Renault 16 (EU)

Automatic transmission fluid capacity & service interval

Renault 16 (EU) automatic transmission fluid capacity ranges from 3 to 6,15 liters. Service intervals include checks at 5000 km and changes at 30000 km. The data covers 3 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
R16 TX Automatic, R1155 (1973-1980)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 6,15 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 3 liter (Service fill)
  • Check 5000 km
  • Change 30000 km
  • Code: 4139 3/1
R16 TC, R1157 (1972-1979)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Check 5000 km
  • Change 30000 km
R16 TA, R1153 (1971-1979)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Check 5000 km
  • Change 30000 km

Additional Notes

  • The Renault 16 TX Automatic (R1155, 1973-1980) carries a dual capacity specification: an initial fill of 6.15 liters and a service fill of 3 liters. The initial fill represents the total fluid volume required when the transaxle is completely dry, such as after a full overhaul or replacement, while the service fill covers routine drain-and-refill procedures where residual fluid remains in the torque converter and passages.
  • The R16 TA (R1153, 1971-1979) and R16 TC (R1157, 1972-1979) each carry a single 3-liter capacity figure, which aligns with a service fill context rather than a full overhaul volume, consistent with routine maintenance on a transaxle retaining fluid in the converter.
  • All three configurations share a 30,000 km fluid change interval under normal use conditions, indicating a consistent maintenance schedule across the automatic transaxle variants in the Renault 16 lineup for the covered years.
  • A 5,000 km fluid level check interval applies to all three configurations under normal use. On automatic transaxles, periodic level checks at shorter intervals than the full change are standard practice to monitor for leaks or consumption between scheduled services.
  • The R16 TX Automatic's 6.15-liter initial fill is more than double the 3-liter service fill, a ratio that reflects how much fluid is retained in the torque converter and hydraulic circuits during a standard drain, leaving a substantial volume that is not recovered without a full disassembly.
  • All three variants are noted as transaxle, automatic configurations, meaning the automatic transmission and final drive share a common fluid sump. A 3-liter service fill for a combined unit of this type is a relatively modest volume, consistent with the compact transaxle architecture used in the front-wheel-drive Renault 16.
  • The R16 TC (R1157) entered the specification range in 1972, one year after the R16 TA (R1153) in 1971, yet both share identical capacity and interval figures, indicating no fluid specification differentiation between the two variants despite their sequential introduction.

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