Electronic Diagnostics

Tracing and fixing faults in electronic engine management systems

DACIA DUSTER 1.2 PETROL

The Renault-derived Dacia Duster five-door compact SUV was introduced at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, and made its UK debut in 2012. The model, produced in conjunction with Renault’s Romanian subsidiary firm of Dacia, was hailed as a competent vehicle that offered high levels of practicality coupled with excellent value for money.

A facelift/minor restyle was applied in 2013 and second-generation Dusters were introduced in the autumn of 2017.

The example featured in our photographs is a first-generation Duster and was registered in September 2017. It is powered by a twin-overhead camshaft four-cylinder 1198cc petrol turbo engine. Our diagnostic guide to this Dacia is Edward Haggar.

Edward is pretty impressed with the Dacia range of models, in terms of supreme ease of servicing and the fact that buyers can opt for a basic car that (for example) even lacks electrically operated windows

Underbonnet space is reasonably generous around the power unit and its ancillaries, aiding routine servicing operations. Note that, unusually these days, the engine incorporates adjustable valve clearances, so these need to be correct for optimum driveability, fuel consumption and emissions performance. There is no cambelt to worry about because this engine has a timing chain instead of a belt.

1198cc 4-cylinder 16v petrol

Edward adds that it is