Renault Rafale
Fuel tank
Usable capacity of tank: approximately 12.1 gallons (55 litres).
With the vehicle unlocked, to open the flap 1, press zone A, then release. The flap 1 opens slightly.
The valve 2 is built into the filler pipe.
For details on filling the tank, refer to the information on "Filling with fuel".
To close it, press on the fuel filler flap by hand, as far as it will go.
WARNING
Never press the valve 2 using your fingers.
Do not wash the filler area with a high pressure washer.
Special feature of E-Tech plug-in hybrid versions
Your rechargeable hybrid vehicle is equipped with a specific tank to limit petrol
vapour fumes and to prevent any release when the cap is opened.
With the vehicle stationary, unlocked and the ignition off, to open the flap 1 press the switch B.
The internal pressure of the tank is automatically compensated. The message “Preparation for Filling Tank” appears on the instrument panel.
It may take up to 10 seconds to open the flap 1.
The "Ready for Filling Tank" message appears on the instrument panel to confirm that the flap 1 has been opened.
Loosen the cap 4.
Use the cap holder 3 on the flap 1 during filling to hold the cap 4 in place.
To close the cap, screw it until the lock clicks.
To close the flap, press the cover with your hand, as far as it will go.
Note: if the flap 1 cannot be locked, ensure that the actuator 5 is not pushed in. In this case, press the switch B for more than three seconds to unlock it. The actuator will be released from its
housing. To close it, press on the fuel filler flap by hand, as far as it will go.
If the fuel vapour management system encounters a fault, the "Tank failure see manual" warning message appears on the instrument panel and the flap 1 remains locked.
Consult an approved dealer.
Fuel grade
Use a high-grade fuel that complies with the legislation in force in each country and that complies with the specifications given on the label on the flap 1ENGINE IDENTIFICATION, ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
Tip
After filling, check that the cover is closed.
In any case, if the fuel flap is open or incorrectly closed, the "Fuel Flap opened" message appears on the instrument panel.
WARNING
Do not use ethanol-based fuel if your vehicle is not compatible with this fuel.
Do not add reagent to the fuel – otherwise you risk damaging the engine.
It is essential to use unleaded petrol. The octane rating (RON) must comply with the information shown on the label on the fuel filler flap 1ENGINE IDENTIFICATION, ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
Filling with fuel
On E-Tech plug-in hybrid vehicles, to prevent splashing fill your tank within 30 minutes after opening the
flap. After this time period, close the cap 4 and the flap 1 then restart the procedure to open the tank.
With the ignition off, insert the nozzle and push (depending on the vehicle) the valve
2, inserting it as far as possible before pulling the nozzle trigger to fill the tank (avoid the risk of splashing).
Keep the nozzle in this position throughout the entire filling operation.
When the pump cuts out automatically at the end of the filling procedure, a maximum
of two further filling attempts may be made, as there must be sufficient space in
the fuel tank to allow for expansion.
Make sure that no water enters the fuel tank during filling.
After filling, close the flap 1 to prevent any water or foreign bodies from entering the system.
Always make sure that the flap 1 and its perimeter remain clean and free of dust, mud, dirt, etc.
Tip
After locking the vehicle, if the flap 1 is still open, you can close it but it will not be locked.
To lock the flap 1, unlock the vehicle then lock it again
Special case
When the vehicle has been stopped for around three months, you must add fuel to prevent damage to the fuel pump.
To do this, with the ignition off, fill up with fuel or top up with at least approximately
2.20 gallons (10 litres) then start the engine to operate the pump and renew the fuel in the circuit.
If it is not possible to add at least 1.10 gallons (5 litres) of fuel due to the fuel
level in the tank, drive the vehicle until the tank has capacity.
Using leaded petrol will damage the antipollution system and may lead to a loss of
warranty.
To ensure that the fuel tank is not filled with leaded petrol, the fuel tank filler
neck contains a restrictor fitted with a foolproof system which only allows the nozzle for unleaded petrol to be used (at the pump).
Special case for E-Tech plug-in hybrid versions
Depending on vehicle usage, if the combustion engine does not start for a long time,
the fuel quality is likely to degrade, which may result in damage to the engine components
and the fuel supply system.
When using the vehicle exclusively in electric mode or in the event of prolonged immobilisation,
the vehicle must be refilled with at least 10 litres at least once every three months. After six months without refuelling, and if the
amount of fuel in the tank allows you to refill at least 10 litres, the "Old fuel Fill 10 L mini" message will appear on the instrument panel.
If the amount of fuel in the tank does not allow you to refill at least 10 litres,
the "Old fuel Fill at least 10 litres" message will not appear and priority will be
given to hybrid mode. Please drive the vehicle long enough to reduce the fuel level.
. The "Old fuel Fill 10 L mini" message will appear when the amount available in the tank allows the refilling of
at least 10 litres and the refilling can then take place.
Do not recharge your vehicle, allow driving in hybrid mode. This will facilitate fuel
consumption to enable you to top up.
WARNING
To fill up with fuel, the engine must be off: you must switch off the ignition STARTING, STOPPING THE ENGINE.
Using leaded petrol will damage the antipollution system and may lead to a loss of
warranty.
To ensure that the fuel tank is not filled with leaded petrol, the fuel tank filler
neck contains a restrictor fitted with a foolproof system which only allows the nozzle for unleaded petrol to be used (at the pump).
Tip
Fuel types that conform to European standards with which the engines of vehicles sold
in Europe are compatible: refer to the table ENGINE IDENTIFICATION, ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
WARNING
Persistent smell of fuel
If you notice a persistent fuel odour you should:
- stop the vehicle when traffic conditions allow it and switch off the ignition;
- switch on the hazard warning lights and ask your passengers to leave the vehicle and stay clear of the traffic;
- contact an authorised dealer.
WARNING
No modifications whatsoever are permitted on any part of the fuel supply system (electronic
units, wiring, fuel circuit, injectors, protective covers, etc.) as this may be dangerous
(unless undertaken by qualified Network personnel).