Technical Note 3175A

Fault finding
Cooling circuit
Vehicles concerned: see list on the following page

Subsections concerned: 19A

Fault finding procedures for various

faults affecting the cooling system and
water pumps

77 11 293 182 Edition 3 - OCTOBER 2005 EDITION ANGLAISE

"The repair procedures given by the Manufacturer in this document are based on the All rights reserved by RENAULT s.a.s.
technical specifications current when it was prepared.
Copying or translating, in part or in full, of this document or use of the service part
The procedures may be modified as a result of changes introduced by the reference numbering system is prohibited without the prior written authority of
manufacturer in the production of the various component units and accessories from RENAULT s.a.s.
which his vehicles are constructed."

© RENAULT s.a.s. 2005

 Vehicle Type
Twingo X06X
Renault 4
Renault 5 X40X
Express F40X
Kangoo XCXX
Kangoo phase II XCXX
Clio I X57X
Clio II XBXX
Clio II phase II XBXX
Clio V6 CB1A
Clio V6 phase II CB1A
Clio Internationale XB1R
Clio III XRXX
Renault 19 X53X
Renault 21 X48X
Modus XPXX
Logan LS0X
Mégane XAXX
Mégane II XMXX
Scénic JAXX
Scénic II JM0X
Laguna X56X
Laguna II XGXX
Laguna II phase II XGXX
Renault 25 X29X
Safrane X54X
Vel Satis XJXX
Vel Satis phase II XJXX
Avantime DE0X
Espace J11X
Espace II J63X
Espace III JE0X
Espace IV JK0X
Espace IV phase II JK0X
Trafic T/PVXX
Trafic II XL0X
Master propulsion XHXX
Master propulsion phase II XHXX
Master FB/FC
Master Q/Rxxx
Master II XDXX
Master II phase II XDXX
Spider EF0H
AIpine D50X
 Contents

Page

19A COOLING
Cooling circuit: operation 19A-1
Cooling circuit: operating diagram 19A-2
Water pump: operation 19A-3
Water pump: operating diagram 19A-4
Precautions for fault finding 19A-5
Cooling system: tools and equipment 19A-6
Cooling system: customer complaints 19A-7
Cooling system: fault finding charts 19A-9
 COOLING 119A
SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Operation 19A
All combustion engines in operation produce energy which is divided up as follows:
– part of this energy is mechanical and drives the engine,
– part is heat energy in the form of exhaust gas which is removed in the form of heated coolant which is partly used
to heat the passenger compartment. But the heat from the coolant must be removed to maintain the correct
operating temperature of the engine.

This is achieved by using a liquid cooling system.

Coolant circulates in (or around) the components to be cooled. This liquid, which has been heated following contact
with the hot engine components, is transferred quickly by a pump into a radiator where it cools down and returns to
the engine.

The cooling circuit, which must be completely sealed for it to operate properly, is principally composed of:
– an engine block and cylinder head,
– a radiator and engine cooling fan,
– temperature sensors (thermostat, temperature switch),
– a coolant pump,
– an expansion bottle,
– hoses,
– a bleed screw (if fitted to the vehicle),
– a heater matrix,
– coolant,
– and various other components depending on the vehicle model.

A centralised coolant temperature management system has been developed following the development of engine
computers. This system uses information provided by a single temperature sensor located on the engine block. This
sensor operates the fan unit either at high or low speed via an injection computer. It also operates the coolant
temperature warning light located on the instrument panel. When dealing with a vehicle displaying a fault, it is
advisable to establish whether the vehicle is fitted with this system or not. This is established by checking whether
the temperature switch is at the bottom of the radiator. If a temperature switch is found, there is no centralised
coolant temperature management system.

The cooling circuit is fitted with a valve which protects the system from overpressure. The colour of this valve
indicates its rating (in bars):

Note:
Reminder of the ratings for the expansion bottle valve:
Expansion bottle valve with:
– a brown spot 1.2 bars
– a blue spot 1.4 bars
– a yellow hand 1.4 bars
– a white hand 1.6 bars
– a grey hand 1.8 bars

19A-1
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Operating diagram 19A
Operating diagram: See MR for the vehicle concerned.

19A-2
 COOLING SYSTEM
Water pump - Operation 19A
Water pump - Description

The water pump's function is to create sufficient flow to dissipate some of the heat generated by combustion,
exhaust gases and friction.
Its operating principle involves the conversion of mechanical energy generated by the engine into hydraulic energy
to circulate the coolant.
The pump operates as a generator. The flow rate depends on the pressure differential created by the pump and the
ease with which water can pass through the cooling system.

General description of a water pump

The operating principle of a centrifugal pump consists of converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.

The conversion takes place in two stages:

● the first consists of the conversion of mechanical energy into kinetic energy by the vanes of the impeller;
● the second step is the conversion of the kinetic energy into pressure energy by the spiral form of the pump body
(shell + impeller).

The mechanical energy required to rotate the impeller is provided by the pulley via the bearing spindle. By reaction,
the vanes of the impeller transfer a certain amount of motion to the fluid. The fluid is then thrown out by the impeller
and collected by an arrangement called a volute. The junction between the volute and the cylinder block water inlet
also affects the pump performance.

The role of the dynamic seal is to provide a seal between the ambient air under the bonnet and the cooling system
during engine operation or when the engine is stopped.

To avoid damage in operation, there is a film of coolant between sealing ring and counterface. The purpose of this
film is to provide lubrication and cooling of these two components. However, a very small amount of liquid can work
its way to the outside of the pump. This liquid is discharged via the lower vent hole and is known as a "cosmetic
leak". This leakage is normal and necessary for correct operation of the dynamic seal.

19A-3
 COOLING SYSTEM
Water pump - Operating diagram 19A

upper vent body

pulley

shaft bearing impeller

lower vent dynamic seal

reservoir static seal

19A-4
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Precautions for fault finding 19A
IMPORTANT
– Be aware of high temperatures when dealing with circuits that have been designed to be under pressure (risk of
severe burns).
– Never remove the expansion bottle valve when the engine is hot.
– When working under the bonnet, be aware that the radiator ventilation fan(s) may operate unexpectedly.
– Do not undo the bleed screw(s) with the engine running.

Preliminary test:

When a vehicle displaying a fault arrives, before carrying out fault finding, check:

– the coolant fluid level in the tank (marked by a line) and colour,

– the condition and tension of the coolant pump drive belt,

– that the engine cooling fan, radiator and radiator grille are not blocked by any object that could disrupt air
movement,

– that there is no signs of coolant leakage in the engine compartment.

19A-5
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Equipment and tooling 19A
Special tooling required

Mot. 1700 Cooling circuit diagnostic and filling

tool

Equipment required

Cylinder head testing tool

19A-6
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Customer complaints 19A
TRACES OF LIQUID

ON THE GROUND ALP 1

IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ALP 1

IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT ALP 2

SMOKE EMISSION

FROM THE EXHAUST (WHITE SMOKE FROM WARM ENGINE) ALP 3

IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ALP 1

IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT ALP 2

TEMPERATURE OR WARNING INDICATOR

TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT:

WARNING LIGHT LIT WHEN DRIVING ALP 4

THE WARNING LIGHT LIGHTS UP INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE ALP 5

VEHICLE IS IN MOTION

WATER TEMPERATURE NEEDLE:

THE NEEDLE MOVES UP INTO THE RED AREA WHEN DRIVING ALP 4

THE NEEDLE INDICATES OVERHEATING JUST AFTER STARTING ALP 5

OFF

THE NEEDLE POSITION FLUCTUATES WHEN DRIVING ALP 5

19A-7
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Customer complaints 19A
OTHERS:

THERE IS A BUBBLING NOISE UNDER THE DASHBOARD ALP 6

FLUID LEVEL IN THE TANK DECREASES ALP 1

Technical
LIQUID IN THE TANK HAS CHANGED COLOUR
Note 2675 A

THERE IS NO HEATING IN THE VEHICLE ALP 7

HEAVY CONDENSATION ON THE WINDSCREEN (INTERIOR) ALP 2

WATER PUMP CHECK ALP 8

19A-8
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
– Traces of liquid on the ground
– Traces of liquid in the engine compartment
ALP 1
– Smoke emission in the engine compartment
– Fluid level in the tank decreases

– Check that it is definitely coolant.

NOTES – Ask the customer if they have topped up the coolant fluid level before contacting the
RENAULT network.

Cold engine.
Check the coolant fluid level in the tank.

Are there any signs of fluid leaks?

yes no

Locate the leak. Repair the leak or replace the Leak-test the reservoir and its cap using tool
defective part. Mot. 1700.

yes

Pressurise the system to its rated pressure with tool

Mot. 1700.
Does the pressure drop?

yes

Are there any signs of fluid leaks?

yes

Locate the leak. Repair the leak or replace the

no no
defective part.

Smoke is most likely to be caused by the release of coolant. This can be the result of:
– a blocked fan unit:
● run the fan unit command on vehicles fitted with centralised coolant temperature management,
● if the vehicle is not fitted with centralised coolant temperature management, short circuit the temperature
switch to force the fan unit to start.
If the fan unit does not start, replace the fan unit motor.
– faulty temperature control. Apply the T2 test procedure.
– a faulty coolant pump. Check that it is operating correctly (ALP 8).

19A-9
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
– Traces of liquid in the passenger compartment
ALP 2 – Smoke emission in the passenger compartment
– Heavy condensation on the windscreen (interior)

– Check that it is definitely coolant.

NOTES – Ask the customer if they have topped up the coolant fluid level before contacting the
RENAULT network.

Check the coolant fluid level in the tank.

Check that the heating in the passenger compartment is not switched on. Run a warm engine at idle speed for
1 minute.
Turn the heating on in the passenger compartment.

Is there an odour in the passenger compartment?

yes no

Replace the heater matrix because it is leaking. Check that the cooling system is not leaking
in the engine compartment using tool
Mot. 1700.
Are there any signs of fluid leaking in the engine
compartment?

yes no

Replace the heater matrix.

Locate the leak.

Repair the leak or replace the defective part.

19A-10
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
ALP 3 – Smoke emission from the exhaust (white smoke, warm engine)

Ask the customer if they have topped up the coolant fluid level before contacting the
NOTES
RENAULT network.

Cold engine.
Check the coolant fluid level in the tank.
Pressurise the system to its rated pressure with tool Mot. 1700.

Does the pressure drop?

yes no

The cooling circuit is not sealed. Look for a leak in the Start the engine.
passenger compartment (ALP 2), or a leak in the Depress the accelerator pedal quickly a few times
engine compartment (ALP 1) or an internal engine until the fan unit has started.
leak (T1 test). The warning light must remain off.
Does the fan unit start and the warning light remain
off?

yes no

Remove the cylinder head There is a temperature control fault.

Check the level of the cylinder head. Test the Apply the T2 test procedure.
cylinder head.

Is the cylinder head sealed?

no yes

Replace the cylinder

head.

The smoke fault may be the result of an internal

engine leak.

19A-11
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
– The warning light remains lit when driving
ALP 4
– The needle moves up into the red area when driving

NOTES Ask the customer about the conditions when the fault appears.

Start the engine when it is cold.

Maintain an idling speed.

What is the temperature of the heater and radiator hoses?

Cold heater matrix input hose, Hot heater matrix input hose,
Cold radiator input hose. Cold radiator input hose.

Check the circuit coolant level. The temperature of the heater input hose and
There is no engine coolant circulation. radiator input hose must increase. If this does not
Check that the coolant pump is operating correctly occur, check that the coolant pump and thermostat
(ALP 8) and check the belt drive. are operating correctly (ALP 8) and check the
coolant fluid level in the reservoir.
Is the temperature warning light on?

yes no

Apply the T2 test procedure. Accelerate to start the fan unit.

If the test is not successful, the fault is not due to the
Has the fan unit started?
actual cooling circuit itself:
– perform fault finding on the centralised coolant
temperature management (depending on
version), yes no
– check the warning light wiring.

Does the warning light come on?

no yes

Depress the accelerator pedal quickly a few times

and check that the warning light does not light up.

19A-12
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
ALP 4
CONTINUED

● For vehicles not fitted with centralised coolant temperature management:

– Disconnect the temperature switch and short circuit it to activate the two fan unit speeds (high and low).
● For vehicles fitted with centralised coolant temperature management:
– Run the command mode of the two speeds (high and low) of the fan unit using the diagnostic tool.
In both cases, the two speeds of the fan unit must be activated.
If this is does not occur:
– check the fan unit wiring if one of the two speeds is not obtained,
– replace the fan unit if it does not operate correctly.

the fan unit operates normally.

● For vehicles not fitted with centralised coolant temperature management:
– replace the temperature switch.
● For vehicles fitted with centralised coolant temperature management:
– check the temperature sensor,
– perform fault finding on the injection computer.

● For vehicles not fitted with centralised coolant temperature management:

– Disconnect the temperature switch and short circuit it to trigger fan unit high-speed operation.
● For vehicles fitted with centralised coolant temperature management:
– Activate the high-speed command mode using a diagnostic tool.
In both cases, the fan unit high-speed operation must be activated.
If this does not occur, check that the radiator, engine cooling fan and radiator grille are not blocked by an object
which could disrupt air movement. Check the fan unit wiring.
If the wiring is correct, carry out a temperature control test.

If the test is successful, the coolant temperature warning light fault is not due to the cooling system.
– Check the instrument panel wiring.
– Perform a centralised coolant temperature management test.

19A-13
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
– The warning light lights up intermittently when the vehicle is in
motion
ALP 5
– The needle indicates overheating just after starting
– The needle position fluctuates when driving

Carry out a preliminary check on the cooling system using tool Mot. 1700.

Is the cooling circuit functioning?

yes no

Replace the parts necessary for the circuit to

The fault is not due to the cooling circuit.
function properly.
Check by:
– running the coolant temperature warning light If the source of the fault is the water pump, follow the
command (depending on version), procedure on ALP 8.
– carrying out fault finding on the instrument panel.

19A-14
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
ALP 6 There is a bubbling noise under the dashboard.

Ask the customer if they have topped up the coolant fluid level before contacting the
NOTES
RENAULT network.

Cold engine.
Check the coolant fluid level.

Is the coolant fluid at maximum level?

no yes

Add some coolant and bleed the circuit using Bleed the coolant circuit using Mot. 1700.
Mot. 1700.

Start the engine and depress the accelerator pedal quickly

a few times.
Is there still a bubbling noise?

yes

What has happened to the coolant fluid level?

It has risen It has not moved It has dropped

For vehicles fitted with a hot tank, fit a ∅ 3 nozzle in the radiator tank output hose towards the expansion bottle
(secure it near the output unit with a clip). If the fault is still present or for vehicles fitted with a cold tank, check the
thermostat and replace the parts necessary for it to operate properly.

19A-15
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
ALP 6
CONTINUED 1

Are there any signs of fluid leaks?

yes no

Locate the leak. Leak-test the reservoir and its cap using tool
Repair the leak or replace the defective part. Mot. 1700.

no

Pressurise the circuit using Mot. 1700

(to the valve rating).
Does the pressure drop?

yes no

Are there any signs of fluid leaks?

no yes Replace the defective part.

Are there any signs of water in the engine oil or in the

automatic transmission oil?

yes no

19A-16
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
ALP 6
CONTINUED 2

Is white smoke being emitted from the exhaust?

no yes

Is there a leak in the heater matrix? Apply the T1 test procedure.

Was the test OK?
no yes

no yes
Replace the heater
matrix.
The cylinder head gasket is no
longer tight.
Is there a leak where the hoses connect? Replace the cylinder head
gasket.
Check the level of the cylinder
no yes head.
Test the cylinder head.
Replace the hose.
The likely cause of the air intake may be:
– A loose bleed screw.
The air intake fault can be the result of an internal
– Check all of the bleed screws.
engine leak.

19A-17
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
ALP 7 There is no heating in the vehicle

Ask the customer if they have topped up the coolant fluid level before contacting the
NOTES
RENAULT network. Check the operation of the fan unit heating and air flow circuit.

Check the coolant fluid level in the tank.

Start the engine.

Is the coolant pump driven correctly by the engine?

yes no

Cold engine. Maintain an idling speed. Check the condition of the belt and replace it if
necessary.
The heater matrix input hose must be hot and Check that the belt has the correct tension.
the radiator input hose must be cold. Is this
correct?

yes no

Clean the cooling circuit and

replace the coolant using
Mot. 1700.

The two hoses are hot: replace the thermostat.

The two hoses are cold: replace the coolant
pump.

19A-18
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
ALP 8 Water pump check

● Never start the engine without the timing cover.

NOTES
● Always disconnect tool Mot. 1700 before removing any cooling system component.

● When the engine is cold, top up the coolant in the expansion bottle to the maximum level.
● Carry out fault finding on the cooling system using tool Mot. 1700 (see Technical Note 3857A, page 19A-5).

Wait 3 minutes. Does the pressure in the cooling system drop?

no yes

Carry out a visual inspection of the cylinder block below the water pump.
Are there signs of leakage, drips, seepage or beads of moisture?

no yes

The fault is not caused by the water If the water pump is driven by the timing belt,
pump. Locate the leak (ALP 1). remove the timing cover.
Repair the leak or replace the
Is the leak coming from the seal between the
defective part.
water pump and the cylinder block?

no yes

The leak is coming

Change the seal and
from the water
repeat the test from
pump. Change the
the beginning.
water pump.

19A-19
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
ALP 8
CONTINUED

● Disconnect tool Mot. 1700 and refit the cap on the expansion bottle.
● Start the engine and hold the engine speed at 2500 rpm.
● Accelerate several times with no load, every 2 or 3 minutes, until the fan switches on.
● Switch off the ignition.
– If the water pump is driven by the timing belt, wait 15 minutes before removing the timing cover.
● Carry out a visual inspection of the water pump.

Is there leakage from the water pump, drips, seepage or beads of moisture?

no yes

It is normal to find a build-up of crystalline material at Change the water pump.

the dynamic seal of the water pump.

Is there an abnormal amount* of play in the water

pump pulley when you try to move it?

no yes

The fault is not caused by the Change the

water pump. Locate the leak water pump.
(ALP 1). Repair the leak or
replace the defective part.

* The repairer will be allowed to make his own judgement on this point

19A-20
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
TEST 1 Test to detect CO2 in the cooling circuit

NOTES Engine stopped for at least 5 hours.

Examine the radiator input hose.

Is the hose hard?

yes no

This is an indication that CO2 may be present. Take a sample of coolant and test it with a CO 2
Replace the hose. liquid reagent.

Does the reagent change colour?

no yes

The test for the presence of

CO 2 is negative. There is no
internal engine leak.

The test for the presence of CO 2 is positive.

Exhaust gas is leaking into the cooling circuit.

19A-21
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
TEST 2 Temperature control test

Cold engine. Start the engine.

Idling speed for 5 minutes, with short bursts of acceleration.

What is the temperature of the heater hoses and radiator hoses?

Cold heater matrix input hose, Warm heater matrix input hose,
Cold radiator output hose. Warm radiator output hose.
Hot heater matrix input hose,
Cold radiator output hose.

There is no engine coolant circulation. The thermostat is not sealed.

Check that the coolant pump is Replace the thermostat.
operating correctly (ALP 8) and check
the belt drive. Check the circuit coolant
level.

19A-22
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
TEST 2
CONTINUED 1

Depress the accelerator pedal quickly a few times to raise the temperature.
The temperature of the heater input hose must increase and the radiator output hose
must stay cold. If this does not occur, check that the coolant pump is operating
correctly (ALP 8) and check the coolant fluid level and all the hoses and their clips.
Is the temperature warning light lit?

yes no

Is the heater input hose hot?

no yes

There is no engine coolant circulation. Is the radiator output hose cold?

Check that the coolant pump is operating
correctly (ALP 8) and check the belt drive.
Check the fluid level in the tank. yes no

For vehicles fitted with centralised coolant

Check the thermostat. temperature management:
● For vehicles fitted with centralised coolant – carry out fault finding on the centralised coolant
temperature management: temperature management,
– carry out fault finding on the centralised coolant – run the fan unit command (low and high speed),
temperature management, – check the temperature sensor.
– run the temperature warning light command For vehicles not fitted with centralised coolant
(depending on version). temperature management:
● For vehicles without centralised coolant – Short circuit the temperature switch to trigger the
temperature management: two fan unit speeds.
– Check the temperature sensor.
Carry out fault finding on the instrument panel.

19A-23
 COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart 19A
TEST 2
CONTINUED 2

Depress the accelerator pedal quickly a few times until the fan unit has started.
The instrument panel indicator must remain off.
Has the fan unit started?

yes no

The control test is correct.

● For vehicles without centralised coolant temperature management:

– Disconnect the temperature switch and short circuit it to activate the two fan unit speeds (high and low).
● For vehicles fitted with centralised coolant temperature management:
– Run the command mode of the two speeds (high and low) of the fan unit using the diagnostic tool.
In both cases, the two speeds of the fan unit must be activated.
If this is does not occur:
– check the fan unit wiring if one of the two speeds is not obtained,
– replace the fan unit if it does not operate correctly.

19A-24