Renault · Symbol (2013) · 2013-2020
Renault Symbol 1.2 16V 75 specs and common problems
An economical sedan also sold with factory-fitted LPG. On the D4F, the biggest LPG risk is valve recession; valve clearance must be checked regularly.
01 / 07
How much oil does the Symbol 1.2 16V 75 take?
The Symbol 1.2 16V 75 takes about 4 litres of 5W-40 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: Renault RN0700.
- Approval
- Renault RN0700
- Alternative
- 10W-40 (high mileage)
- Manual 5-speed
- 75W-80 · ≈ 2.8 L
- Coolant
- Glaceol RX Type D 50/50 · ≈ 5 L
- Brake fluid
- DOT 4
02 / 07
Timing belt and maintenance
The manufacturer interval varies by engine year; in practice 60,000-90,000 km / 4 years
On the D4F a snapped belt damages the valves. Don't stretch the interval.
The water pump is driven by the timing belt, so it should be replaced at the same time.
- Oil change
- 15,000 km or once a year (10,000 km on LPG)
- Spark plug
- Gap ≈ 0.9 mm · 30,000 km (20,000 km on LPG)
- Valves / tappets
- Mechanically adjusted. On LPG cars, check valve clearance every 40,000 km.
- Air filter
- 30,000 km
- Power
- 75 hp @ 5,500 rpm
- Torque
- 107 Nm @ 4,250 rpm
- Displacement
- 1,149 cc
- Fuel
- Petrol · Naturally aspirated
- Valvetrain
- SOHC 16V
- Injection
- Multi-point sequential injection (MPI)
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
- Emissions
- Euro 5
03 / 07
Tyre size and pressure
- Original size
- 185/65 R15
- Alternative sizes
- 185/60 R15
- Bolt pattern (PCD)
- 4x100
- Centre bore
- 60.1 mm
- Wheel
- 6J x 15 ET40
04 / 07
Is the Symbol 1.2 16V 75 suitable for LPG?
Sequential LPG system
- Toroidal tank
- 580/200 toroidal tank, ≈ 39 L gross
- Valve protection
- Required (valve saver unit and regular valve adjustment)
- D4F engines without valve clearance checks commonly lose compression at 60,000-80,000 km.
- With limited power, struggling uphill on LPG is normal.
05 / 07
Symbol 1.2 16V 75 common problems and fixes
- #01
Valve recession and compression loss on LPG
High RiskAfter 60,000 km (on LPG)
- Symptom:
- Rough idle, misfiring, P0300, hard starting when hot.
- Cause:
- LPG's dry combustion and valve clearance closing up.
- Proper fix:
- The valves are adjusted. If compression is low, the cylinder head needs machining.
- #02
Dirty throttle body
Low RiskAfter 60,000 km
- Symptom:
- Hunting idle, stalling at traffic lights.
- Cause:
- Crankcase vapours leaving soot on the throttle.
- Proper fix:
- Throttle body cleaning and idle relearn.
- #03
Ignition coil failure
Medium RiskAt any mileage
- Symptom:
- Misfire on one cylinder, check engine light.
- Cause:
- Coils cracking due to heat and moisture.
- Proper fix:
- The faulty coil and spark plugs are replaced.
06 / 07
Common fault codes on the Symbol 1.2 16V 75
07 / 07
Frequently asked questions
How much engine oil does the Symbol 1.2 16V 75 take?
The Symbol 1.2 16V 75 (D4F) takes about 4 litres of engine oil including the filter. Recommended viscosity is 5W-40; look for the Renault RN0700 approval. Check the level on the dipstick after filling.
When should the timing belt on the Symbol 1.2 16V 75 be replaced?
This engine uses a timing belt. The manufacturer interval varies by engine year; in practice 60,000-90,000 km / 4 years. On the D4F a snapped belt damages the valves. Don't stretch the interval.
What tyre pressure should the Symbol 1.2 16V 75 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 Symbol 1.2 16V 75 suitable for LPG?
Conditionally suitable, valve protection required. D4F engines without valve clearance checks commonly lose compression at 60,000-80,000 km.
What are the common problems of the Symbol 1.2 16V 75?
The best-known problems are: Valve recession and compression loss on LPG, Dirty throttle body, Ignition coil failure. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.
Other Renault models
Values are approximate and may vary by engine and VIN. Check against your service manual before doing any work. ·