Citroën C3
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.
Sporty small car
116 hp in the C3 II is more than enough. The 1.6 revs willingly and makes the C3 a quick everyday companion.
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
Vehicles from December 2009 to July 2010 had brake pads that did not meet manufacturer specifications and may have produced insufficient braking force. Faulty ABS/ESP hydraulic components were also fitted.
Springs, shock absorbers and steering joints are flagged above average at the MOT on the C3 II. Worn ball joints and steering joints also regularly cause MOT failures after 5–7 years.
Brake discs on the C3 II wear too frequently and need changing often. The MOT flags the brakes above average across all build years. Older examples also show rusty brake lines.
Headlights, tail lights and indicators are flagged excessively often at the MOT in all build years. On 2010–2011 models, the earth cable to the gearbox can break, causing a sudden engine failure.
Exhaust system rust from the second MOT inspection is a known problem. Doors and bonnet rust from the inside at the flanges, as does the tailgate. Particularly on vehicles without regular cavity protection.
