Electronic Diagnostics: Proton Savvy 1.2
Tracing and fixing faults in electronic engine management systems
When new, Proton’s Savvy was a wellequipped, affordable hatchback, and used examples are very cost-effective vehicles today. Kim Henson and
Edward Haggar lift the diagnostic lid on a 2009 example.
The Malaysian-built Savvy was Proton’s ‘supermini’ five-door hatchback, produced from 2005 until 2011, with a facelift in 2007. It was sold in many countries around the world, including the UK, and was particularly popular in its home country.
Although the car was Malaysiandesigned and developed, mechanicallyspeaking it owed much to the contemporary Renault Clio, and was powered by a 16-valve 1.2-litre twinoverhead camshaft four-cylinder engine (D4F Type), also used in the Renault Twingo as well as the Clio.
This is good news for owners, as this Renault engine (and its ancillary components) is essentially easy to maintain. It should also be mentioned that Protons sold in the UK, including the Savvy, were especially well protected from new by anti-rust treatments, and checking the state of the protective coatings formed part of the dealer service schedule.
The car featured in our photographs is a well-cared for, low mileage, pristinecondition 2009 example. Our guide to the diagnostic aspects of our Proton’s 1.2-litre petrol engine is Edward Haggar.
Preparation
Available space in the engine bay is reasonably generous for a compact, front-wheel-drive car, and the Savvy is easy to service. Even changing a timing belt is a job that can be tackled with confidence by a home mechanic. Longterm reliability is helped by frequently changing the engine oil and filter, and by using the engine oil specified by Proton.
One potential problem area is the under-bonnet wiring and connections; as with Renaults of the same era, these aspects are known to be relatively fragile, so keep an eye out for failings. However, don’t let this put you off because overall the Savvy is a good proposition for maintenance and carrying out diagnostic work at home.
Not shown in our photo sequence is the battery, but you ought to check its security and condition, and examine its cables and their connections for signs of rust. If corrosion is evident on the connectors, remove and clean them, and re-assemble using protective silicone