Car fault diagnostics (Renault Megane 1)

This Section offers the simplest scheme for identifying the causes of malfunctions and failures occurring in vehicle units and systems. Failures and their possible causes are divided into groups according to their relationship to specific components or systems of the vehicle, such as the engine, cooling system, etc., and the text also provides references to Chapters and Sections related to these issues.

Remember that successfully completing a troubleshooting is not some black magic reserved for experienced professional mechanics, but a combination of knowledge and a patient, systematic approach to investigating the problem. Always move from the simple to the complex, take each check to its logical conclusion, and try not to miss the obvious - anyone can forget to fill the fuel tank or leave the lights on overnight.

Finally, you should always try to get a clear picture of the progression of the fault and take appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence. If the electrical equipment failure occurred due to a poor contact, check the condition of all other contacts and electrical connectors in the system at the same time. If the same fuse continues to blow several times in a row, there is no point in replacing it further - you should try to find out the cause of the failure. Remember that the failure of a minor component may be a sign of a malfunction of a more important unit or the entire system.

1. Engine

The engine does not turn over when trying to start

• The battery terminal connections are loose or oxidized (Schedule of current maintenance).
• The battery is discharged or faulty (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Broken, loose or disconnected wiring in the starter circuit (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• The starter solenoid or switch is faulty (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• The starter is faulty (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Broken teeth of the starter gear or flywheel toothed fan (Chapters Engine repair, And Engine electrical equipment).
• Broken or disconnected engine ground cable (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).

The engine turns over but does not start

• Empty fuel tank.
• The battery is discharged (the engine is turning slowly) (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Loose or corroded battery terminal connections (Chapter Maintenance).
• Ignition components bypassed or damaged - gasoline models (Chapters Maintenance and Engine electrical equipment).
• Broken, loose, or disconnected wiring in the ignition circuit - gasoline models (Chapters Maintenance and Engine electrical equipment).
• Spark plugs are worn, defective or the gap is incorrectly adjusted - models with a gasoline engine (Chapter Maintenance).
• Pre-glow system faulty - diesel models (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Fuel injection system faulty - petrol engine models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Fuel shut-off valve faulty - diesel models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Air in the Fuel System - Diesel Models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Serious mechanical failure (for example, camshaft drive) (Chapter Engine repair).

A cold engine is difficult to start

• Battery is dead (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Loose or corroded battery terminal connections (Chapter Maintenance).
• Spark plugs are worn out, defective or the interelectrode gap is incorrectly adjusted - models with a gasoline engine (Chapter Maintenance).
• Pre-glow system faulty - diesel models (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Fuel injection system faulty - petrol models (Chapters Maintenance and Engine electrical equipment).
• Fast idle valve incorrectly adjusted - diesel models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Low compression in engine cylinders (Chapter Engine repair).

Warm engine is difficult to start

• The air filter element is dirty or blocked (Chapter Maintenance).
• Fuel injection system malfunction - petrol engine models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Low compression in engine cylinders (Chapter Engine repair).

The starter is noisy or has a rough engagement with the flywheel ring gear

• The starter pinion or flywheel ring gear teeth are broken (Chapters Engine repair and Engine electrical equipment).
• Starter mounting bolts are loose or missing (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• The internal components of the starter are worn or damaged (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).

The engine starts but immediately stalls

• Weak or defective electrical circuits of the ignition system - models with a gasoline engine (Chapters Maintenance and Engine electrical equipment).
• Vacuum leak in throttle body or intake manifold - gasoline models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Clogged injector/malfunction in the fuel injection system - models with a petrol engine (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).

Unstable operation in idle mode

• The air filter element of the air filter is blocked (Chapter Maintenance).
• Vacuum leak in the throttle body, intake manifold, or associated hoses - gasoline models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems)
• Spark plugs are worn, defective or the gap is incorrectly adjusted - models with a gasoline engine (Chapter Maintenance).
• Uneven or low compression in engine cylinders (Chapter Engine repair).
• The camshaft lobes are worn out (Chapter Engine repair).
• The toothed drive belt is not tensioned correctly (Chapter Engine repair).
• Clogged injector/malfunction in the fuel injection system - models with a petrol engine (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Injector faulty - diesel models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).

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Misfires at idle

• Spark plugs are worn, defective or the gap is incorrectly adjusted - models with a gasoline engine (Chapter Maintenance).
• Spark plug high voltage wiring faulty - petrol models (Chapter Maintenance).
• Vacuum leak in the throttle body, intake manifold, or associated hoses - gasoline models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Clogged injector/malfunction in the fuel injection system - models with a petrol engine (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Injector faulty - diesel models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Distributor cap cracked or burned from the inside - petrol models (where it is applied) (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Uneven or low compression in engine cylinders (Chapter Engine repair).
• Crankcase ventilation hoses are disconnected or damaged (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).

Misfires in all operating modes

• Fuel filter element clogged with dirt (Chapter Maintenance).
• Fuel pump defective or low supply pressure - petrol models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• The drain hole in the fuel tank is blocked, or the cross-section of the fuel lines has decreased (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Vacuum leak in the throttle body, intake manifold, or associated hoses - gasoline models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems)
• Spark plugs are worn, defective or the gap is incorrectly adjusted - models with a gasoline engine (Chapter Maintenance).
• Spark plug high voltage wiring faulty - petrol models (Chapter Maintenance).
• Injector faulty - diesel models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Distributor cap cracked or burned from the inside - petrol models (where it is applied) (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Ignition coil faulty - petrol models (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Uneven or low compression in engine cylinders (Chapter Engine repair).
• Clogged injector/malfunction in the fuel injection system - models with a petrol engine (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).

Engine stalls when accelerator pedal is pressed

• Spark plugs are worn, defective or the gap is incorrectly adjusted - models with a gasoline engine (Chapter Maintenance).
• Vacuum leak in the throttle body, intake manifold, or associated hoses - gasoline models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Clogged injector/malfunction in the fuel injection system - models with a petrol engine (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Injector faulty - diesel models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).

The engine stalls

• Vacuum leak in throttle body, intake manifold, or through-hoses - gasoline models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• The fuel filter is clogged with dirt (Chapter Maintenance).
• Fuel pump defective or low supply pressure - petrol models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• The drain hole in the fuel tank is blocked, or the cross-section of the fuel lines has decreased (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Clogged injector/malfunction in the fuel injection system - models with a petrol engine (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Injector faulty - diesel models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).

The engine does not develop full power

• The timing belt is not installed or tensioned correctly (Chapter Engine repair).
• The fuel filter is clogged with dirt (Chapter Maintenance).
• Fuel pump defective or low supply pressure - petrol models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Uneven or low compression in engine cylinders (Chapter Engine repair).
• Spark plugs are worn, defective or the gap is incorrectly adjusted - models with a gasoline engine (Chapter Maintenance).
• Vacuum leak in the throttle body, intake manifold, or associated hoses - gasoline models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Clogged injector/malfunction in the fuel injection system - models with a petrol engine (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Injector faulty - diesel models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Incorrect injection timing - diesel models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Wheel braking (Chapters Maintenance and Brake system).
• Clutch slippage (Chapter Clutch).

Engine backfires

• The timing belt is not installed or tensioned correctly (Chapter Engine repair).
• Vacuum leak in the throttle body, intake manifold, or associated hoses - gasoline models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• The drain hole in the fuel tank is blocked, or the cross-section of the fuel lines has decreased (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Clogged injector/malfunction in the fuel injection system - models with a petrol engine (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).

The oil pressure warning light comes on when the engine is running

• Low oil level or wrong grade of oil added.
• The oil pressure sensor is faulty (Chapter Engine electrical equipment)
• The crankshaft bearing shell and/or oil pump are worn out (Chapter Engine repair).
• High engine operating temperature (Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• The oil pressure reducing valve is faulty (Chapter Engine repair).
• Clogged oil pump inlet pipe strainer (Chapter Engine repair).

The engine runs after being turned off

• Excessive carbon deposits in the engine (Chapter Engine repair).
• High Engine Operating Temperature Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• Fuel injection system malfunction - petrol engine models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Defective fuel shut-off valve - diesel models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).

Noise in the engine

• Pre-ignition (detonation) or detonation under acceleration or load.
• Incorrect ignition timing/ignition system fault - petrol models (Chapters Maintenance and Engine electrical equipment).
• Spark plugs not suitable for engine type - petrol models (Chapter Maintenance).
• Wrong fuel grade (Chapter Maintenance).
• Vacuum leak in the throttle body, intake manifold, or associated hoses - gasoline models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Excessive carbon deposits in the engine (Chapter Engine repair).
• Clogged injector/malfunction in the fuel injection system - models with a petrol engine (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).

Whistling and hissing noise when the engine is running

• Leaky intake manifold gasket or throttle body - gasoline models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Leaking exhaust manifold gasket or exhaust pipe to manifold connection (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Vacuum Hose Leakage (Chapters Power supply and exhaust systems, Engine electrical equipment and Brake system).
• Damage to the cylinder head gasket (Chapter Engine repair).

Tapping or rattling

• The valve train or camshaft is worn out (Chapter Engine repair).
• Auxiliary components are damaged (water pump, generator, etc.).

Low frequency knocking

• Connecting rod bearings are worn out (a rumbling or knocking noise, possibly increasing under load) (Chapter Engine repair).
• Piston knock (most noticeable when the engine is cold) (Chapter Engine repair).

2. Cooling system

Overheat

• Insufficient amount of coolant in the system (Schedule of current maintenance).
• Thermostat is faulty Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• Blocked radiator channels or grille Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• The electric fan or thermal switch is faulty Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• Inaccurate temperature sensor or indicator on panel Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• Air lock in the cooling system Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• The cap on the expansion tank is faulty Chapter Cooling and heating systems).

Hypothermia

• Thermostat is faulty Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• Inaccurate temperature sensor or indicator on panel Chapter Cooling and heating systems).

Coolant leaking outward

• The hoses are damaged or the clamps that secure them are loose (Chapter Maintenance).
• Leaking radiator or heater pipes Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• Radiator cap damaged Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• Water Pump Seal Destruction Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• Leaky gasket between water pump and cylinder block Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• Boiling due to overheating (Chapter Cooling and heating systems).
• Leakage of the block plug (Chapter Engine repair).

Coolant leaking inside (usually in the oil pan)

• Cylinder head gasket leak (Chapter Engine repair).
• Crack in the cylinder head or block (Chapter Engine repair).

Corrosion

• Infrequent draining and flushing of the system (Chapter Maintenance).
• Poor quality coolant or coolant of the appropriate type (Chapter Maintenance).

3. Fuel and exhaust systems

Excessive fuel consumption

• The air filter element is dirty or clogged (Chapter Maintenance).
• Malfunction in the fuel injection system - models with a petrol engine (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Injector faulty - diesel models (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Incorrect ignition timing/damaged ignition system - petrol models (Chapters Maintenance and Engine electrical equipment).
• Low tire pressure (Schedule of current maintenance).

Fuel leak and/or fuel smell

• Fuel tank, pipes or connections are damaged or corroded (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).

Excessive noise or smoky exhaust

• Leaking through the connections of the exhaust system or manifold (Chapters Maintenance and Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Leaking, corroded or damaged muffler or exhaust pipes (Chapters Maintenance and Power supply and exhaust systems).
• The suspensions are broken, causing the exhaust system to touch the body or suspension (Chapter Maintenance).

4. Clutch

The pedal sinks or is pressed with little resistance

• The cable is very loose or broken (Chapter Clutch).
• Leak or other fault in the brake clutch hydraulic system - where applicable (Chapter Clutch).
• Incorrect adjustment of the clutch pedal stroke (Chapter Clutch).
• The release bearing or lever is broken (Chapter Clutch).
• The diaphragm spring in the clutch pressure plate is broken (Chapter Clutch).

The clutch does not disengage (unable to change gear)

• Incorrect adjustment of the clutch pedal stroke (Chapter Clutch).
• The clutch friction disc is jammed on the gearbox input shaft grooves (Chapter Clutch).
• Clutch friction disc stuck to flywheel or pressure plate (Chapter Clutch).
• The pressure plate unit is faulty (Chapter Clutch).
• Clutch release mechanism is worn or tightly assembled (Chapter Clutch).

Clutch slippage (increasing engine speed without increasing vehicle speed)

• Clutch friction linings are excessively worn (Chapter Clutch).
• Clutch friction linings are contaminated with oil or grease (Chapter Clutch).
• The pressure plate is faulty or the diaphragm spring is weak (Chapter Clutch).

When the clutch is engaged, the car starts to move jerkily

• Clutch friction linings are contaminated with oil or grease (Chapter Clutch).
• Clutch friction linings are excessively worn (Chapter Clutch).
• The pressure plate or diaphragm spring is faulty or deformed (Chapter Clutch).
• Engine or gearbox mounts are worn or loose (Chapter Engine repair).
• The grooves of the clutch friction disc hub or the gearbox input shaft are worn out (Chapter Clutch).

Noise when pressing or releasing the clutch pedal

• The release bearing is worn out (Chapter Clutch).
• Clutch pedal pivot shaft is worn or not lubricated (Chapter Clutch).
• The pressure plate unit is faulty (Chapter Clutch).
• The pressure plate diaphragm is broken (Chapter Clutch).
• The damper springs of the clutch friction disc are broken (Chapter Clutch).

5. Manual gearbox

Noise in neutral with engine running

• Input shaft bearings are worn out (the noise only occurs when releasing the clutch pedal, but not when pressing it) (Chapter Transmission)*.
• The release bearing is worn out (the noise only occurs when the clutch pedal is pressed, possibly decreasing when the pedal is released) (Chapter Clutch).

Noise in one particular gear

• Gear teeth are worn, damaged or chipped (Chapter Transmission).*

Difficulty shifting gears

• Clutch faulty (Chapter Clutch).
• The gear shift rod is worn or damaged (Chapter Transmission).
• The synchronizer units are worn out (Chapter Transmission)*.

Jumping out of gear

• The gear shift rod is worn or damaged (Chapter Transmission).
• The synchronizer units are worn out (Chapter Transmission)*.
• The gear shift forks are worn out (Chapter Transmission)*.

Vibration

• Lack of Oil (Chapter Maintenance).
• Bearings are worn out (Chapter Transmission)*.

Lubricant leaks

• Leaky seal (Chapter Transmission).
• Leakage in the joints of the housing (Chapter Transmission)*.

* It is not possible to troubleshoot these problems on your own, but the information provided above will help you identify the cause of the problem.

6. Automatic transmission

Note: Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission, diagnostics and repair of this unit should be entrusted to a specialist. For faults other than those described below, the car should be sent to a service station or to a specialist in automatic transmission repair. Do not rush to remove the transmission until you determine the cause of the fault, since most tests are performed on the unit installed in the car.

Leakage

Transmission fluid is usually dark in color. When leaking, this fluid cannot be confused with engine oil, which can easily be carried by air flow into the transmission.

To locate the source of the leak, first clean the transmission case and surrounding surfaces of dirt and grime using chemical cleaners or steam. Run the engine and transmission (when driving at low speed), then the air flow will be weak and the oil will be scattered near the source of the leak. From underneath the car, determine the location of the leak. The most common leaks are in the following places:

• a) Oil sump (Chapter Maintenance and Transmission).
• b) Oil level dipstick tube (Chapter Maintenance and Transmission.
• c) Transmission Cooling System Fasteners/Pipes (Chapter Transmission).

Transmission fluid is brown or smells burnt

• Low transmission fluid level or fluid needs to be replaced (Chapter Maintenance and Transmission).

Common Gear Selection Problems

IN Chapter 8 describes how to check and adjust the shift cable on automatic transmissions. Below are some common problems that can occur due to improper cable adjustment:

• a) The engine starts in gears other than "N" (neutral) or "P" (park).
• b) The indicator on the gear selector lever indicates a gear other than the one actually engaged.
• c) The car is moving in "neutral" or "park".
• d) Difficulty shifting gears or errors when changing gears.

Contact Chapter 8 for the shift cable adjustment procedure.

The transmission does not engage a lower gear (Kickdown mode) when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed

• Low Transmission Fluid Level (Chapter Maintenance and Transmission).
• Incorrect adjustment of the shift cable (Chapter Transmission).
• The engine does not start in any gear or starts in a gear other than "neutral" or "parking"
• The starter interlock switch is not adjusted correctly (Chapter Transmission).
• Incorrect adjustment of the shift cable (Chapter Transmission).

The transmission slips, shifts gears late, makes noise, or does not move the vehicle in forward or reverse gears

There are many possible causes for the above problems, but you should limit yourself to adjusting the fluid level yourself. Before handing over the car to a service station or transmission repair specialist, check the fluid level and its condition as described in Chapter Maintenance, or Transmission. Bring the fluid level back to normal or replace it and its filter. If the problem persists, professional help is needed.

7. Drive shafts

Clicking or detonation when cornering (at slow speed)

• Lack of lubrication of the CV joint, possibly due to damage to the protective cover (Chapter Drive shafts).
• The outer CV joint is worn out (Chapter Drive shafts).

Vibration when accelerating or braking (engine)

• The inner CV joint is worn out (Chapter Drive shafts).
• The drive shaft is bent or deformed (Chapter Drive shafts).
• Worn right drive shaft intermediate bearing - where used (Chapter Drive shafts).

8. Brake system

Note: Before looking for a fault in the brake system, make sure that the tyres are in good condition and correctly inflated, that the front wheel alignment is correct and that the load in the vehicle is distributed correctly. In case of any faults in the anti-lock brake system, it is permissible to check the condition of all pipe and hose joints, in other cases you should contact a Renault service station for diagnostics.

The car pulls to the side when braking

• The front and/or rear brake pads on the corresponding side are worn or dirty (Chapters Maintenance and Brake system).
• Brake pads with different lining materials are installed on different sides (Chapter Brake system).
• The brake caliper or rear brake backing plate mounting bolts are loose (Chapter Brake system).
• Steering or suspension components are worn or damaged (Chapter Suspension and steering).

Noise (or squealing) when braking

• The brake lining friction material is worn down to the metal base (Chapters Maintenance and Brake system).
• Brake disc corrosion - may appear after a long period of parking of the car (Chapters Maintenance and Brake system).

Excessive brake pedal travel

• Rear drum brake self-adjusting adjuster is faulty (Chapter Brake system).
• The master cylinder is faulty (Chapter Brake system).
• Air in the brake system (Chapter Brake system).
• The vacuum booster unit is faulty (Chapter Brake system).
• Vacuum pump faulty - diesel models (Chapter Brake system).

The brake pedal springs when pressed

• Air in the brake hydraulic system (Chapter Brake system).
• Damaged rubber brake hoses (Chapters Maintenance and Brake system).
• The master cylinder fasteners are loose (Chapter Brake system).
• The master cylinder is faulty (Chapter Brake system).

Excessive force on the brake pedal is required to stop the car

• The vacuum booster unit is faulty (Chapter Brake system).
• The brake booster vacuum hose is disconnected, damaged, or leaking (Chapters Maintenance and Brake system).
• Vacuum pump faulty - diesel models (Chapter Brake system).
• One of the circuits of the brake hydraulic system is damaged (Chapter Brake system).
• The brake caliper piston or the working brake cylinder is jammed (Chapter Brake system).
• Incorrect brake pads installed (Chapter Brake system).
• Brake pads are oily (Chapter Brake system).

When braking, intense vibration is felt in the brake pedal or steering wheel

• Severe wear or deformation of the brake disc (Chapter Brake system).
• Brake shoe linings are worn out (Chapters Maintenance and Brake system).
• The brake caliper or rear brake shield mounting bolts are loose.
• Suspension or steering components or their mountings are worn (Chapter Suspension and steering).

The pedal pulsates when braking sharply

• Normal feature of the ABS system - no malfunction.

Wheel braking

• The brake caliper piston or the piston of the working brake cylinder is jammed (Chapter Brake system).
• The handbrake mechanism or linkage is incorrectly adjusted (Chapter Brake system).
• The master cylinder is faulty (Chapter Brake system).

Rear wheel lockup during normal braking

• The brake caliper piston or the piston of the working brake cylinder is jammed (Chapter Brake system).
• The brake pressure regulator is faulty (Chapter Brake system).

9. Steering and suspension

Note: Before troubleshooting the suspension or steering, check that the "trouble" is not caused by uneven tire pressure, different sized tires, or brake failure.

The car pulls to the side

• Uneven tire wear (Chapter Maintenance).
• Excessive wear of suspension or steering components (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Front wheel alignment is incorrectly adjusted (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Damage to suspension or steering components (Chapter Suspension and steering).

Wheel beating and vibration

• Front wheel imbalance (vibration is felt on the steering wheel) (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Rear wheel imbalance (vibration is felt on the body) (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Wheel rims are deformed or damaged (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Tire Damaged (Chapter Schedule of current maintenance).
• Worn suspension or steering components, bushings or joints (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Wheel mounting bolts are loose (Chapter Suspension and steering).

Excessive sway and/or stiffness when cornering or braking

• Shock absorbers are faulty (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• The coil spring and/or suspension component is damaged or worn out (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• The anti-roll bar or its mountings are worn or damaged (Chapter Suspension and steering).

Wandering or impossibility of rectilinear motion

• The front wheel alignment is incorrectly adjusted (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Worn suspension or steering components, bushings or joints (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Wheel imbalance (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• The tire is damaged (Schedule of current maintenance).
• Wheel mounting bolts are loose (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Shock absorbers are faulty (Chapter Suspension and steering).

Difficulty turning the steering wheel

• Lack of lubrication in the steering gear (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Seizure of the ball joint of the tie rod end or the ball joint of the suspension (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• The auxiliary drive belt is damaged or improperly adjusted (Chapter Maintenance).
• Front wheel alignment is incorrectly adjusted (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• The steering rack or steering column is bent or damaged (Chapter Suspension and steering).

Excessive play in steering

• The universal joint of the steering column is worn out (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• The ball joints of the steering gear tie rod end are worn out (Chapters Maintenance and Suspension and steering).
• The rack and pinion mechanism is worn out (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Worn suspension or steering components, bushings or joints (Chapters Maintenance and Suspension and steering).

Lack of amplifier power

• The auxiliary drive belt is damaged or improperly adjusted (Chapter Maintenance).
• Incorrect power steering fluid level (Schedule of current maintenance).
• The power steering hydraulic system hoses are pinched (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• The power steering pump is faulty (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• The rack and pinion steering mechanism is faulty (Chapter Suspension and steering).

Excessive tire wear

• Tires are worn on the inside or outside edges
• Low tire pressure (wear on both tires) (Chapter Schedule of current maintenance).
• Incorrect front wheel alignment or caster angle(wear on one edge only) (Chapter Suspension and steering).
• Worn suspension or steering components, bushings or joints (Chapters Maintenance and Suspension and steering).
• Excessively sharp movement on a turn.

The tire treads have worn edges

• Incorrect setting of the camber/toe angle (Chapter Suspension and steering).

The tires are worn in the center of the tread

• Tires are overinflated (Chapter Schedule of current maintenance).

The tires are worn unevenly

• The tires are out of balance (Schedule of current maintenance).
• Severe wear of the wheel rim or bearings (Chapter Maintenance).
• Shock absorbers are worn out (Chapters Maintenance and Suspension and steering).
• Defective tire (Chapter Schedule of current maintenance).

10. Electrical equipment system

Note: For problems related to the starting system, see the faults listed earlier for the engine.

The battery does not hold a charge (just a few days)

• Internal Battery Damage (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Low battery electrolyte level (Chapter Schedule of current maintenance).
• Loose or corroded battery terminal connections (Chapter Schedule of current maintenance).
• Auxiliary drive belt is worn or improperly adjusted (Chapter Maintenance).
• The generator is OK, but the charging circuit is faulty (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Generator or voltage regulator is faulty (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• An internal short circuit causes the battery electrolyte to constantly boil away (Chapters Engine electrical equipment and On-board electrical equipment).

Ignition/charge indicator light comes on when engine is running

• The auxiliary drive belt is damaged, worn, or improperly adjusted (Chapter Maintenance).
• The generator brushes are worn, oily or jammed in the guides (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• The generator brush springs are worn or damaged (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Internal damage to the generator or voltage regulator windings (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
• Charging circuit wiring is broken, disconnected or loose (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).

Ignition/Charge Indicator Light Does Not Come On

• The control lamp has burned out (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• Broken, disconnected or loose wiring in the indicator lamp circuit (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The generator is faulty (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).

The lamp of the external or internal lighting system does not light

• The lamp has burned out (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The contacts of the lamp or holder are oxidized (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The fuse has blown (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The relay is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• Broken, disconnected or loose electrical wiring (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The switch is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

Inaccurate or erroneous readings from the measuring device

The instrument readings increase with increasing engine speed

• The voltage stabilizer is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

Fuel gauge or temperature gauge does not show any readings

• The pointer sensor is faulty (Chapters Cooling and heating systems and Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Electrical Circuit Break (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The device is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

Fuel gauges or temperature gauges constantly show maximum readings

• The pointer sensor is faulty (Chapters Cooling and heating systems and Power supply and exhaust systems).
• Short circuit in the electrical wiring circuit (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The sound signal is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

The sound signal is intermittent or not loud enough

• Loose electrical connections (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The horn mount is loose (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The sound signal is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

Windscreen wipers do not work or work poorly

Windscreen wipers do not work or work very slowly

• Strong pressure of the windshield wiper blades on the glass or increased friction in the plain bearings in the drive units (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The fuse has blown (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• Damaged contacts or wiring (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The relay is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The windshield wiper motor is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

The sweep of the wiper blades across the glass is too large or too small

• The wiper arms are not positioned correctly on the axles (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• Excessive wear of the wiper linkage (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The windshield wiper drive or motor is loose or not securely fastened (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

Windscreen wiper blades do not clean the glass surface well

• The rubber parts of the brushes are worn or damaged (Schedule of current maintenance).
• The windshield wiper arm springs are faulty or the clamping force is insufficient (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The concentration of detergent in the windshield washer is too low to remove dirt (Schedule of current maintenance).

The washers do not work or work poorly

One or more washer nozzles are not working

• Clogged washer nozzle (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The hose is disconnected, kinked or pinched (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• Not enough fluid in the washer reservoir (Schedule of current maintenance).

The washer pump is not working

• Broken or disconnected wiring or connections (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The fuse has blown (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The washer switch is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The washer pump is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

The fluid is supplied from the washer nozzles with a delay

• The non-return valve in the fluid supply hose is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

Electric windows do not work or work poorly

The window glass moves in one direction only

• The switch is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

The glass moves slowly

• The drive is jammed or there is not enough lubrication (Chapter Body).
• Interior door components or trim interfere with the drive (Chapter Body).
• The motor is faulty (Chapter Body).

The glass does not move

• The fuse has blown (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The relay is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• Broken or disconnected wiring or connections (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The motor is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

The single lock system does not work or works poorly

Complete system failure

• The fuse has blown (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The relay is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• Broken or disconnected wiring or connections (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

The lock locks but does not open or opens but does not lock

• The switch is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The drive levers or rods are broken or disconnected (Chapter Body).
• The relay is faulty (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).

One electric drive of the lock does not work

• Broken or disconnected wiring or connections (Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
• The motor is faulty (Chapter Body).
• The drive levers or rods are broken or disconnected (Chapter Body).
• Door Lock Fault (Chapter Body).