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 technical specifications current when it was prepared. The procedures may be modified as a result of changes introduced by the manufacturer in the production of the various component units and accessories from which his vehicles are constructed."

Copying or translating, in part or in full, of this document or use of the service part reference numbering system is prohibited without the prior written authority of RENAULT s.a.s.

RENAULT s.a.s. 2005

Vehicle Twingo Renault 4 Renault 5 Express Kangoo Kangoo phase II Clio I Clio II Clio II phase II Clio V6 Clio V6 phase II Clio Internationale Clio III Renault 19 Renault 21 Modus Logan Mgane Mgane II Scnic Scnic II Laguna Laguna II Laguna II phase II Renault 25 Safrane Vel Satis Vel Satis phase II Avantime Espace Espace II Espace III Espace IV Espace IV phase II Trafic Trafic II Master propulsion Master propulsion phase II Master Master Master II Master II phase II Spider AIpine

Type X06X X40X F40X XCXX XCXX X57X XBXX XBXX CB1A CB1A XB1R XRXX X53X X48X XPXX LS0X XAXX XMXX JAXX JM0X X56X XGXX XGXX X29X X54X XJXX XJXX DE0X J11X J63X JE0X JK0X JK0X T/PVXX XL0X XHXX XHXX FB/FC Q/Rxxx XDXX XDXX EF0H D50X

Contents
Page

19A COOLING
Cooling circuit: operation Cooling circuit: operating diagram Water pump: operation Water pump: operating diagram Precautions for fault finding Cooling system: tools and equipment Cooling system: customer complaints Cooling system: fault finding charts 19A-1 19A-2 19A-3 19A-4 19A-5 19A-6 19A-7 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 a blue spot a yellow hand a white hand a grey hand 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.6 1.8 bars bars bars bars bars

19A-1

COOLING SYSTEM Cooling circuit - Operating diagram

19A

19A-2

COOLING SYSTEM Water pump - Operation

19A

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
body

upper vent

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

19A-6

COOLING SYSTEM Cooling circuit - Customer complaints

19A
ALP 1 ALP 1 ALP 2

ON THE GROUND IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SMOKE EMISSION

FROM THE EXHAUST (WHITE SMOKE FROM WARM ENGINE) IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT TEMPERATURE OR WARNING INDICATOR

ALP 3 ALP 1 ALP 2

TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT: WARNING LIGHT LIT WHEN DRIVING THE WARNING LIGHT LIGHTS UP INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WATER TEMPERATURE NEEDLE: THE NEEDLE MOVES UP INTO THE RED AREA WHEN DRIVING THE NEEDLE INDICATES OVERHEATING JUST AFTER STARTING OFF THE NEEDLE POSITION FLUCTUATES WHEN DRIVING ALP 4 ALP 5 ALP 4 ALP 5

ALP 5

19A-7

COOLING SYSTEM Cooling circuit - Customer complaints

19A
ALP 6 ALP 1 Technical Note 2675 A ALP 7 ALP 2 ALP 8

THERE IS A BUBBLING NOISE UNDER THE DASHBOARD FLUID LEVEL IN THE TANK DECREASES LIQUID IN THE TANK HAS CHANGED COLOUR THERE IS NO HEATING IN THE VEHICLE HEAVY CONDENSATION ON THE WINDSCREEN (INTERIOR) WATER PUMP CHECK

19A-8

COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart

19A

ALP 1

Traces of liquid on the ground Traces of liquid in the engine compartment Smoke emission in the engine compartment Fluid level in the tank decreases

NOTES

Check that it is definitely coolant. 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 Locate the leak. Repair the leak or replace the defective part. no Leak-test the reservoir and its cap using tool 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 defective part.

no

no

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

ALP 2

Traces of liquid in the passenger compartment Smoke emission in the passenger compartment Heavy condensation on the windscreen (interior)

NOTES

Check that it is definitely coolant. 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 Replace the heater matrix because it is leaking. no 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)

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. Pressurise the system to its rated pressure with tool Mot. 1700. Does the pressure drop? yes The cooling circuit is not sealed. Look for a leak in the passenger compartment (ALP 2), or a leak in the engine compartment (ALP 1) or an internal engine leak (T1 test). no Start the engine. Depress the accelerator pedal quickly a few times until the fan unit has started. The warning light must remain off. Does the fan unit start and the warning light remain off?

yes Remove the cylinder head Check the level of the cylinder head. Test the cylinder head. Is the cylinder head sealed? no Replace the cylinder head. yes

no

There is a temperature control fault. Apply the T2 test procedure.

The smoke fault may be the result of an internal engine leak.

19A-11

COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart

19A

ALP 4

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

yes Apply the T2 test procedure. If the test is not successful, the fault is not due to the actual cooling circuit itself: perform fault finding on the centralised coolant temperature management (depending on version), check the warning light wiring.

no

Accelerate to start the fan unit. Has the fan unit started?

yes

no

Does the warning light come on?

no Depress the accelerator pedal quickly a few times and check that the warning light does not light up.

yes

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

ALP 5

The warning light lights up intermittently when the vehicle is in motion 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 function properly. If the source of the fault is the water pump, follow the procedure on ALP 8.

The fault is not due to the cooling circuit. Check by: running the coolant temperature warning light command (depending on version), 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.

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. Is the coolant fluid at maximum level? no Add some coolant and bleed the circuit using Mot. 1700. yes Bleed the coolant circuit using 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 Locate the leak. Repair the leak or replace the defective part. no Leak-test the reservoir and its cap using tool 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 Is there a leak in the heater matrix? no yes no Replace the heater matrix. Is there a leak where the hoses connect? no yes Replace the hose. The air intake fault can be the result of an internal engine leak. The likely cause of the air intake may be: A loose bleed screw. Check all of the bleed screws. yes The cylinder head gasket is no longer tight. Replace the cylinder head gasket. Check the level of the cylinder head. Test the cylinder head. yes Apply the T1 test procedure. Was the test OK?

19A-17

COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling circuit - Fault Finding chart

19A

ALP 7

There is no heating in the vehicle

NOTES

Ask the customer if they have topped up the coolant fluid level before contacting the 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 Cold engine. Maintain an idling speed. The heater matrix input hose must be hot and the radiator input hose must be cold. Is this correct? yes Clean the cooling circuit and replace the coolant using Mot. 1700. no no Check the condition of the belt and replace it if necessary. Check that the belt has the correct tension.

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

NOTES

Never start the engine without the timing cover. 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 The fault is not caused by the water pump. Locate the leak (ALP 1). Repair the leak or replace the defective part. yes If the water pump is driven by the timing belt, remove the timing cover. Is the leak coming from the seal between the water pump and the cylinder block? no The leak is coming from the water pump. Change the water pump. yes

Change the seal and repeat the test from the beginning.

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 Change the water pump.

It is normal to find a build-up of crystalline material at 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 The fault is not caused by the water pump. Locate the leak (ALP 1). Repair the leak or replace the defective part. yes Change the water pump.

* 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 This is an indication that CO2 may be present. Replace the hose. no Take a sample of coolant and test it with a CO 2 liquid reagent. Does the reagent change colour? no The test for the presence of CO 2 is negative. There is no internal engine leak. yes

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, Cold radiator output hose. Hot heater matrix input hose, Cold radiator output hose. There is no engine coolant circulation. Check that the coolant pump is operating correctly (ALP 8) and check the belt drive. Check the circuit coolant level. The thermostat is not sealed. Replace the thermostat. Warm heater matrix input hose, Warm radiator output hose.

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 Is the heater input hose hot? no yes Is the radiator output hose cold? yes no no

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

Check the thermostat. For vehicles fitted with centralised coolant temperature management: carry out fault finding on the centralised coolant temperature management, run the temperature warning light command (depending on version). For vehicles without centralised coolant temperature management: Check the temperature sensor. Carry out fault finding on the instrument panel.

For vehicles fitted with centralised coolant temperature management: carry out fault finding on the centralised coolant temperature management, run the fan unit command (low and high speed), check the temperature sensor. For vehicles not fitted with centralised coolant temperature management: Short circuit the temperature switch to trigger the two fan unit speeds.

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 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.

no

19A-24