🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Renault Model: 18 Generation Production Years: 1978-1982 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Owners and technicians working on Renault 18 vehicles from 1978 to 1982. Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Provides essential technical data and repair procedures for a classic French automobile, enabling owners to maintain and restore their vehicles effectively. Key Features Comprehensiveness: Covers a wide array of vehicle systems, from engine mechanics to body fittings, offering a holistic approach to vehicle care. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Workshop Repair Manual Language: English File Format: PDF Page Count Estimated Pages: Extensive (Specific count not provided, typical for workshop manuals) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: OHV Engine, OHC Engine, Engine Electrics Powertrain: Clutch & Gearbox, Automatic Transmission Chassis: Steering, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brakes Electrical: Engine Electrics, General Electrics Bodywork: Body & Fittings, Accessories Cooling System: Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and heater matrix. Fuel System: Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor(s), and air filter assembly. Steering: Steering column, steering rack/box, tie rods, and power steering (if equipped). Front Suspension: Wishbones, coil springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, and anti-roll bar. Rear Suspension: Trailing arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, and associated bushings. Brakes: Master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, and handbrake mechanism. General Electrics: Lighting system (headlights, taillights, indicators), dashboard instruments, wipers, horn, starter motor, alternator, battery, and fuse box. Body And Fittings: Door mechanisms, window regulators, locks, trim, seats, and interior panels. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine Maintenance, Service Schedule, Tune-up Diagnosis And Repair: Troubleshooting, Component Repair, System Overhaul Compliance: Pass the MOT (Vehicle Inspection) Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for common problems, ignition system diagnostics, fuel system adjustments, and electrical circuit tracing. Technical Depth Level Of Detail: Comprehensive workshop level, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Rebuild Procedures: Includes detailed instructions for engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, and suspension component replacements. Diagnostic Charts: Likely includes diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting tables. Torque Specifications: Comprehensive torque values for critical fasteners across all systems. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for various vehicle configurations. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Print Quality Digital Reproduction: High-resolution digital reproduction, allowing for clear viewing and printing. Binding Type Physical Manual: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Physical Manual: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Types Covered: Renault's OHV (Overhead Valve) and OHC (Overhead Camshaft) petrol engines, commonly the "Douvrin" series. Engine Block Material: Typically cast iron. Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum alloy for OHC engines, cast iron for OHV engines. Performance Engine Displacements Typical: 1.3L (1289cc), 1.4L (1397cc), 1.6L (1565cc), 2.0L (1995cc), often in naturally aspirated configurations. Fuel System Carburetion: Primarily single or twin-barrel downdraft carburetors (e.g., Solex, Weber). Injection Systems: Likely limited to basic mechanical fuel injection on higher-specification models. 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Transmission: 4-speed or 5-speed manual gearbox. Optional Automatic Transmission: Optional 3-speed automatic transmission. Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate clutch. Gear Ratios: Specific gear ratios for each transmission variant will be detailed in the manual. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: Saloon (Sedan), Estate (Station Wagon), GTX variants, Convertible (Coachbuilt). Wheelbase: Approximately 2580 mm. Track Width: Refer to manual for specific front/rear track dimensions. Wheel Size: Typically 13-inch or 14-inch wheels. Tire Sizes: Commonly 165 SR 13, 175/70 SR 13, 185/65 HR 14 depending on model and trim. Bolt Pattern: Typically 4x130 mm. Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 950 - 1100 kg, depending on body style and engine. Gross Vehicle Weight: Refer to specific model variants within the manual. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Performance: Limited data available for this era; manual will detail passive safety features of the time. Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Some higher-spec models may feature front ventilated discs. Passive Features Seatbelts: Provision and adjustment procedures for front and rear seat belts. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio Options: Original vehicles may have been equipped with basic AM/FM radios, with tape decks becoming more prevalent towards the end of the production run. Driver Assistance ABS Availability: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard or widely available feature on these models. Connectivity Digital Connectivity: No digital connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports would have been factory-fitted. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact specification). Tune Up Schedule: Periodic checks of ignition timing, spark plugs, carburetor settings, and fluid levels as detailed in the service schedule. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-40, 20W-50) and API service classification. Likely API SF or SG era oils. Coolant: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture. Manual will specify correct ratio and type (e.g., green or orange). Transmission Fluid: Manual: GL-4 gear...
Owners and technicians working on Renault 18 vehicles from 1978 to 1982.
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical data and repair procedures for a classic French automobile, enabling owners to maintain and restore their vehicles effectively.
Key Features
Comprehensiveness:
Covers a wide array of vehicle systems, from engine mechanics to body fittings, offering a holistic approach to vehicle care.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair Manual
Language:
English
File Format:
PDF
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (Specific count not provided, typical for workshop manuals)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
OHV Engine, OHC Engine, Engine Electrics
Powertrain:
Clutch & Gearbox, Automatic Transmission
Chassis:
Steering, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brakes
Electrical:
Engine Electrics, General Electrics
Bodywork:
Body & Fittings, Accessories
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and heater matrix.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor(s), and air filter assembly.
Steering:
Steering column, steering rack/box, tie rods, and power steering (if equipped).
Front Suspension:
Wishbones, coil springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, and anti-roll bar.
Rear Suspension:
Trailing arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, and associated bushings.
Refer to manual for specific front/rear track dimensions.
Wheel Size:
Typically 13-inch or 14-inch wheels.
Tire Sizes:
Commonly 165 SR 13, 175/70 SR 13, 185/65 HR 14 depending on model and trim.
Bolt Pattern:
Typically 4x130 mm.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 950 - 1100 kg, depending on body style and engine.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Refer to specific model variants within the manual.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Performance:
Limited data available for this era; manual will detail passive safety features of the time.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Some higher-spec models may feature front ventilated discs.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Provision and adjustment procedures for front and rear seat belts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio Options:
Original vehicles may have been equipped with basic AM/FM radios, with tape decks becoming more prevalent towards the end of the production run.
Driver Assistance
ABS Availability:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard or widely available feature on these models.
Connectivity
Digital Connectivity:
No digital connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports would have been factory-fitted.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact specification).
Tune Up Schedule:
Periodic checks of ignition timing, spark plugs, carburetor settings, and fluid levels as detailed in the service schedule.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-40, 20W-50) and API service classification. Likely API SF or SG era oils.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture. Manual will specify correct ratio and type (e.g., green or orange).
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90). Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent.
Known Issues
Rust Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this era, particularly in lower body sections, wheel arches, and sills.
Carburetor Performance:
Carburetors may require periodic cleaning and adjustment due to age and potential fuel contamination.
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring loom degradation and connector issues can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers may exhibit wear over time, affecting ride and handling.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Renault History:
Renault, a historic French automotive manufacturer with a long tradition of innovation and practical vehicle design.
Model Evolution
Renault 18 Development:
Developed as a successor to the Renault 12, the R18 introduced front-wheel drive (in most variants) and a more modern European styling, competing in the family car segment.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily France, but also produced under license in other countries like Romania (Dacia) and Argentina.
Production Period:
1978 - 1986 (with initial models covered by this manual).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Market Reception:
The Renault 18 was generally well-received for its comfort, practicality, and fuel efficiency in its segment, contributing to Renault's strong European market presence.
Ratings
Reliability Perception:
Perception varied; while robust mechanically, specific components and the electrical system could be prone to issues if not meticulously maintained, as addressed by this manual.