Renault H4D Engine: 1.0 SCe & TCe, Codes and Replacement

The Renault H4D engine is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 999 cc, developed within the Renault–Nissan alliance. It comes as a naturally aspirated unit (1.0 SCe) and with a turbocharger (1.0 TCe, often called H4Dt), and is fitted to the Renault Clio and Captur and to many Dacia models. If you are looking for a replacement H4D, the first thing you need is the full engine code, for example H4D 470 or H4D 480.

What is the Renault H4D engine?

The H4D belongs to the H engine family shared by Renault and Nissan. At Nissan, the same base engine is known as the HR10DE (naturally aspirated) or HR10DET (turbo). Renault and Dacia use it as a small, economical engine in superminis and compact SUVs.

Key features at a glance:

• Three cylinders in line, 999 cc
• Aluminium cylinder block
• Port fuel injection rather than direct injection
• Timing chain instead of a cam belt
• No hydraulic tappets: valve clearance is checked and adjusted mechanically
• Output depending on version: around 65 to 75 hp as the SCe, around 90 to 100 hp as the turbocharged TCe

There are also factory LPG versions. Dacia calls them ECO-G; at Renault you will see names such as TCe 100 LPG. This matters when you replace the engine, because the naturally aspirated, turbo and LPG versions differ in ancillaries and equipment.

Which cars use the H4D?

You will mainly find the H4D in current small and compact models from Renault, Dacia and Nissan. Some typical examples:

This list is not exhaustive, and which engine was offered in which model depends on market and model year. Also note that not every small Renault three-cylinder is an H4D. The older 0.9-litre TCe, for instance, carries the code H4B. The badge on the tailgate is therefore not enough; what counts is the code on the engine. You can browse our stock of Renault engines and Dacia engines.

Variant codes: H4D 450, 460, 470, 480

After "H4D", Renault adds a three-digit number known as the index. It distinguishes versions of the same base engine, for example by power output, vehicle, ancillaries or LPG equipment. There is no consistent public key to what each number means, and you cannot reliably work it out from the model name or the horsepower figure.

In practice: always compare the full code of your old engine with the code of the replacement. If the index matches, ancillaries, connections and engine management usually fit together best. If it differs, find out what has changed before you buy.

Our H4D category currently includes, among others:

• H4D 470, for example from the Renault Clio V, Captur II, Dacia Sandero and Duster
• H4D 480, for example from the Renault Captur II, Dacia Sandero III and Duster
• H4D 450, for example from the Renault Clio V and Dacia Sandero
• plus the occasional H4D 452 and H4D 460

Stock changes all the time, so the quickest way is to type your code straight into the search bar, with or without a space.

Where is the engine code on an H4D?

On Renault and Dacia engines the code is usually on a plate or label on the engine, or stamped into the block. The exact position can vary by vehicle and is often hard to reach with the engine installed. Use a torch and clean the area carefully before reading it.

The registration document is of limited help, as it does not always show the engine code. With the vehicle identification number (VIN), a main dealer or parts supplier can usually look up the engine that was fitted. Our guide on how to find your engine code covers this in more detail, including other makes.

Commonly reported issues

Overall, the H4D is a fairly simple engine. Workshop reports and owner forums do, however, mention a few points again and again. That does not mean every engine is affected; these are simply the areas to look at on a used unit:

• Timing chain: a chain lasts longer than a belt, but it can stretch at higher mileage. Take any noise from the timing drive seriously. Regular oil changes with the specified oil help the chain.
• Cam phaser: on the TCe, the intake-side phaser is mentioned as a possible wear item at higher mileage.
• Valve clearance: with no hydraulic tappets, clearance has to be checked and adjusted to the manufacturer's schedule. If this is skipped, the engine may run roughly.
• Oil leaks: leaks at the rocker cover are mentioned now and then.
• Oil consumption: some owners report higher oil consumption at higher mileage, so checking the oil level belongs in any inspection.

Buying a used Renault H4D engine: what to check

1. Compare the full code: not just "H4D" but the index as well, for example H4D 470.
2. Naturally aspirated, turbo or LPG: confirm whether your car has an SCe, a TCe or an ECO-G/LPG version. The turbocharger and gas system must match the engine.
3. Condition and mileage: every listing states whether the engine is new, used or remanufactured. Our guide on used, remanufactured or new engines explains the differences.
4. Ancillaries: check which parts come with the replacement engine and which you will transfer from your old one.
5. Find the cause: if the old engine failed through overheating or oil starvation, fix the cause before the new engine goes in.
6. Have it fitted properly: change the oil, bleed the cooling system and check the timing chain, following the manufacturer's instructions. That way your warranty stays fully intact.

Every engine is checked before dispatch and securely packed on a pallet. Delivery is by freight carrier, usually within 3–7 working days, and collection from Nortmoor is possible by appointment. The warranty is 12 months on used and remanufactured engines and 24 months on new parts (0 km), with no mileage limit. Engines carry a core deposit, usually €500; the exact amount is shown on each listing.

Not sure which H4D you need?

Send us the engine code and ideally your VIN, or call us on +49 4950 93890 (Mon–Fri 8:30–12:30 and 13:30–17:30). We will work out with you which engine fits. You can see current stock at any time in our H4D category.