🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Renault Model: R19 Year: 1991 Codes Chassis Code: B53 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Family Car / Small Family Car Era: Late 1980s / Early 1990s European Automotive Market Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Volkswagen Golf Mk2, Ford Escort Mk4/Mk5, Opel Astra Mk1, Peugeot 309, Fiat Tipo Key Features Design Philosophy: Modern styling, aerodynamic efficiency, focus on interior space and comfort for its class. Dvp Team: Designed by Giugiaro (Italian design house) 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Overall Coverage: All Models & All Repairs A-Z Target Audience: Professional Technicians & Enthusiast DIYers Page Count Estimated Pages: 800+ Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Authenticity: Dealership-Level Technical Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Print (Likely Coil-bound or Perfect-bound for durability) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing, valve train Engine Fuel System: Carburetor (if applicable) and Fuel Injection systems, fuel pump, injectors, lines Engine Cooling System: Radiator, fan, thermostat, water pump, hoses, coolant specifications Engine Lubrication System: Oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler, oil specifications Ignition System: Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ECU control Exhaust System: Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, emissions control Transmission Manual: Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanism, gear ratios, fluid specifications Transmission Automatic: Transmission overhaul, torque converter, valve body, hydraulic controls, fluid specifications Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive axles, CV joints, differential Suspension Front: MacPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bar, wheel bearings Suspension Rear: Torsion beam or independent rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs Steering System: Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, wheel alignment specifications Brake System: Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), master cylinder, calipers, lines, bleeding procedures Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis lubrication points HVAC System: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning system operation, components, refrigerant handling Restraint Systems: Seatbelts, airbag systems (if equipped), safety system diagnostics Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for common issues, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, component removal and installation Overhaul And Rebuild: Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds Adjustments: Carburetor adjustments, timing adjustments, brake adjustments Electrical Troubleshooting: Wiring diagram interpretation, circuit testing, component testing Bodywork Repair: Body panel alignment, rust repair guidance, seal replacement Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds Detail Level: Highly detailed with torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Options: Typically PDF for modern digital availability, or original printed format. Print Quality Print Quality Consideration: High-resolution scans for digital copies; original print quality may vary. Binding Type Binding Original: Likely perfect-bound or spiral/coil-bound for ease of use on a workbench. Paper Type Paper Type Original: Durable, often coated paper to withstand workshop conditions. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Common: E5F (1.4L carb), E7F (1.4L injection), F3N (1.7L injection), F7P (1.8L 16v - RSi/GTS) Engine Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder, transversely mounted Engine Displacement: 1.4L (1390cc), 1.7L (1721cc), 1.8L (1764cc) Performance Horsepower Range: Approx. 70-110 hp depending on engine variant and fuel system. Torque Range: Approx. 110-150 Nm depending on engine variant. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carburetor (e.g., Solex) or Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON recommended) Ignition System Ignition Type: Electronic ignition, distributor-based or distributorless (depending on engine/market) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed Manual Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed Automatic (less common) Features Drive Layout: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Clutch Type: Dry single-plate diaphragm spring clutch 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 3-door Hatchback, 5-door Hatchback, 4-door Saloon (Sedan), 5-door Estate (Van/Touring) Length: Approx. 4000-4250 mm (depending on body style) Width: Approx. 1690-1700 mm Height: Approx. 1400-1450 mm Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 950-1150 kg (depending on engine and body style) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Era: Euro NCAP not established in its current form for this era; safety was developing. Active Features Active Safety Features Available: Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear; power assisted steering available on higher trims. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Seatbelts (front and rear), reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing steering column. Airbag Availability: Driver airbag was a rare option or unavailable on most 1991 models. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment Level: Basic for its era: AM/FM radio, cassette player. Optional CD player less common. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features Available: ABS was an option on higher-spec models, but not standard. Connectivity Connectivity Era: No modern connectivity (Bluetooth, USB, etc.) available. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months. Timing Belt Replacement: Critical maintenance item; typically every 30,000-50,000 miles (50,000-80,000 km) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SG...
Approx. 950-1150 kg (depending on engine and body style)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Era:
Euro NCAP not established in its current form for this era; safety was developing.
Active Features
Active Safety Features Available:
Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear; power assisted steering available on higher trims.
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Seatbelts (front and rear), reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing steering column.
Airbag Availability:
Driver airbag was a rare option or unavailable on most 1991 models.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Level:
Basic for its era: AM/FM radio, cassette player. Optional CD player less common.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features Available:
ABS was an option on higher-spec models, but not standard.
Connectivity
Connectivity Era:
No modern connectivity (Bluetooth, USB, etc.) available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical maintenance item; typically every 30,000-50,000 miles (50,000-80,000 km) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (check manual for specific engine requirements).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Renault coolant type may be recommended.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Type Dexron II (or equivalent)
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (ball joints, drop links), exhaust system corrosion, minor electrical gremlins, clutch wear.
Timing Belt Risk:
As mentioned, timing belt failure is a significant risk if not replaced on schedule.
Carburator Issues:
Carburetor models may require periodic adjustment or cleaning due to age and fuel quality variability.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Renault History Context:
Renault was a major European manufacturer with a strong history in small and medium family cars.
Model Evolution
R19 Introduction:
Introduced in 1988 as a replacement for the Renault 9/11, aiming for a more modern and globally competitive design.
R19 Facelift:
Received a significant facelift in late 1992 (Phase 2), which included revised styling and improved interior.
Production
Production Period:
1988-1996 (production ended shortly after introduction of Megane)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily France (Douai, Flins), with production also occurring in Turkey, Colombia, Argentina, and Bulgaria.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Design Awards:
While specific awards for the R19 are not widely publicized, its design by Giugiaro was considered modern and attractive for its time.
Ratings
Reliability Perception:
Generally considered to be reasonably reliable, but like all vehicles of this vintage, requires diligent maintenance. Some electrical components and minor systems can be prone to failure if not addressed.