I’ve already written an article about the 1.0 TCe engine (TCe 100) with the code H4Dt. But there is one newer engine with the same displacement – called TCe 110 – which has the code H5Dt.
For now, this engine is used in the Dacia Jogger, Dacia Sandero Stepway, and Renault Megane sedan vehicles. Also, it’s used in the Nissan Juke under the code HR10DDT with minor modifications of some equipment.
I will address this engine as 110 TCe to avoid misunderstanding. In this article, I will tell you about its construction, potential durability, and also common problems.
What should you know about the TCe 110 engine?
This engine is manufactured in Spain. It was introduced in 2021 in Renault and Dacia vehicles. But before this, it had already been used in the second-gen Qashqai under a different code. I will focus on the Renault/Dacia version today but a lot of things are in common.
Finally, you will not need to pay for valve adjustment regularly because this engine has hydraulic lifters. Overall, this is a more or less simple small turbo engine that gets a lot of positive feedback from owners. It also has some Mercedes-Benz roots as many other Renault turbo engines.
Here are some facts about this powerplant:
- this is the 1.0-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine with 12 valves and a BorgWarner turbocharger;
- the engine offers 110 horsepower (hence the name TCe 110) and 200 Nm of torque which is really a lot for such a unit;
- the direct injection is still here with all its common issues that you need to consider;
- the all-aluminum engine comes with the timing chain that drives the camshafts;
- phasers are fitted on both camshafts to adjust the valve opening and closing timing;
- the head is fitted with hydraulic lifters, no need to adjust the valves;
- most manuals recommend 5w30 oil, you will need 4.1 liters for an oil change.
The engine is very economical. For the Dacia Jogger, the manufacturer claims it will consume about 6.3 L/100 km in the city traffic and 4.6 L/100 km on highways (45-60 MPG UK). Which is just perfect.
Thanks to quite high and early-available torque, the engine can power a car like the Megane. This is a compact-class sedan that weighs up to 1.5 tons. Anyway, you will get good dynamics in the city. Of course, for highways 110 horsepower is not a lot.
Driving a car powered by this engine is fun. But only if the vehicle is empty and you are driving at low speeds. To get more power and better torque, you will need to rev up the small engine a lot, and here come some risks with overheating and overall tear and wear.
How long will the 1.0 TCe 110 last?
The H5Dt engine is pretty durable. It didn’t get a lot of significant upgrades comparing it with the H4Dt generation, so the durability will be rated at the same level. I would say it’s good to go about 230,000 kilometers or 140,000 miles.
The longevity of this Renault engine significantly depends on the maintenance and conditions of use. If you mainly drive your car on highways at low speeds using cruise control, it can go twice as much. But harsh use will result in serious lifespan reduction.
Also, the quality and type of oil are important. Wrong viscosity can seriously damage the engine by poorly lubricating its turbocharger.
Another significant longevity factor is the cooling system. You need to make sure the engine doesn’t overheat. After bad overheating, you will most likely need a new engine.
What are the most common problems with this engine?
The 1-liter TCe 110 engine is not extremely widespread for now. I believe Renault has plans to install it in other models, but it’s now not even presented in all European markets. So, I can’t gather enough information to tell you more about the exact problems that will happen with this machine.
But, based on the information about the earlier 1.0 TCe model and also feedback from new-gen engine owners, I can make suggestions about its issues:
1) The direct injection is still problematic
There are no port injectors in this engine, so the intake valves will inevitably require cleaning from time to time. It’s a good idea to use good and reliable valve cleaning materials once every year or so. This will prevent the valves from getting clogged with carbon buildup.
If you ignore this, after 4-5 years of use, you may need to pay for professional valve cleaning which is not cheap.
2) Electronics may cause issues
Software problems and control module glitches are not cured completely, so the 1-liter 110 TCe engine keeps getting on your nerves. Sometimes, you may see a random error message that will scare you. On some bad days, the engine may refuse to start until you disconnect the battery for some time.
This happens with other Renault engines and is a sign of poor software development and testing. Unfortunately, this is a very common problem for almost all modern engines.
3) The engine is afraid of overheating
It’s extremely important to avoid any overheating. Given the engine is very small and only has 3 cylinders, drivers tend to rev it up badly. This may lead to overheating even with a properly working cooling system.
If this small aluminum block overheats, there is a high chance it will change its shape and start burning oil like crazy. This is the end of this engine, so keep an eye on the temperature gauge.
4) Timing chain potential issues
As with all other small turbo engines offered by Renault, I would replace the timing chain kit at about 150,000 kilometers or 90,000 miles. Why? This will allow you to avoid all the common issues with the chain and its components.
Also, the phasers may need to be checked at this mileage. It’s good that the chain kit is easy to replace here and the parts aren’t extremely expensive. The chain is too thin to go more than that and may stretch badly at higher mileage.
How can you prolong the life of the H5Dt engine?
According to Renault or Dacia, an oil change is needed once every 15,000 kilometers or 10,000 miles, or once a year. This is a reasonable interval and you shouldn’t drive more than that without changing the oil along with the filter.
Also, once every 5-7 years, you should change the coolant and verify that the cooling system works well.
Other than that, here are some tips on how to drive your H5Dt engine with fewer problems:
- replace the chain kit and check phasers at 150,000 kilometers or 90,000 miles;
- don’t rev up to the red line – this is not a sports car;
- avoid driving at too low revolutions – this causes poor lubrication and high loads;
- make sure you use Renault oil or choose other oil according to the recommended parameters;
- avoid towing with this engine and also pay attention to the payload.
In conclusion, this is a really good Renault/Dacia engine that is worth its money. With great durability and very pleasant fuel consumption, the engine can serve you a lot of years and save you a lot of money.
But, of course, some specific features should be considered to avoid extra wear and tear.
Do you have experience with the 1.0 TCe 110 (H5Dt) engine by Renault? Please tell us in the comments below!
