OliverRock
Safrane check engine light and fuel consumption
Summary of the thread
A 1999 Renault Safrane with a diesel engine is experiencing a check engine light and increased fuel consumption. The suspected cause is a fault in the inlet VANOS mechanics, possibly due to a defective camshaft solenoid valve or a power supply issue. A similar case was resolved by replacing a faulty VANOS solenoid, which restored the car's performance. It is recommended to have a workshop diagnose the issue to confirm and address the solenoid's functionality and wiring.
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4 comment(s)
OliverRock (community.author)
Yes, I've also observed a slight decrease in performance, particularly when accelerating. I haven't specifically checked for oil sludge, but I will now. How did you resolve your issue? Was it indeed related to the VANOS solenoid?
gerhardschaefer3
Yes, my issue turned out to be a faulty VANOS solenoid. Although cleaning it helped temporarily, the problem returned. Given your symptoms and the age of the car, a failing solenoid is quite likely. I recommend taking it to a workshop for a proper diagnosis; they can check the solenoid's functionality and the wiring.
OliverRock (community.author)
I took it to a workshop as suggested, and you were right – a faulty VANOS solenoid was the culprit. The repair cost me around 250€, but now the car runs smoothly again. Much appreciated!
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RENAULT
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SAFRANE
gerhardschaefer3
I also own a Safrane with the same engine type and had similar issues. The check engine light was on, and I noticed a significant drop in power, especially at lower RPMs. Have you checked for oil sludge? It could be affecting the variable timing system. Do you also notice a decrease in performance?