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Renault Trafic: gearbox, EGR valve problems and solutions
Having troubles with your Renault Trafic? Would you like to know how to diagnose your vehicle quickly and get it repaired? Check out this informative guide on common Renault Trafic problems, maintenance solutions and previous recalls.
Common problems with the Renault Trafic
- Turbo failure
There have been reports of the Renault Trafic turbo failing on models built between 2014 and 2019. In some cases, the turbo breather pipe has come loose, resulting in engine failure due to damage caused by excessively high pressure. Turbos are also vulnerable to thermal damage as the oil flowing to the component can carbonise when it reaches a certain temperature and block up the feeds, causing the bearing to fail.
- Gearbox problems
Many Renault Trafic vans are fitted with a PF6 gearbox, which is a 6-speed manual transmission. These gearboxes are fairly prone to bearing failure and heavy wear. If the unit is left to wear beyond repair, it will require a complete replacement. In the early stages of bearing failure, you may hear a whining noise, particularly when driving in 6th gear, or a slight humming sound at speeds over 40 mph. Renault Trafic gearbox oil is usually contaminated with metal fragments or grime, so regular oil changes are recommended.
- Worn brakes
As is the case with any vehicle, the brake pads and discs are not made to last forever. The high temperatures, heavy loads and extreme braking conditions eventually take their toll on the friction components. With these vans, it’s especially important to replace the brake pads on time to avoid unnecessary damage to the discs and road collisions. Products you may be interested in: front and back brake discs for Renault Trafic
- AdBlue warning light
Multiple Trafic users have reported that the AdBlue warning light suddenly illuminates on the dashboard with a system message saying something like “reducing agent system error – no engine start in xx km possible!”. In many cases, the root cause is a leak between the AdBlue tank and the control unit. Changing the seal should resolve the issue.
- 2.0/1.9dci EGR valve problems
These valves can get clogged up with soot over time, stopping them from functioning properly. Some of the signs that the Renault Trafic EGR valve has gone bad include rough idling, reduced engine power, a failed smog test, and pinging, knocking or tapping sounds coming from the engine bay. If the exhaust flows are restricted, misfires can occur in the cylinders. Normally, check engine light will come on and the system will display an error code indicating what’s wrong. It is worth inspecting the valve to see whether it needs cleaning or replacing.
- Injector faults
You may experience issues with the fuel injectors at some point, which can increase fuel consumption and adversely impact the overall engine performance. Other symptoms include rough idling, misfiring, and starting difficulties. These engine running problems may also be caused by a defective EGR valve or glow/spark plugs. For this model, injector malfunctions are often the result of water getting into the components and corroding the head.
- Handbrake problems
There was a fairly recent recall affecting Renault Trafic III models manufactured between 28 March and 6 June 2019. The reason for the recall was that the handbrake wasn’t engaging properly when the lever was pulled due to an issue with the rear brake calipers, thus increasing the risk of a collision. If your handbrake won’t hold, it could be due to the rear brakes being out of adjustment. Improper adjustment can also accelerate wear on the brakes.
Don’t forget to check out the wide range of affordable spare parts for the Renault Trafic available in online shops.
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