Mot 1654 Renault Online
In the universal OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) language, codes starting with "P" are powertrain issues. While "1654" can vary slightly depending on the specific Renault ECU software version, the most common definitions are:
Because the MOT test now includes a rigorous check for the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and emissions readiness, if your Renault’s computer logs a 1654, the EML (Engine Management Light) will come on. And an illuminated EML is an automatic MOT failure in the UK.
Hence the search: “MOT 1654 Renault” — people are searching for why their car failed the MOT due to this code.
"MOT 1654 Renault" is not a car. It is a conversation between your Renault’s ECU and the MOT emissions tester. It is the ghost of clogged diesel soot or a tired solenoid. mot 1654 renault
The good news? Unlike the electronic handbrake failures or steering rack issues that plague these cars, code 1654 is usually cheap to fix. Buy some brake cleaner, check your vacuum hoses, and you will likely pass your retest with flying colours.
Have you wrestled with a P1654 on your Renault? Tell us your horror story (or simple fix) in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes. Always consult a qualified mechanic or the official Renault technical documentation for your specific VIN. Because the MOT test now includes a rigorous
Date: October 2023
Reading time: 6 minutes
If you’ve plugged a diagnostic tool into a Renault (especially a Laguna, Mégane, Scénic, or Espace from the early 2000s) and seen the code MOT 1654 — or the equivalent DF054 — you’re likely staring at a frustrating mix of electrical gremlins and mechanical uncertainty.
Let’s be clear from the start: MOT 1654 is NOT a Ministry of Transport (MOT) test failure code. Instead, it is a manufacturer-specific diagnostics code used by Renault’s proprietary systems (like the CLIP interface). In the world of Renault diagnostics, “MOT” stands for Moteur (French for “Engine”), and the number indicates a specific fault condition. Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes
This article breaks down what code 1654 means, which Renault engines it affects, the common symptoms, diagnostic steps, and permanent fixes.
After cross-referencing Renault’s technical bulletins and owner forums, MOT 1654 typically refers to a Turbocharger Pressure Regulation Fault — more precisely, a deviation between the requested boost pressure and the actual measured boost pressure (often a positive deviation or overboost).
In plain English: The engine’s ECU (Engine Control Unit) commands a certain amount of boost from the turbocharger, but the sensors report that the system is producing too much pressure for too long.
Equivalent OBD-II codes (generic): P0234 (Turbocharger Overboost Condition) or sometimes P0299 (Underboost — though that’s less common for 1654).
If you own any of the following, you are most likely to encounter this gremlin: