Dacia · Sandero 2 · 2012-2020

Dacia Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90 specs and common problems

One of Turkey's most economical hatchbacks. The K9K diesel version is chosen for its low consumption. Maintenance costs are low, but EGR and injector maintenance shouldn't be neglected.

Engine code
K9K
Engine oil · 5W-30
4.5 L
Timing
Belt
Original size
185/65 R15
LPG
No

01 / 07

How much oil does the Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90 take?

The Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90 takes about 4.5 litres of 5W-30 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: Renault RN0720 (DPF-compatible).

Engine oil
5W-30
With filter
4.5 L
Approval
Renault RN0720 (DPF-compatible)
Alternative
0W-30
Manual 5-speed
75W-80 · ≈ 2.5 L
Coolant
Glaceol RX Type D 50/50 · ≈ 5.5 L
Brake fluid
DOT 4

02 / 07

Timing belt and maintenance

TimingBelt

In practice 120,000 km / 5 years

Belt, tensioner, idler and water pump are replaced as a kit. If the belt snaps, the engine is badly damaged.

The water pump is driven by the timing belt, so it should be replaced at the same time.

Oil change
10,000-15,000 km or once a year
Glow plug
4 pcs · If hard starting in the cold appears
Valves / tappets
Hydraulic tappets, no adjustment needed.
Fuel filter
30,000 km
Power
90 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque
220 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
Displacement
1,461 cc
Fuel
Diesel · Turbo, intercooler
Valvetrain
SOHC 8V
Injection
Common-rail direct injection
Transmission
5-speed manual / 5-speed Easy-R robotised
Emissions
Euro 5 / Euro 6

03 / 07

Tyre size and pressure

Front / Rear
32/32 PSI
Full load
35/38 PSI
Original size
185/65 R15
Alternative sizes
195/55 R16 · 205/55 R16 (Stepway)
Bolt pattern (PCD)
4x100
Centre bore
60.1 mm
Wheel
6J x 15 ET40
Calculate speedometer error for a size change →

04 / 07

Is the Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90 suitable for LPG?

Not suitable, diesel engine
  • Classic LPG conversions are not done on diesel engines.

05 / 07

Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90 common problems and fixes

  1. #01

    EGR valve sooting

    Medium Risk

    60,000-120,000 km

    Symptom:
    Flat spot when accelerating in gear, black smoke, limp mode, P0401.
    Cause:
    Short city trips and extended oil change intervals.
    Proper fix:
    The EGR valve and passage are removed, cleaned and adapted. Replaced if the valve motor is faulty.
  2. #02

    Injector failure

    High Risk

    After 150,000 km

    Symptom:
    Hard starting, knocking at idle, blue-white smoke, P0087.
    Cause:
    Poor-quality fuel and a neglected diesel filter.
    Proper fix:
    Return test and flow measurement, rebuild and coding of the faulty injector.
  3. #03

    Crank pulley (damper) failure

    High Risk

    After 100,000 km

    Symptom:
    Ticking from the front of the engine, auxiliary belt wobbling, charging light.
    Cause:
    The rubber layer in the pulley ageing.
    Proper fix:
    The crank pulley and auxiliary belt are replaced. If left, the snapped belt can damage the timing belt.

06 / 07

Common fault codes on the Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90

07 / 07

Frequently asked questions

How much engine oil does the Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90 take?

The Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90 (K9K) takes about 4.5 litres of engine oil including the filter. Recommended viscosity is 5W-30; look for the Renault RN0720 (DPF-compatible) approval. Check the level on the dipstick after filling.

When should the timing belt on the Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90 be replaced?

This engine uses a timing belt. In practice 120,000 km / 5 years. Belt, tensioner, idler and water pump are replaced as a kit. If the belt snaps, the engine is badly damaged.

What tyre pressure should the Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90 run?

With the original 185/65 R15 tyres, 32 PSI front and 32 PSI rear are recommended at normal load, and 35 front / 38 rear at full load. The exact values are on the door pillar or fuel flap sticker.

Is the Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90 suitable for LPG?

Not suitable, diesel engine. Classic LPG conversions are not done on diesel engines.

What are the common problems of the Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90?

The best-known problems are: EGR valve sooting, Injector failure, Crank pulley (damper) failure. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.

Other Dacia models

Values are approximate and may vary by engine and VIN. Check against your service manual before doing any work. ·