🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dacia Model: Duster Year: 2012 Codes Model Generation: First Generation (HS) Chassis Code: HS (specific variants may have internal codes) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Crossover SUV Target Audience: Budget-conscious consumers seeking a practical, rugged, and versatile SUV. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2012: Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Yeti, Kia Sportage, Hyundai ix35, Ford Kuga (market dependent) Key Features Vehicle Selling Points: Affordability, robust construction, surprising off-road capability (especially 4x4 variants), spacious interior for its class. Manual Key Features Manual Advantage: Vehicle-specific, factory-level information for accurate and efficient repairs, saving time and money compared to generic guides. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas All Models And Repairs: A-Z Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF File Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (or equivalent decompression utility) Compatibility Operating Systems: Windows Vista (32/64-bit), XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000; macOS 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Control System, Fuel Service, Emission Control, Intake, Exhaust, Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Auto Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer, Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Chassis: Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering Body And Interior: Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter, Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior Electrical And Electronics: Electrical Systems, Multiplex/CAN Communication Procedures Included Repair Procedures: Complete step-by-step instructions for diagnosis, maintenance, servicing, and repair of all vehicle systems. Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretations, and diagnostic routines for various systems. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complex engine and transmission overhauls. Technical Illustrations Illustrations And Diagrams: Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics crucial for accurate repair and diagnosis. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Printability: High-quality, printable pages. Ability to zoom and print enlarged diagrams. Binding Type Binding: Digital (no physical binding) Paper Type Paper Type Digital: N/A (digital format) File Organization Searchability: Text-searchable PDF allowing quick location of specific topics or components. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 1.6L (1598cc) Petrol (K4M) and 1.5L (1461cc) dCi Turbo Diesel (K9K) - specific options varied by market. Performance Petrol Engine Power: Approx. 105-110 PS (77-81 kW) depending on specific tuning. Diesel Engine Power: Approx. 90-109 PS (66-80 kW) depending on specific tuning. Fuel System Petrol Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Diesel Fuel Delivery: Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) Emissions Emission Standards: Euro 4 or Euro 5 compliant (depending on engine and market). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed or 6-speed Manual Transmission (depending on engine and drivetrain). Optional Automatic Transmission Availability: Generally not available for the 2012 model year, predominantly manual. Features Drivetrain Options: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with selectable modes (2WD, Auto, Lock). Fluid Specifications Manual Gearbox Oil: Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 specification, viscosity grade (e.g., 75W-80, 75W-90) dependent on application. AWD Transfer Case Oil: Refer to manual for specific type and viscosity. AWD Rear Differential Oil: Refer to manual for specific type and viscosity. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4,315 mm (169.9 in) Width: Approx. 1,822 mm (71.7 in) (excluding mirrors) Height: Approx. 1,625 mm (64.0 in) (unladen) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1,300 - 1,500 kg (2,866 - 3,307 lbs) depending on engine and drivetrain. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Refer to vehicle's VIN plate or manual for specific GVWR. Cargo Luggage Capacity Seats Up: Approx. 475 liters (16.8 cu ft) Luggage Capacity Seats Down: Approx. 1,636 liters (57.8 cu ft) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Euroncap Rating: 3 Stars (for the 2011 launch model tested, later improvements may exist but unlikely for 2012 base). Active Features ABS: Standard on most models, often with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). Esp Esc: Optional or standard on higher trim levels/certain markets. Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags for driver and passenger. Side airbags and curtain airbags available on higher trims or as options. Seat Belts: Pretensioners on front seatbelts, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers. Child Seat Anchors: ISOFIX mounting points in rear seats. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic audio systems with CD player and auxiliary input were common. Higher trims might have offered Bluetooth connectivity and upgraded speakers. Driver Assistance Parking Aids: Rear parking sensors were an optional extra on some models. Connectivity Usb Aux Input: Available on most models, typically integrated into the audio system. Body Electronics Multiplexing: Basic multiplexed wiring systems for control modules, but not as advanced as modern high-speed CAN networks. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 15,000 km (9,321 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first (check manual for exact mileage and conditions). Timing Belt Replacement: For K4M petrol engine: Typically around...
Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter, Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior
Electrical And Electronics:
Electrical Systems, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Procedures Included
Repair Procedures:
Complete step-by-step instructions for diagnosis, maintenance, servicing, and repair of all vehicle systems.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretations, and diagnostic routines for various systems.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complex engine and transmission overhauls.
Technical Illustrations
Illustrations And Diagrams:
Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics crucial for accurate repair and diagnosis.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
High-quality, printable pages. Ability to zoom and print enlarged diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital (no physical binding)
Paper Type
Paper Type Digital:
N/A (digital format)
File Organization
Searchability:
Text-searchable PDF allowing quick location of specific topics or components.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
1.6L (1598cc) Petrol (K4M) and 1.5L (1461cc) dCi Turbo Diesel (K9K) - specific options varied by market.
Performance
Petrol Engine Power:
Approx. 105-110 PS (77-81 kW) depending on specific tuning.
Diesel Engine Power:
Approx. 90-109 PS (66-80 kW) depending on specific tuning.
Fuel System
Petrol Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Fuel Delivery:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi)
Emissions
Emission Standards:
Euro 4 or Euro 5 compliant (depending on engine and market).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed or 6-speed Manual Transmission (depending on engine and drivetrain).
Optional
Automatic Transmission Availability:
Generally not available for the 2012 model year, predominantly manual.
Features
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with selectable modes (2WD, Auto, Lock).
Fluid Specifications
Manual Gearbox Oil:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 specification, viscosity grade (e.g., 75W-80, 75W-90) dependent on application.
AWD Transfer Case Oil:
Refer to manual for specific type and viscosity.
AWD Rear Differential Oil:
Refer to manual for specific type and viscosity.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4,315 mm (169.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,822 mm (71.7 in) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1,625 mm (64.0 in) (unladen)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,300 - 1,500 kg (2,866 - 3,307 lbs) depending on engine and drivetrain.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's VIN plate or manual for specific GVWR.
Cargo
Luggage Capacity Seats Up:
Approx. 475 liters (16.8 cu ft)
Luggage Capacity Seats Down:
Approx. 1,636 liters (57.8 cu ft)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Euroncap Rating:
3 Stars (for the 2011 launch model tested, later improvements may exist but unlikely for 2012 base).
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most models, often with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
Esp Esc:
Optional or standard on higher trim levels/certain markets.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger. Side airbags and curtain airbags available on higher trims or as options.
Seat Belts:
Pretensioners on front seatbelts, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX mounting points in rear seats.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic audio systems with CD player and auxiliary input were common. Higher trims might have offered Bluetooth connectivity and upgraded speakers.
Driver Assistance
Parking Aids:
Rear parking sensors were an optional extra on some models.
Connectivity
Usb Aux Input:
Available on most models, typically integrated into the audio system.
Body Electronics
Multiplexing:
Basic multiplexed wiring systems for control modules, but not as advanced as modern high-speed CAN networks.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 15,000 km (9,321 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first (check manual for exact mileage and conditions).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For K4M petrol engine: Typically around 90,000 - 120,000 km (56,000 - 75,000 miles) or 5-6 years. For K9K diesel engine: Often uses a timing chain, which requires less frequent inspection/replacement but should be checked as per manual. Crucial to verify from the manual.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
For K4M Petrol: Renault RN 0700/0710 specification, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. For K9K Diesel: Renault RN 0710/0720 specification, SAE 5W-30 (low SAPS recommended).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based, long-life coolant meeting Renault specification (e.g., Type D or Type 45).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Clutch components (especially on high-mileage vehicles), suspension bushings, exhaust system components, potential for minor electrical gremlins in older units.
Diesel Engine Considerations:
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) clogging can occur if primarily used for short urban journeys; regular highway driving helps regeneration. Injector maintenance might be needed over time.
Filters
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Example: Renault/Dacia part number 8200768926 or equivalent aftermarket (verify with specific VIN).
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Example: Renault/Dacia part number 165460505R or equivalent aftermarket.
Cabin Filter Part Number Example:
Example: Renault/Dacia part number 272744999R or equivalent aftermarket.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dacia Brand Identity:
Romanian manufacturer, now part of Renault Group, known for producing affordable and reliable vehicles.
Model Evolution
Duster Debut:
The Dacia Duster was first unveiled in 2010 and launched for the 2011 model year. The 2012 model represents the early production run of this generation.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Mioveni, Romania. Also produced in Russia (Renault Duster), India (Renault Duster), Brazil (Renault Duster), Colombia, and Ecuador.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Value For Money:
Consistently praised by automotive media for its exceptional value proposition in the SUV segment.
Offroad Capability Recognition:
Often noted for its surprising off-road prowess, especially in AWD configurations, a rarity in its price class.
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