Renault Mégane Owners' Guide

The Renault Mégane is a versatile family hatchback that went on sale in the UK in 1996 and is now in its fifth generation, known as the Mégane E-Tech, due to its all-electric powertrain options. 

This owners’ guide compiles key information about your Mégane in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly. 

Renault Mégane generations

Renault Mégane 1995-2002 

The first-generation Renault Mégane was introduced in 1995 as a successor to the Renault 19. It had a stronger focus on safety and was one of the first cars in its class to come with front airbags as standard. The range included a variety of body styles, and Renault introduced the Mégane Scenic in 1996, which effectively invented the compact MPG segment.  

A 1999 facelift brought updates to the lights, interior and bumpers. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Four-door saloon 

• Two-door coupe 

• Two-door convertible 

• Five-door Scenic MPV 

Key engine options: 

• 1.4-litre 75-95bhp petrol 

• 1.6-litre 90-110bhp petrol 

• 1.9-litre 64-102bhp diesel 

Renault Mégane 2002-2008 

The Mk2 Mégane had a bold design and became the first small family car to receive a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The quality of the interior was significantly improved, featuring a digital speedometer and keyless entry on higher trims.  In 2006, the Mk2 underwent a facelift that further refined the styling and introduced more efficient engines. Renaultsport versions gained popularity for their hot hatch performance.   

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Four-door saloon 

• Two-door coupe cabriolet 

• Five-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.4-litre 98bhp petrol 

• 1.6-litre 110bhp petrol 

• 2.0-litre 136bhp petrol 

• 2.0-litre 165-225bhp turbo petrol 

• 1.5-litre 85-106bhp dCi diesel 

• 1.9-litre 120-130bho dCi diesel 

• 2.0-litre 150bhp dCi diesel 

Renault Mégane 2008-2016 

The third-generation Mégane adopted a more conservative design while enhancing refinement and ride comfort. Key changes included a streamlined body range, improved ergonomics, and soft-touch materials, as well as features like keyless start becoming more widely available.   

A 2012 facelift brought an updated infotainment system and LED daytime lights.   

Body styles: 

• Three-door coupe 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Two-door coupe cabriolet 

• Five-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 115-130bhp TCe petrol 

• 1.4-litre 130bhp TCe petrol 

• 2.0-litre 143bhp petrol 

• 2.0-litre 250-275bhp turbo petrol 

• 1.5-litre 85-110bhp dCi diesel 

• 1.6-litre 130bhp dCi diesel 

• 2.0-litre 150-160bhp dCi diesel 

Renault Mégane 2016-2022 

The Mk4 Mégane featured a more upmarket design and significant tech improvements, including a large portrait-style touchscreen on higher trims and digital dials. Ride comfort and cabin insulation were significantly improved, while Renault cut back the body options to hatchback and estate. A 2020 facelift added refreshed styling, better infotainment and a plug-in hybrid variant for the first time. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Five-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 130bhp TCe petrol 

• 1.3-litre 140bhp TCe petrol 

• 1.5-litre 110-115bhp dCi diesel 

• 1.6-litre 160bhp E-Tech plug-in hybrid 

• 1.8-litre 280-300bhp turbo petrol 

Renault Mégane E-Tech 2022-present 

The fifth generation, launched in 2022, marks Renault’s move towards electrification. Now called the Mégane E-Tech, this all-electric version is built on the same platform as the Nissan Ariya and positioned as a crossover-style family hatchback. It boasts a futuristic design, with slim LED lighting and a coupe-like silhouette.  

The Mégane E-Tech features Renault’s OpenR dashboard layout, pairing a digital driver display with a large Google-based infotainment system.  

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key powertrain options: 

• 60kWh battery/220bhp electric motor 

Service intervals

Maintaining your Mégane is crucial to prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan. A good rule of thumb for most cars is to book a full service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.  

You can usually find specific replacement intervals for parts in your owner’s manual or maintenance/service booklet. You should stick to these for optimal results. 

 The following maintenance recommendations are suitable for Mk4 petrol Mégane models, according to AutoDoc. 

Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides:  

• What's the difference between a full service and an interim service?  

• How much should a full service cost?  

• How much should an interim service cost?  

• The ultimate guide to car maintenance 

Tyre pressure

What are the tyre pressures for a Renault Mégane? 

The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the Mégane on TyrePressures.com. However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres.

You can find the correct pressures: 

• In your vehicle handbook/owner’s manual. 

• Printed on the sill of the driver’s door. 

• On the inside of the fuel tank cap. 

Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information. 

How to reset the Renault Mégane tyre pressure light 

The tyre pressure reset method varies depending on the year and spec of your Megane. You can find instructions for your specific model in your owner’s manual. 

2008-2016 models 

• Make sure your tyres are topped up to the correct pressure. 

• Switch the ignition on. 

• Use the up and down arrows on the end of the right indicator stalk to scroll through the menu options until you see a symbol showing an overhead view of the car with lines next to each tyre. 

• Press and hold the up arrow until the screen flashes. 

• The tyre pressures are now reset. 

2016-2022 models 

• Make sure your tyres are topped up to the correct pressure. 

• Switch the ignition on. 

• Press the ‘menu’ option on the central dashboard screen. 

• Next, press ‘vehicle’. 

• Scroll to the left and press ‘tyre pressure’. 

• Press ‘reset’ followed by ‘yes’ to confirm. 

• The reset is complete. 

Mégane E-Tech 

• Make sure your tyres are topped up to the correct pressure. 

• Switch the ignition on. 

• Press the car icon in the top left corner of the central dashboard touchscreen. 

• Press ‘vehicle’. 

• Open the ‘tyre pressure’ tab. 

• Press ‘reset’ followed by ‘yes’. 

• The reset is complete. 

Engine oil

It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil – find out why in this guide. The recommended oil can vary between different Mégane engine configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the right oil for your vehicle. 

5W-40 is a common oil grade used in Mégane models. 

Renault oil approvals 

Renault has specific oil standards that go beyond general ACEA and API classifications. They ensure that the oil is tested and proven to work with Renault-specific designs.  

• RN0700: For older, naturally aspirated petrol engines. Usually 5W-30 or 10W-40.  

• RN0710: For turbo petrol and high-performance engines. Usually 5W-40.  

• RN0720: For diesel engines with DPFs. Usually 5W-30 (low SAPS).  

• RN17: For the latest petrol and diesel engines, compatible with modern emissions systems. Usually 5W-30. 

What is the oil capacity of a Renault Mégane? 

Oil capacity varies depending on the engine size and model year. The Mégane requires between four and six litres of oil. 

When topping up, remember to add oil gradually and check the dipstick to avoid overfilling. Too much oil puts more pressure on seals and gaskets and can lead to increased friction between parts.   

Battery

What battery do I need for my Renault Mégane? 

The table below shows the battery requirements of Renault Mégane engine variants using information from What Battery. The base hold-down is B13. 

How to make your Renault Mégane battery last longer  

Follow these tips to keep your battery in good condition. 

• Drive regularly 

• Keep battery terminals clean 

• Use a trickle charger when not using your car for a long time 

• Protect it from extreme temperatures 

• Switch off non-essential appliances 

Check out this guide for more battery maintenance tips. 

Warning lights

What do the warning lights mean on a Renault Mégane? 

Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test. 

• Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic. 

• Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage. 

Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide. 

Renault Mégane warning lights you might not know 

Renault STOP light 

The STOP warning light usually lights up when you start the ignition and goes out again when the engine is running. However, if it appears while you’re driving, you should pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so and contact a mechanic. The STOP light often activates with other warning lights and/or messages, accompanied by a beep.  

Possible causes:  

• Low brake fluid  

• Malfunctioning brake system  

• Low engine oil  

• ABS fault 

Renault assisted parking brake fault light 

This warning light resembles a steering wheel with the letter 'P' beside it. It might be accompanied by a “braking system fault” message and a beep. An issue with the braking system, a low battery, or a malfunction in the instrument display could cause it. Either way, you’ll need to contact a mechanic to investigate the problem. 

Spotted a warning light but don’t know what’s causing it? Don’t guess – book a diagnostic test! 

Common problems

Whether you’re already a proud Mégane owner or you’re in the market for one, it’s helpful to know what kind of problems the model experiences.     

 Our Renault Mégane common problems guide explores this topic in detail, so we’ll just cover two top issues here. 

1. Gearbox issues 

Gearbox issues aren't uncommon in Méganes, especially those fitted with CVT and torque converter gearboxes. Symptoms include:  

•  Jerky gear changes  

• Unusual noises when changing gear  

• Burning smell  

• Loss of power  

• Juddering or shaking 

 Gearbox repairs tend to be expensive due to their complexity, so this is an issue to watch out for if you’re considering buying a used Mégane. If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s best to walk away. 

 Find out what to look for when buying a used car. 

2. Clogged DPF 

The diesel particulate filter helps to reduce harmful emissions. It’s able to self-clean when it gets very hot through a process called regeneration – but if it doesn’t reach a high temperature regularly, it can become blocked. This tends to happen when the car is used for lots of short journeys without any longer motorway runs.  

 Signs of a blocked DPF include:  

• Thick black exhaust smoke  

• Reduced power  

• Poor fuel economy  

• Limp mode  

• Engine management light  

• DPF warning light  

 The blockage can usually be fixed with a professional DPF clean. However, if it’s too severe, the part may need to be replaced, which can be expensive. 

 Read this guide to learn how to avoid DPF problems. 

Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice: 

• Diagnose car problems & find the right fix 

• Diagnose strange noises in your car & find a fix 

Top Renault Mégane questions and topics

Can a Renault Mégane tow a caravan? 

A Renault Mégane can tow a caravan, but its towing capacity varies depending on the engine. The maximum weight is typically around 1,300 kg to 1,600 kg and shouldn’t be exceeded. 

Does a Renault Megane have a timing belt or chain? 

Most Renault Méganes use a timing belt. However, some newer models – especially diesel versions – use a timing chain instead. The easiest way to find out which timing system your car uses is to check your owner’s manual.   

Does the Renault Mégane have Apple Carplay? 

Most Mégane models from 2016 onwards have Apple Carplay. 

How do I open the bonnet on a Renault Megane? 

• Pull the bonnet release lever under the dashboard on the passenger side of the car. The lever is close to the door. 

• Slide your fingers under the bonnet to the left of the Renault badge and pull the release tab up. 

• Lift the bonnet and secure it in place. 

How long is a Renault Mégane? 

The length of a Renault Mégane is approximately 4,359 mm, although it can vary slightly depending on the model year and body style. 

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