Artigo atualizado em 31 de July de 2026 por João Daniel
If you own a Renault Logan, especially models with a 1.0 or 1.6 SCe engine, you’ve probably already encountered an orange “zigzag”-shaped light on the dashboard. When it comes on, the car usually enters “emergency mode”: the revs don’t increase and the engine loses power, leaving any driver worried.
Many people think the engine has “failed,” but most of the time the Logan is just trying to protect itself from an electrical reading error. Let’s understand what’s happening and how to fix it.
Quick Diagnostic Chart
| Symptom | Error Code (OBD-II) | Probable Component |
| Zigzag light on; car won’t accelerate; unstable idle. | P0121 or P0638 | Throttle Body (TBI) or Accelerator Pedal Sensor. |
- Difficulty Level: 3/5 (Medium – requires attention when cleaning or replacing)
- Risk Level: 3/5 (The car may lose power when overtaking, which is dangerous)
- Necessary Tools: Torx key set (T20/T25), electrical contact cleaner and decarbonizer (spray).
Why does the multifunction light turn on?
In the Renault Logan, this light acts as a warning that the electronic control unit is not able to control the air intake or acceleration accurately.
The two main culprits are:
- Dirt in the TBI (Throttle Body): With the use of poor quality fuel, a carbon deposit forms on the throttle valve that controls the airflow. It begins to seize up, and the engine control unit locks the car for safety reasons.
- Accelerator Pedal Wiring Harness: Logan has a chronic problem with poor contact in the plug that goes to the pedal. A small movement of the foot can generate an electrical “noise” and turn on the light.
How to solve the problem without spending a fortune.
Before resorting to replacing expensive parts, there are two procedures that resolve 80% of issues with the Logan:
1. Throttle Body Cleaning (TBI)
Often, a simple cleaning with a decarbonizing spray is enough. With the engine off, remove the air hose that goes into the engine. If you notice a black border around the metal throttle body, apply the product and remove the dirt with a lint-free cloth.
2. The accelerator pedal trick
If your car stalls when you go over a bump or move your foot too much, the problem is the connector. Disconnect the plug located above the accelerator pedal, apply a good contact cleaner, and firmly reconnect it. Many mechanics use a plastic cable tie to ensure the plug no longer vibrates.
Expert Tip: The Emergency “Reset”
If the light comes on in the middle of traffic and the car loses power, try the following: pull the car over safely, turn off the engine, remove the key from the ignition and… Please wait 2 minutes.. This is the time it takes for the Logan’s control unit to completely de-energize. When you turn it back on, the fault may have “disappeared” momentarily, allowing you to get to a repair shop without your car being tied up.
Important: Even if the warning light goes out, the error remains stored in the system’s memory. It’s essential to take it to a professional to have it scanned and ensure the fuel mixture is correct.
Conclusion
The Renault Logan is a workhorse, but its electronics are sensitive to cleanliness and good connections. Keeping the air filter clean and using fuel from reliable gas stations are the best ways to prevent the multifunction light from ruining your day.
Is your Logan’s light on? Comment below with the year and engine of your car and I’ll help you identify the problem faster!
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