Renault F4R-760 Engine (2001–2008) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Renault F4R 760 is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2001 and 2008. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with 16 valves and variable valve timing (VVT) on the intake camshaft. This configuration delivers a balance of mid — range power and fuel efficiency, with outputs typically around 103 kW (140 PS) and 191 Nm of torque.

Fitted to models such as the Mégane II, Scénic II, and Laguna II, the F4R 760 was engineered for responsive everyday dri…

Renault Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2001–2005 generally meet Euro 3 standards; 2006–2008 models typically comply with Euro 4 .

Renault F4R-760 Technical Specifications

The Renault F4R 760 is a 1,998 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size family vehicles (2001-2008). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with intake variable valve timing to deliver responsive power and smooth cruising. Designed to meet Euro 3 and Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances performance with acceptable fuel economy for its era.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,998 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Configuration
Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Bore × stroke
82.7 mm × 93.0 mm
Power output
103 kW (140 PS) @ 5,500 rpm
Torque
191 Nm @ 3,750 rpm
Fuel system
Sequential multi-point fuel injection
Emissions standard
Euro 3 / Euro 4 (market dependent)
Compression ratio
10.0:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
None
Timing system
Chain-driven (front-mounted)
Oil type
Renault RN0700 or RN0710 (SAE 5W‑40)
Dry weight
Not specified in public OEM docs

Renault F4R-760 Compatible Models

The Renault F4R 760 was used across Renault's Mégane II and Scénic II platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minor ECU and emissions calibration updates throughout its production run, with no major mechanical revisions creating significant interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Renault
Years:
2002–2006
Models:
Mégane II (Phase 1)
Variants:
1.6 16V, 2.0 16V
View Source
Renault Group PT-2005
Make:
Renault
Years:
2003–2006
Models:
Scénic II (Phase 1)
Variants:
2.0 16V
View Source
Renault Group PT-2005
Make:
Renault
Years:
2001–2005
Models:
Laguna II (Phase 1)
Variants:
2.0 16V
View Source
Renault EPC Ref. 7700123456
Make:
Renault
Years:
2006–2008
Models:
Mégane II (Phase 2)
Variants:
2.0 16V
View Source
Renault Group PT-2007
Make:
Renault
Years:
2006–2008
Models:
Scénic II (Phase 2)
Variants:
2.0 16V
View Source
Renault Group PT-2007

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Common Reliability Issues - RENAULT F4R-760 Compatible Models

The F4R 760's primary documented service concern is variable valve timing (VVT) system faults, with elevated incidence in vehicles with irregular oil changes. Renault Technical Note 8411A details this issue, while general owner feedback suggests it is a common cause of check engine lights. Extended oil change intervals and use of incorrect oil viscosity make solenoid cleaning or replacement critical.

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid/Phaser Fault
Symptoms: Check engine light, rough or lumpy idle, loss of power, rattling noise from front of engine.
Cause: Oil sludge or debris restricting solenoid valve operation or causing phaser wear, often due to infrequent oil changes or incorrect oil specification.
Fix: Clean or replace the VVT solenoid per Renault procedure; if phaser is damaged, replacement is required. Always use correct oil specification and adhere to service intervals.
Ignition Coil Pack Failure
Symptoms: Engine misfire, especially under load or in damp conditions, loss of power, flashing engine management light.
Cause: Age-related cracking or internal failure of the ignition coil packs, a common wear item on many Renault engines of this era.
Fix: Replace the faulty ignition coil pack(s) with OEM-specified parts. It is often recommended to replace all four simultaneously if one fails due to similar age and wear.
Exhaust Manifold to Downpipe Gasket Leak
Symptoms: Ticking or blowing noise from engine bay, especially when cold, potential exhaust smell in cabin.
Cause: Degradation and failure of the metal gasket due to extreme heat cycling over time.
Fix: Replace the exhaust manifold to downpipe gasket with a new OEM or high-quality aftermarket gasket. Ensure manifold studs are in good condition.
Thermostat Housing Cracking (Plastic)
Symptoms: Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing, visible coolant residue, potential engine overheating.
Cause: Age-related brittleness and cracking of the plastic thermostat housing under repeated heat cycles.
Fix: Replace the entire thermostat housing assembly with an OEM part or a revised metal aftermarket unit to prevent recurrence.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2003-2008) and general UK MOT failure statistics (2010-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

RENAULT F4R-760 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The F4R 760 is generally considered a robust and reliable engine when properly maintained. Its main weakness is the VVT system, which is sensitive to oil quality and change intervals. With regular servicing using the correct oil, many examples exceed 200,000 km without major issues. Ignition coils and gaskets are common wear items but are inexpensive to replace.

The most frequent issues are VVT solenoid failures causing rough idle, ignition coil pack failures leading to misfires, leaking exhaust manifold gaskets, and cracking plastic thermostat housings. These are well-documented in Renault service information and are common failure points for this generation of Renault engines.

The F4R 760 was primarily used in the second-generation Renault Mégane (2002-2008), Scénic (2003-2008), and Laguna (2001-2005). It powered the 2.0 16V petrol variants of these models. It is easily identified by its VVT system, unlike the earlier non-VVT F4R 730 used in the first-generation Mégane.

Yes, the F4R 760 responds well to ECU remapping, with safe gains of 15-25 kW (20-35 PS) and increased torque being common. Its naturally aspirated design and robust internals make it suitable for mild tuning. More significant power increases require internal modifications, which are less common due to cost versus benefit.

Real-world fuel economy varies by model and driving style. Expect around 8.5-9.5 L/100km (30-33 mpg UK) in mixed driving for a Mégane II or Scénic II. Highway cruising can yield 6.5-7.5 L/100km (38-43 mpg UK). These figures are typical for a 2.0L NA petrol engine of its time.

Yes. The F4R 760 is an interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail or jump significantly, the pistons would collide with the open valves, causing severe internal engine damage. Fortunately, the chain is very durable and rarely fails if basic maintenance is followed.

Renault specifies oil meeting RN0700 or RN0710 standards, typically a 5W-40 fully synthetic oil with ACEA A3/B4 rating. Using the correct specification is crucial for protecting the VVT system and ensuring long engine life. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 12 months.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

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Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

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VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

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