How to recognise winter problems and vibrations in the Dacia Jogger
A cold engine, a weak battery, incorrect tyre pressure or reduced power steering assistance often cause winter and vibration problems in the Dacia Jogger. A higher idle speed after starting is usually temporary. Vibrations and heavy steering may require further investigation. Also see the overview of Dacia Jogger problems and points to watch. That way, you can learn to distinguish normal winter behaviour from a fault.
Why does my Dacia Jogger vibrate while idling?
A Dacia Jogger can vibrate while stationary. The tyres are usually not the cause, because the wheels are not turning at that moment. First, therefore, pay attention to the engine temperature. Also check the revs and where you feel the vibration. A slight vibration shortly after a cold start may disappear once the engine settles down.
At low outside temperatures, the engine management temporarily raises the idle speed. As a result, the engine warms up more quickly and can continue running steadily. According to the handbook, this higher idle speed should drop after about a minute. Does the revs drop and the vibration disappear at the same time? If so, this does not immediately point to a defect.
The car may continue to shake after the engine has warmed up. In that case, there may be more going on. Wear or play in an engine mount, for example, can no longer absorb movement properly. An exhaust component touching another part can also transmit a humming noise or vibration to the body.
Possible causes of vibrations while stationary include:
- a temporarily raised idle speed with a cold engine;
- an uneven engine idle;
- wear or play in an engine mount;
- a loose or incorrectly positioned exhaust mounting;
- a mechanical noise from the drivetrain.
Note the moment the problem starts. Also write down how long the problem lasts. In addition, check whether switching on the heating makes any difference. Do the same with the rear window heater and the air conditioning. These systems require extra power and can make an existing irregularity more noticeable.
Vibrations while driving begin with the tyres
The tyres and wheels are the first point to check when a vibration occurs while driving. Cold weather lowers tyre pressure. A tyre may still have the correct pressure in autumn and yet become too soft in winter.
Incorrect pressure affects more than just driving comfort. The car may also steer less precisely. In addition, the tyres can wear unevenly. Check the pressure when the tyres are cold. Use the specified values for the car’s load.
Common causes of vibrations while driving are:
- tyre pressure that is too low or uneven between tyres;
- wheel imbalance;
- damage to, or deformation of, a tyre;
- dirt, snow or ice on the inside of a wheel rim;
- play in suspension components.
Pay attention to the speed at which the vibration occurs. This gives useful information about the possible cause. The vibration may become stronger within a certain speed range. This often points to imbalance. You may feel the movement mainly through the steering wheel. A problem with the front wheels is then the obvious possibility. A vibration felt through the seat may instead come from the rear. A workshop will need to confirm this.
Solving winter starting problems in the Dacia Jogger
Winter starting problems in a Dacia Jogger often become apparent at low temperatures. In the cold, the battery delivers less power. The starter then turns more slowly, or the engine takes longer to fire up. A battery may still perform sufficiently in summer and yet fail in frost.
In severe frost, the handbook advises switching the ignition on for a few seconds. Then start the engine. In a version with a manual gearbox, it helps to depress the clutch while starting. The starter then has less resistance to overcome.
Deal with winter starting problems as follows:
- Switch off the lights.
- Turn off the heating.
- Switch off other major electrical consumers.
- Switch the ignition on for a few seconds. Then start the engine.
- With a manual gearbox, fully depress the clutch pedal.
- Start calmly. Do not let the starter motor run unnecessarily long.
- After a failed attempt, give the battery time to recover.
- Have the battery tested if the engine turns over slowly more often.
Drive off gently after the engine has started. Do not put a heavy load on the cold engine. Long periods of idling to warm it up are not necessary for that. The revs may remain high for some time. In that case, have the car read for fault codes. A warning light may also appear. If so, have the car read as well. Is the engine running unevenly? Then have the car read then too.
A battery test avoids guesswork
A battery test shows whether the battery still has sufficient starting power. Also check that the battery terminals are properly secured. Then see whether there is visible build-up on the terminals. The test may show that the battery is in good condition. A workshop can then investigate the charging system, starter motor and engine management.
Keep the fuel tank reasonably full. This is especially important in the colder months. That leaves less space for damp air in the tank. Also make sure you take a longer drive regularly. The engine needs to reach full operating temperature on such a journey. This is extra important if you usually drive short distances.
Heavy steering in the Dacia Jogger has several causes
The power steering may temporarily provide less assistance. As a result, the steering in a Dacia Jogger may feel heavy. Overheating is a possible cause. This happens especially after many steering movements at low speed. Think of repeated parking manoeuvres or prolonged steering. The car is then almost stationary. The system may reduce assistance to protect components.
The steering can suddenly become much heavier. In that case, stop safely. Let the system cool down. Then check whether the normal assistance returns. Do not turn the steering wheel repeatedly when the car is stationary. Also do not hold the steering wheel against full lock for long.
Other possible causes of heavy steering are:
- low tyre pressure at the front;
- a low battery voltage or a problem with the charging system;
- an electrical fault in the power steering;
- a faulty sensor or connection;
- mechanical resistance in the steering or suspension.
The assistance may remain switched off after it has cooled down. It is then not wise to continue driving. Stop if a warning light appears too. Grinding noises are also a reason not to drive on. The same applies if the steering wheel moves in a jerky way. In these cases, have the fault codes checked. Also have the electrical supply checked. A garage can also determine whether components of the steering are binding.
‘ A temporarily high idle speed with a cold engine can cause vibrations at idle. ’
How to prepare a focused diagnosis
Winter complaints sometimes do not appear in a warm workshop. So make a short video of the problem. Make sure the sound can be heard clearly. Show the revs clearly. Also film the instrument panel. Note the outside temperature. Write down the driving speed. Also note how long the problem lasts. State whether the engine was cold when the problem began. Was the engine already at operating temperature? Write that down too.
When vibrations occur, first check the tyre pressure. Then inspect the condition of the tyres. Next, have the wheel balance checked. A temporarily high idle speed with a cold engine can cause vibrations at idle. Check whether the vibration disappears once the engine is warm. If the problem remains with a warm engine, have the cause investigated further. If steering is heavy, check the electrical supply. Also take possible overheating of the power steering into account.
On the Carnews website you will find more information about problems with Dacia models. You can also read practical advice on winter maintenance there. In addition, you will find information about tyres and battery issues. Other technical points to watch are also covered. Discover the related articles and prepare better for your next inspection or garage visit.
Frequently asked questions
The vibrations are usually caused by tyre pressure dropping in cold weather, imbalance, or damaged tyres. Other possible causes include wear or play in bushes, suspension, engine mounts and exhaust mountings, or mechanical resonances in the drivetrain. Immediately after a cold start, a temporarily higher idle speed can also cause normal extra vibrations.
In severe frost, Dacia advises switching the ignition on for a few seconds before starting and depressing the clutch while starting. A temporarily higher idle speed after a cold start is normal and should drop after about a minute. If vibrations occur, tyre pressure, tyre condition and wheel balance should first be checked; if the problems persist, a dealer should inspect the tyres, engine mounts, exhaust and drivetrain among other things.
Other car enthusiasts report that the Dacia Jogger can produce more noise and vibrations in low temperatures, especially on a cold start, at idle or at low speed. A temporarily higher idle speed, rattling or humming noises and more difficult starting are also mentioned. Experiences vary, and some dealers consider these phenomena normal; however, persistent vibrations may point to the tyres, wheel balance, engine mounts or the drivetrain.
Occasional cold-start behaviour or vibrations caused by tyre pressure and wheel balance say little about the Dacia Jogger’s structural reliability. If the complaints continue because of wear to engine mounts, suspension or drivetrain, secondary damage and higher maintenance costs may result. A clearly rectified problem with a full service history usually has little effect on residual value, whereas unresolved vibrations or recurring faults can depress it.
