Renault-Dacia 1.2 16v (D4F / D7F)Engine sensors
Probe and sensor faults (crankshaft position, throttle body) on the 1.2 16v
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency occasional: Fiches-auto.fr documents 4 probe or sensor cases out of 51 reports for the 1.2 16V in the Clio II (7.8%) and 5 out of 92 in the Clio III (5.4%); on the Kangoo I it flags the TDC sensor (crankshaft position) and the throttle body as typical failure areas of the 1.2, with no separate figure. As it is an appreciable minority and recurs across several sources, but is well below ignition coils, we classify it as occasional.[1][2][3]
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on because of a probe or sensor fault.[1][2]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Difficulty starting or intermittent starting linked to a faulty crankshaft position sensor, according to the Kangoo I.[3]Hard to start: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Engine stalling in some sensor failure cases.[3]Engine stalls: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
Why it happens
Failure of the crankshaft position sensor (TDC sensor), the throttle body or other engine probes; the sources give no specific design cause beyond wear or electrical degradation of the component.[3]
If it is not repaired: A faulty sensor usually shows up as the engine warning light, rough running or, in the case of the crankshaft sensor, difficulty starting; no mechanical damage to the engine is described.[1][3]
Affected cars and years
Documented on the Renault Clio II, Clio III and Kangoo I; there is no separate data for the other applications.[1][2][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 16v 75/76 (D4F, 2001-2020) | 2001–2020 | D4F 706D4F 712D4F 714D4F 722D4F 728D4F 772D4F 780 |
| 1.2 16v 60 (D4F 708, Twingo I, 2004-2007) | 2004–2007 | D4F 708 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Dacia
- Dacia Logan I2004–2012
- Dacia Sandero I2008–2012
- Dacia Logan II2012–2020
- Dacia Sandero II2012–2020
Renault
- Renault Clio II2001–2012
- Renault Clio III2005–2012
- Renault Clio IV2012–2019
- Renault Twingo I2004–2007
- Renault Twingo II2007–2010
- Renault Modus2004–2012
- Renault Kangoo I1997–2007
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty sensor or probe.[1]
We have not found a published quote in Spain for this repair on this engine; these are usually moderately priced parts.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Check that the engine starts first time both cold and hot, without needing several attempts.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Crankshaft position sensor (TDC sensor)
Replaced when it fails and causes difficulty starting or stalling.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Which sensor fails most on the 1.2 16v?
The sources consulted point mainly to the crankshaft position sensor (TDC sensor) and, to a lesser extent, the throttle body and other probes.[3]
Can the car be left stranded by this fault?
The Kangoo I documents cases of difficulty starting or stalling linked to the crankshaft sensor, although it is not the engine's most repeated fault.[3]
Is the repair expensive?
We have not found a published quote in Spain, but as these are low-cost, easy-to-reach sensors on such a simple engine, the repair is usually affordable.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.2 16v faults
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockDamaged head gasket and coolant lossOn higher-mileage 1.2 16V engines, cases of a damaged head gasket are documented, with coolant loss and a risk of overheating; it appears on the Clio II, the Kangoo I and the Dacia Sandero I, but not in the pages for the Clio III or the second generation of Logan and Sandero.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonIgnitionIgnition coil failure (misfires, engine warning light)The ignition coil is the engine fault that recurs most on the 1.2 16v: it appears independently on the Renault Clio II and Clio III, with misfires, jerking or the engine warning light coming on.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareTimingTiming belt: preventive maintenance and the odd failureThe 1.2 16v has a timing belt (not a chain), a wear part that has to be changed as preventive maintenance. Documented failure cases are a minority: under 4% of the owner reports analysed on the Clio II and Clio III.
- Low severityFrequency: RareLubricationOil consumption (no documented pattern on this engine)Unlike other small direct-injection turbo engines, the reliability pages consulted for the 1.2 16v (Clio II and III, Kangoo I, Twingo II, Logan I and II, Sandero I and II) document no pattern of excessive oil consumption.
More faults with the engine sensors on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTIVP44 injection pump and air mass meter failureGerman Wikipedia documents recurring failures of the Bosch VP44 injection pump and the air mass meter in the early years of this engine. An owner testimony for this engine describes the pump being replaced at 192,500 km, at a cost the owner calls «prohibitive».
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 TDIClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 8vCrankshaft position sensor failure (TDC sensor)The crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH, or TDC sensor) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for the Clio II, the Kangoo I and the Dacia Logan I with this engine, with hard cold starting or stalling as the main symptoms. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 16vCrankshaft position sensor failureThe crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for almost every generation with this engine, with hard cold starting, stalling or the car cutting out unexpectedly. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW B57AdBlue/SCR system fault (NOx sensors, heater and pump)A specialist garage considers the B57's AdBlue/SCR system the fault that most often leaves cars immobilised: a NOx sensor, the quality sensor, the heater or the pump usually fails, and topping up the tank rarely stops the countdown of remaining starts.
- Medium severityFrequency: Occasional1.2 8v FireSensor failures: lambda sensor and crankshaft position sensor (TDC)The 1.2 8v Fire can suffer sensor faults: the lambda sensor (warning light, rough running) and, in the Fiat Punto, the crankshaft position sensor (TDC sensor), linked to misfires. These are minority issues, but they recur across several models with this engine.
Have you had this fault? Your case helps other owners know when it appears and how much it costs. Report your fault in 2 minutes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault KangooFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French