KNOWN FAULTS · Citroën

Known faults for the Citroën C3 (I).

2002–2010 · Petrol / Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Engines: 1.1 / 1.4 / 1.6 (atmosférico) (Petrol) · 1.4 HDi (Diesel) · 1.6 HDi (Diesel)

Applies if: Only if fitted with the automatic gearbox described in the record.

AL4 / DP0 automatic gearbox pressure regulationAutomatic gearbox

Engine / equipment: PSA/Renault AL4 (DP0) four-speed automatic in Peugeot 206, 207, 307, 308, 406 and 407, Citroën C3, C4, C5, Xsara and Xsara Picasso, and DS3
Period mentioned: Approx. 2000–2015
Symptoms: The “Sport” and “Snow” lights flash together or “Gearbox fault” appears; very harsh shifts before the gearbox goes into limp mode in 3rd (only 3rd and reverse). It often happens when cold or after a few minutes' driving and clears after restarting the engine.
Possible cause described: The control unit sees a difference between calculated and actual pressure. The most cited cause is the pressure regulation solenoid (EPDE), though internal leaks or the pressure sensor are also possible. With badly degraded fluid, the fluid wear counter also triggers limp mode. Some owners replace the solenoid without fixing it.
Check for the garage: Read the codes with PSA-compatible equipment (Diagbox/Lexia) and log line pressure while driving, especially when cold. Check fluid level and condition and, if changed, use the specified fluid and reset the wear counter. Also check the lever position switch.
Cost cited in the source: No verifiable estimate in the sources; the solenoid is a replacement part and, according to a forum, it can be changed without removing the gearbox.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 1.6 HDi (Diesel)

Turbo oil starvation from injector carbonTurbo / injection

Engine / equipment: 1.6 HDi DV6 (Peugeot 207/308/3008/Partner, Citroën C3/C4/Berlingo; same engine as the Ford 1.6 TDCi)
Period mentioned: Approx. 2004–2015
Symptoms: Loud turbo whistle, power loss, blue or black smoke, oil that gets dirty very quickly. Before the failure, often a puffing or ticking from the cylinder head and an exhaust smell from an injector.
Possible cause described: The injector clamp bolts work loose, the gas leak forms carbon that gets into the oil and clogs the mesh filter in the banjo bolt feeding the turbo. The turbo is starved of oil. Replacing only the turbo does not fix it.
Check for the garage: Check injector bolt torque and carbon at their base, the turbo banjo bolt and the sump strainer.
Cost cited in the source: Turbo + full oil system cleaning: approx. €900–2,000 (estimate)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.