Renault 1.5 dCi (K9K)Urgency: As soon as possible
Deep metallic engine knock in the 1.5 dCi engine: causes
In the 1.5 dCi engine, 1 documented fault may be the cause: wear and seizure of the big-end bearings.[1]
- Critical severity: Wear and seizure of the big-end bearings
What to do now
As soon as possible
Switch the engine off and do not drive on. Carrying on can snap a connecting rod and leave the engine beyond repair.
What it means
A deep knock that gets louder with engine speed usually points to internal damage, such as big-end bearings worn through lack of lubrication. It is one of the most serious faults an engine can have.
Engine faults that cause it
From most to least important. Under each fault, how the symptom shows up. Check the affected years and versions on each page.
Other common causes: engine knock
Besides the documented faults of the 1.5 dCi, these are the most common causes on any car according to the sources.
- Play in the big-end or main bearings (rod knock)[5][6]Common
- Lack of lubrication: low or degraded oil or insufficient pressure[6][7]Common
- Stretched timing chain or tensioner without pressure[5][6][8]Possible
- Hydraulic tappets and valves with play[5][6]Possible
- Worn pistons and rings[6]Uncommon
- Normal diesel engine noise[6]Possible
What to check first
- Stop the engine as soon as it is safe and check the oil level with the dipstick on level ground and with the engine cold or stopped for a few minutes; it is the first step recommended by Todoaditivos and RACE.[5][7]
- Look at the oil pressure warning light (red): if it is on along with the knocking, don't start the engine again and call assistance.[5][7]
- Note when it makes the noise: only when cold and for a few seconds (probably tappets or tensioner), or with the engine warm and growing with load and revs (much more serious).[5][6]
- Look for oil leaks on the ground or blue smoke, signs that the engine is losing or burning oil, according to RACE.[7]
Cars with the 1.5 dCi engine
Open yours to see only the faults that affect it according to its years and versions.
- Renault Clio III (2005–2012)
- Renault Clio IV (2012–2019)
- Renault Mégane II (2002–2009)
- Renault Mégane III (2008–2016)
- Renault Mégane IV (2016–2023)
- Renault Scénic III (2009–2016)
- Renault Kangoo II (2008–2021)
- Renault Captur I (2013–2019)
- Renault Kadjar (2015–2022)
- Dacia Duster I (2010–2017)
- Dacia Dokker (2012–2021)
- Dacia Lodgy (2012–2022)
- Nissan Qashqai I (2007–2013)
- Nissan Qashqai II (2013–2021)
- Nissan Juke I (2010–2019)
- Nissan Pulsar (2014–2018)
- Mercedes-Benz Clase A W176 (2012–2018)
- Mercedes-Benz Clase B W246 (2011–2018)
- Mercedes-Benz CLA C117 (2013–2019)
- Mercedes-Benz GLA X156 (2013–2020)
- Mercedes-Benz Citan W415 (2012–2021)
- Renault Clio II (1998–2012)
- Renault Scénic II (2003–2009)
- Renault Kangoo I (1997–2007)
- Renault Twingo II (2007–2014)
- Renault Modus (2004–2012)
- Dacia Logan I (2004–2012)
- Dacia Sandero I (2008–2012)
- Nissan Micra III (2003–2010)
- Infiniti Q30 (2015–2019)
Frequently asked questions
Engine knock in the 1.5 dCi: what could it be?
In the 1.5 dCi engine, 1 documented fault may be the cause: wear and seizure of the big-end bearings. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the cause and how to check for it.
Engine knock in the 1.5 dCi: is it serious?
Urgency: as soon as possible. Switch the engine off and do not drive on. Carrying on can snap a connecting rod and leave the engine beyond repair. The most serious fault that causes it on this engine has critical severity.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Bruit de cliquetis - claquement : les causesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published 6 November 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Estas son las peores averías que puede sufrir tu cocheAutopista · Motoring press · published 9 August 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Fiabilité Renault Clio 3 : que vaut le modèle en occasion ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 26 November 2012 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Maxi-fiche occasion : que vaut le Renault Scénic 2 en seconde main ?Caradisiac · Motoring press · published 29 October 2014 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- El motor hace ruido en frío: qué es cada ruido y cuál preocupaTodoaditivos · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- ¿El motor diésel de tu coche emite un ruido y un traqueteo?RACE · Motoring press · published 22 June 2023 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- ¿Qué pasa si el coche se queda sin aceite?RACE · Motoring press · published 26 August 2020 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Las graves (y costosas) averías que puede causar en tu coche la rotura de la cadena de distribuciónDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 17 July 2020 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish