If you are a car owner, you may have noticed a metallic plate on the engine bay, door jamb, or on the dashboard of your Renault. This plate contains critical information about your vehicle, which can be vital when it comes to repairs, insurance, or selling your car. In this article, we will delve into what a Renault factory plate is, where it is located, and how to interpret the information contained on it.
What is a Renault Factory Plate?
A Renault factory plate is a metallic plate that contains information about your vehicle, including its manufacturing date, engine specifications, transmission type, and other vital details. The factory plate is typically made of aluminum, and it is riveted or screwed onto the vehicle’s body. The plate is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, chemical exposure, and other environmental factors that may affect the plate’s integrity over time.
Location of the Renault Factory Plate
The location of the Renault factory plate may vary depending on the model and year of manufacture. However, the most common locations for the Renault type plate are the engine bay, the door jamb, or the dashboard.
In the engine bay, the Renault factory plate is usually located on the firewall, near the engine or on the fender. On the door jamb, the type plate is typically attached to the driver’s side door, near the door latch. On the dashboard, the type plate can be found on the passenger side, usually near the windshield.
Avantime stuck on beneath a flap under the right front seat – aluminium plate | Clio I stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate |
Clio I fixed either onto the right hand scuttle strut or onto the heating box – aluminium plate | Clio II stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate |
Clio III stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate | Express / Rapid stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate |
Espace III fixed to the lower part of the door pillar in the middle, on the left – aluminium plate | Espace IV Fixed to the lower part of the door pillar in the middle, on the left – plastic plate |
Kangoo Phase I and II stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate | Koleos stuck on to the left door pillar – plastic plate |
Laguna I, II and III stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate | Megane I stuck on to the right door pillar either at the back or on the front – plastic plate |
Megane II stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate | Megane III Coupe stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate |
Megane III 5 doors and Fluence stuck on to the right rear door pillar – plastic plate | Modus stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate |
Super 5 and Express / Rapid attached in the engine compartment – aluminium plate | R 19 attached in the engine compartment – aluminium plate |
R 21 attached in the engine compartment – aluminium plate | R 25 attached in the engine compartment – aluminium plate |
Safrane stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate | Safrane fixed onto the middle of the heating box – aluminium plate |
Thalia or Symbol stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate | Twingo attached with 2 or 4 rivets to the vertical part of the heating box – aluminium plate |
Twingo I and II stuck on to the right door pillar under the catch – plastic plate | Vel Satis stuck on to the right door pillar – plastic plate |
If you are having trouble locating the Renault factory plate on your vehicle, you can consult your owner’s manual or contact a Renault dealership or mechanic for assistance. The type plate contains vital information about your vehicle’s specifications and identification, and it is essential to maintain its integrity and legibility for accurate information.
Composition of the Renault Factory Plate
Since 1988 the factory plate has consisted of both the data prescribed by law and the production plate, the so-called ‘oval plate’, which contained the works production data.
The information on the Renault factory plate is usually engraved, stamped, or embossed onto the metal surface. The information includes:
- Manufacturer information – this includes the manufacturer’s name, address, and logo.
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) – a unique 17-digit code that identifies the vehicle’s model, year of manufacture, and other specifications.
- Type approval number – a code that indicates the vehicle’s compliance with European Union regulations and standards.
- Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) – the maximum weight that the vehicle is designed to carry, including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
- Engine type and displacement – information about the engine’s specifications, including its power output and fuel type.
- Vehicle color – the factory paint code or color name.
- Transmission type – the type of transmission, such as manual or automatic, and the number of gears.
- Equipment level – information about the vehicle’s equipment and options, such as air conditioning, power windows, or a sunroof.
- Country of origin – the country where the vehicle was manufactured.
From the beginning of 1988 to December 1995
A= Manufacturer’s name
B= World Manufacturer Identifier Code – Designation
C= Serial number
D= Maximum weight
E= Total towing weight
F= Authorized axle load, front axle
G= Authorized axle load, back axle
1= Model
2= Fittings/Gears
3= Production identification number
4= Overall color number
Since the beginning of January 1996
A= Manufacturer’s name
B= Renault VIN Number (Vehicle Identification Number)
C= Maximum weight
D= Total towing weight
E= Authorized axle load, front axle
F= Authorized axle load, back axle
1= Code for the seat fittings
2= Transmission and options
3= Model
4= Overall color number
5= Equipment
6= Production identification number
7= Options and fittings at the works
8= Equipment level
Since the beginning of 1997
Manufacturer’s name change (RENAULT SA instead of REGIE NATIONALE DES USINES RENAULT SA)
Since July 2000
 but Manufacturer’s name change (RENAULT instead of RENAULT SA)
Factory plate Koléos
Security features on the Plastic sticker
The name ‘RENAULT’ becomes visible around the plate under UV light.
Examination under normal light
Examination under UV light
The information on the Renault factory plate is essential for a variety of reasons, such as obtaining insurance coverage, ordering spare parts, or registering the vehicle. It is essential to maintain the factory plate’s integrity and legibility for accurate information about the vehicle.
Importance of Renault Factory Plate
The Renault factory plate plays a significant role in identifying your vehicle, and it can be useful in several ways, including:
• Identifying the correct spare parts for your vehicle • Obtaining accurate insurance quotes • Reselling your vehicle • Providing crucial information to potential buyers • Ensuring compliance with safety regulations
Without the factory plate, it can be challenging to determine the exact model, engine type, and manufacturing date of your vehicle, which can result in incorrect repairs or incorrect insurance coverage. Additionally, the factory plate can provide a sense of security when purchasing a used car, as it provides a way to verify the vehicle’s identity and history.