🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Renault Model: 18 Model Code: R18 Generation Generation Designation: First Generation Introduction Year: 1978 Facelift Year: 1981 (significant update) End Of Production Year Europe: 1986 Codes Chassis Code: R18 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Family car, compact executive car Target Audience: Families and professionals seeking a comfortable, reliable, and reasonably economical vehicle Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Sierra, Opel/Vauxhall Cavalier, Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 505, Fiat Regata Key Features Design: Aerodynamic styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro, front-wheel drive platform Drivetrain: Front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) Ride Comfort: Known for its comfortable ride and stable handling, especially on the open road Versatility: Available in saloon and estate body styles, offering practical cargo space 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Geographic Coverage: Global (primarily Europe, Latin America, Australia) Trim Levels Covered: All trim levels (e.g., TL, TS, GTL, GTS, GTX, Turbo) Body Styles Covered: Saloon (Sedan), Estate (Station Wagon/Break) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals) Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English (assumed based on product description, original may be French) Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (carburetor/early injection) Drivetrain: Clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable), driveshafts, differentials Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including power assistance), wheels and tires Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, engine control electronics, body electricals (wipers, horn, power windows etc.) Body And Trim: Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, heating and ventilation (HVAC) Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, lubrication Repair: Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, fault finding charts, common problems and solutions Specifications: Torque values, clearances, alignment data, electrical schematics Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic tune-ups to full engine rebuilds and drivetrain overhauls) Diagnostic Capability: Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides for mechanical and electrical systems 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text (typically) Print Quality Printability: High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or chapters Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Family: Renault 'J' Series (OHC) Engine Displacement Base: 1.4 Liters (1397 cc) Engine Displacement Common: 1.6 Liters (1565 cc), 1.7 Liters (1721 cc), 2.0 Liters (1995 cc) Engine Variants: Naturally aspirated petrol, Turbocharged petrol (e.g., R18 Turbo) Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 60 hp to 125 hp (depending on engine and tuning) Torque Range: Approximately 90 Nm to 180 Nm (depending on engine) Fuel System Fuel Delivery Early: Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber) Fuel Delivery Later Turbo: Fuel Injection (e.g., Bosch L-Jetronic for Turbo models) Technical Features Engine Layout: Inline-4 Cylinder Valvetrain: Overhead Camshaft (OHC) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 4-speed Manual Optional Transmission Type Optional: 5-speed Manual, 3-speed Automatic Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Saloon: Approx. 4300 mm Length Estate: Approx. 4450 mm Width: Approx. 1690 mm Height: Approx. 1380 mm (Saloon) / 1430 mm (Estate) Wheelbase: Approx. 2600 mm Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 950 kg - 1150 kg (depending on body style and engine) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Safety Era Standard: Met contemporary European safety standards of the late 1970s/early 1980s. No modern crash ratings available. Active Features Braking System: Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Drum Brakes. Optional front/rear discs on higher trims or Turbo models. Power assisted braking. Steering: Rack and pinion, optional power steering on higher trims/later models. Passive Features Seatbelts: Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts. Body Structure: Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Speaker placement varied by trim. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional on higher-spec models, particularly later variants. Power Steering: Optional and became more common on later models and higher trims. Connectivity Connectivity Era: None in the modern sense. Primarily mechanical and basic electrical systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 km or annually. Spark Plug Replacement: Approximately every 20,000 - 30,000 km. Timing Belt Replacement: Crucial for OHC engines. Typically every 50,000 - 60,000 km or 4-5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SF or SG, viscosity typically SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (refer to manual for exact spec). Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Check manual for specific Renault specification. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4. Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Transmission Fluid Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent. Known Issues Rust Corrosion: Prone to rust, especially in wheel arches, sills, and around window...