switch  
to  
obtain  
maximum  
performance.  
When you have started moving,  
deselect this position by pressing  
switch C again. The indicator  
light will extinguish.  
2.23  
PROACTIVE AUTOMATIC GEARBOX (continued)  
Stopping the vehicle  
Operating incidents  
A
When the vehicle is stationary,  
keeping your foot on the brake  
pedal, move the lever to position P  
(park): the gearbox is in neutral and  
the drive wheels are mechanically  
locked by the transmission.  
• If the lever becomes jammed in P  
position, even though you are  
pressing down the brake pedal,  
the lever can be released  
manually.  
J
To do this, unclip cover J.  
Press on both the raised part K  
and the unlocking button A at the  
same time to move the lever from  
position P.  
Apply the handbrake.  
K
If this indicator light  
illuminates when driving,  
it indicates a fault.  
Consult your Renault Dealer as  
soon as possible.  
How to drive as economically as  
possible  
Leave the selector in position D  
(drive) on the open road. Press the  
accelerator pedal lightly to ensure  
gear changes at comparatively low  
engine speeds.  
If a vehicle with an automatic  
gearbox breaks down, see the  
information on towing in section  
5 for further instructions.  
Do not use positions D3, 2, 1 or the  
winter position for normal driving  
conditions.  
2.24  

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