Citroën C2
The TU5JP4 is a robust 16-valve naturally aspirated engine with belt drive and is considered the most reliable variant of the TU family. Oil dilution from short-trip driving and occasional hydraulic tappet ticking are known weak points. Well maintained, often problem-free up to 250,000 km.
Little flyer
109 hp in the lightweight C2 — genuinely entertaining on twisty country roads. Good power-to-weight for this little Frenchman; a crisp gearchange.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The TU5JP4 is an interference engine; a snapped timing belt destroys valves and pistons. PSA recommends replacement every 80,000 km; many specialists advise 60,000 km. Water pump and camshaft seal should be renewed at the same time.
Symptoms: Sudden engine stall, engine will not restart, metallic banging sounds as a precursor when belt is worn
The timing belt tensioner and idler pulley on the TU5JP4 can wear prematurely. As this is an interference engine, belt failure inevitably causes valve damage and frequently a complete write-off.
Symptoms: Squealing or rustling noise from the timing area, on failure immediate engine shutdown, bent valves
According to a Citroën Technical Bulletin, some TU5JP4 engines produced in September–October 2005 suffer from premature piston ring wear and elevated oil consumption. Affected engines consume noticeably more than 0.5 l/1,000 km.
Symptoms: Frequent oil top-ups, blue smoke from exhaust under acceleration or after standstill, oil smell
Ignition coils on the TU5JP4 fail frequently, individually or in succession. Beyond typical wear, a known issue on the 206 is that leaking windscreen washer jets drip onto the injector of cylinder 4 and destroy it.
Symptoms: Rough idle, stumbling on acceleration, engine check light, misfire fault codes P030x
The TU5JP4 tends to hydraulic tappet clatter, especially after prolonged standstill or on a cold engine. The cause is usually viscous oil in the hydraulic circuit or old oil with reduced pressure build-up. 5W-40 engine oil is recommended.
Symptoms: Metallic ticking at the top of the engine immediately after start-up, disappears after warm-up, louder when oil level is low
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
The coil springs on the C2 snap in numbers due to inadequate corrosion protection. Citroën offers goodwill cover up to 84 months and 150,000 km. The front axle springs are particularly affected.
Brake discs on the C2 wear above average and need frequent replacement. Braking efficiency is regularly flagged at the MOT. Anti-roll bar links and tie rod ends also show noticeably premature wear.
The tailgate rusts at the lower edge from inside, and door flanges are also prone to corrosion. Rust blisters on the tailgate and door lower edges are typical on older examples from 7–10 years.
Ball joints and tie rod ends wear out early on the C2 and are regularly flagged at the MOT. Exhaust brackets also break frequently, causing annoying rattling and droning.
The C2 regularly shows electrical faults on the central locking, window regulators and lighting. Occasionally the lights or central locking fail completely.
