Citroen C4: Hereditary diseases. Citroen c4 - owner reviews Disadvantages of Citroen c4 sedan cars

French cars are loved with the eyes and the Citroen C4 is no exception. Especially in a hatchback body and with three doors. Many owners lovingly call them “coupes”. The original shapes and chopped glass “back” still attract attention.

Story

The Citroen C4 model began its history in 2004. For the first two years, only the hatchback body was produced in two versions: three and five doors. In 2006, sedans began to be made in China, and later in Argentina. There was no noticeable difference in build quality.

Salon and equipment

The inside of the Citroen C4 is completely non-standard. It immediately catches your eye electronic speedometer in the middle of the panel in the form of a screen. There you will also find the main indicators (fuel gauge, temperature, odometer). Above the steering column there is another screen that functions as a tachometer and turn signal. Controversial decision, at maximum speed the screen starts to glow red. It looks beautiful, but practicality is minimal, since the screen is below eye level, and with engine speeds in the red zone, you are unlikely to want to take your eyes off the road. There is also a third display in the radio area, on which data about the track or radio station is displayed. The current climate control settings are also displayed there.

While driving, the first thing that will catch your eye is the stationary central part of the steering wheel. It looks impressive, does not require getting used to and does not affect driving safety.

The advantages of the Citroen C4 include its configuration. It is difficult to find in the “poor” basic version. The most common in the CIS (especially Russia) is C4 Optimum. A car with this configuration will already have climate control, ESP, 6 airbags, cruise, heated seats. And, of course, all the electric windows and mirrors with an MP3 radio to boot. In the “maximum speed”, parking sensors, leather interior and a glass roof were also installed.

Citroen C4, like most French cars, resists corrosion well. This is a huge plus for a used car. Even on a ten-year-old car, rust will indicate damage to the paintwork or an accident in the past. The front fenders are generally made of plastic, so they definitely won’t rot. True, they tend to expand when heated. Because of this, in hot weather they can cling to the front doors when opening.

Engines Citroen C4

From the factory, gasoline engines of 1.4 and 2.0 liters were installed on the C4, but the vast majority are sold on secondary market with 1.6 liter engine. Moreover, it had several modifications:

• From 2004–2008, Citroen was equipped with a 1.6 liter engine labeled TU5JP4 and 110 hp. Quite a reliable and simple unit. You need to monitor the condition of the thermostat and valve cover gasket. A sudden breakdown of the first one can lead to overheating of the engine. And in the case of a gasket, if the leak is strong, the oil will flood the spark plug wells and “kill” the ignition coil. The TU5 engine has a timing belt drive; it should be changed along with the rollers and pump once every 80 thousand mileage.
• After restyling in 2008, the TU5 was replaced by the EP6 (joint development with BMW). It is more powerful - 120 hp, but new technologies have had a negative impact on reliability. The main culprit is the timing chain drive. In theory, it should last longer without any intervention, but in reality the chain can stretch after 60,000 km. Increased consumption The oil problem begins to bother after 100,000 km and is “treated” by replacing the valve stem seals. Motors with the designation EP6DT are a modification with a turbine and develop 150 hp.

If the Citroen C4 does not start in cold weather, then it is worth checking and cleaning the coolant temperature sensor. It is located in the thermostat under air filter. Due to incorrect sensor readings, the engine “brains” supply a fuel mixture with cold engine won't start.

No matter how trivial it may sound, most expensive power unit repairs up to 150,000 km are caused by low-quality gasoline and poor maintenance. Saving on matches is expensive. Only when buying a used car may you have to pay for someone else’s “matches”. Therefore, when choosing, pay attention to this point special attention, the presence of sales receipts after maintenance will give at least some guarantees.

Diesel engines were not officially supplied to the CIS territory, so there are few of them on sale. All of them were imported from Europe and do not have any obvious flaws. Their main enemy is poor quality diesel fuel. Without high-quality diagnostics using good equipment (principally expensive), buying a diesel Citroen C4 is quite risky.

Gearboxes and clutch

The first generation C4 has only two gearbox options. A fairly reliable manual with five speeds and the “legendary” automatic AL4 with four. It was her insane “fragility” and unreliability that ensured her legendary status. It may jerk when switching, “fall” in emergency mode or just jam. Based on reviews on forums and based on owner experiments, certain conditions for “long-term” operation of the AL-4 can be identified:

• change oil every 30 thousand km;
• warm up before moving;
• do not skid (overheat);
• avoid sudden acceleration;
• not breathing is a joke!

If you are not ready to put up with so many restrictions and expensive repairs, then it is better to take a car with a manual gearbox. In this case, a part such as a clutch will be added to the service. But it should not bother you more than once every 100,000 mileage. First to "die" release bearing, especially if the main driving mode is urban. A clutch kit with replacement labor will cost $200 or more (depending on the quality of the spare parts and the greed of the service).

Chassis and brakes

The suspension of the Citroen C4 is more rigid than comfortable (but each “fifth point” has its own considerations in this regard, so a test drive before purchase is required). But it doesn't cause much concern. Surprisingly, the rear suspension may cause more questions than the front one. This manifests itself in the form of knocking, the sources of which can be several:

• broken silent blocks (in later years of production they were replaced with reinforced ones, but today there are few “relative” ones left);
• “dead” shock absorbers;
• loose shock absorber boot.

This is easily determined during diagnostics, just don’t forget to check the car at a service station before purchasing and read ours.

The Citroen C4 has a ground clearance of 120 mm, and taking into account the springs that have sagged over time, it may actually be even lower. Some owners use special spacers, but such modifications affect appearance car.

In the front suspension, you will most often have to change the stabilizer struts and steering rods (as on almost any other car). The ball joints are changed separately from the levers - this is a big plus. And the levers themselves will not require intervention up to 200 thousand mileage. Front wheel bearings can live more than 100,000 km on normal roads (if there are such).

The steering rack must be checked. It may knock due to broken plastic bushings. Restoration and replacement work will cost money. If the electro-hydro amplifier pump leaks, then keep in mind that after replacement you will have to reflash the “electronic brains” through a dealer scanner.

The Citroen C4 has all-round disc brakes. There are no complaints about the life of the parts either. brake system average:

• front discs - 80-100 thousand km, pads - 30-50 thousand km;
• rear discs - 100-120 thousand km, pads - 50-70 thousand km.

With active driving and poor quality spare parts, the service life can be halved.

Bottom line

The Citroen C4 captivates with its appearance (the design is still relevant even after 10 years) and its price on the secondary market. For affordable money you can buy a car of European quality with good equipment and possible electrical glitches. But this is a matter of initial diagnosis when purchasing; most problems arise after regular savings on fuel, oil and spare parts.

You shouldn't mess with the French-made C4 automatic transmission. Additional costs and headaches are almost guaranteed.

Good luck on the roads!

Citroen C4 hatchback owner reviews in video format:

Crash test Citroen C4 2004-2010:

The first generation C4 went on sale ten years ago - in 2004 and was replaced in model range Xsara. Only hatchbacks with five and three doors were supplied to our country. Although the French called the “three-door” a coupe, in reality it was only a three-door hatchback. In Brazil, Hungary, Turkey, Greece and Spain they even sold sedans, but they did not reach us. In 2006, the French released the C4 Picasso and C4 Grand Picasso compact vans based on it.

If you look at today's paltry Russian sales of the second generation Citroen C4, the old one can be called popular. The stylish outlines have sunk into the souls of thousands. In 2004-2010, it sold at approximately the same level as the Peugeot 307 platform, which was losing popularity Volkswagen Golf, but noticeably worse than Opel Astra, and even more so the Ford Focus.

All engines are simple inline fours. Gasoline engines - without turbines, volume 1.4 (88 hp), 1.6 (109 and 122 hp) and 2 liters (140 and 180 hp). Diesels have a volume of 1.6 (90 hp or 109 hp) and 2 liters (140 hp), but they entered our country bypassing official dealers and are poorly represented. All cars have drive only on the front axle, gearboxes are mechanical (five or six steps) and automatic (four steps).

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In 2008, designers slightly refreshed the appearance by straightening the bumpers and optics. The range of engines includes a 1.6 naturally aspirated petrol (120 hp) and a turbocharged engine of the same volume (140 or 150 hp), as well as a new 2 liter diesel (150 hp). Since 2010, the French have established the assembly of C4 near Kaluga, but in the same year a new generation was introduced.

Offers on the market

Basic C4s are equipped in a spartan way: front electric windows, a pair of airbags, air conditioning and ABS. Music and everything else is available at extra cost. There are more than enough offers on the secondary market, but among them there are many “refugees” from Europe, the purchase of which we recommend only if you know the history of the car 100%.

Almost 60% of used cars have automatic transmission. About the same number are equipped with a base 109-horsepower engine, and about 30% are equipped with a 122-horsepower unit. The share of cars with other engines accounts for only 10%.

Average prices for Citroen C4

Typical breakdowns and operational problems

Engine

The most common engine on the C4 is the 1.6 liter TU5 series with 109 or 122 horsepower. And no matter what version you choose, most likely, by 90,000 - 100,000 km you will have to change the timing belt. Until 2010, it was changed according to regulations every 60,000 km, but then the interval increased to 120,000 km. Before purchasing, have your car diagnosed at the dealer; mechanics will be able to do this visually.

The engine has 122 hp. even greater sensitivity to humidity, due to which condensation sometimes accumulates under the valve cover and falls on the sensor. There is no need to sound the alarm, dealers simply reset the error at the station.

More powerful engine is also prone to “overeating”, and the norm for oil consumption is 500 g per 1,000 km. The spark plugs must be changed every 40,000 km according to the regulations, because if this is not done, the ignition coils may become damaged.

After restyling, this engine was replaced by more modern engine EP6 series jointly developed by the French and BMW, also with a volume of 1.6 liters, but already with a power of 120 hp. Here the timing mechanism is driven by a chain, but it cannot boast of a long service life. In some cases, the chain was stretched to 60,000 km. Second typical problem chain motors- good "appetite" for oil consumption. The waste can be up to 200-300 g per 1,000 km.

In our country, there are also diesel versions of the C4 from Europe, but they almost always have a very “twisted” mileage. They have the same timing problems as their gasoline “brothers,” and they are traditionally very sensitive to our fuel. Among the used C4s you can find cars that were equipped with other gasoline engines - 1.4 (88 hp) and 2.0 (143 hp), but there are only a few such units on the market, and dealers do not have reliable statistics on the reliability of the units.

Alexander Korobchenko

Website observer, 2011

The Citroen C4 has a 120-horsepower engine that is equally powerful, quiet and economical, thanks to the participation of BMW engineers. We have already reported more than once on trips in cars with this engine (Peugeot 308, Peugeot 207) and even before getting into the red hatch we knew about its advantages. But automatic transmission in Peugeot and Citroen it used to often act “separately” from the engine, so the biggest surprise for us in the C4 was the “friendship” of the engine and gearbox.

Transmission

The reliability of the transmission depends entirely on how the previous owners took care of it. And if with a “mechanics” everything is simple (the clutch lasts on average 100,000 – 150,000 km and is replaced as a set), then with an “automatic” there are much more problems.

The C4 is powered by the infamous French AL4 unit. Its main trouble is the oil in the box. In theory, it is designed for the entire service life of the box, and dealers assure that it cannot be replaced. But experienced mechanics recommend changing it every 30,000 - 40,000 km. The box also contains a separate oil filter, but it is not removable and can only be replaced together with the entire automatic transmission. Before purchasing, check the quality of the oil in the automatic transmission, since if the car has driven 100,000 km without replacement, then simply draining the old one and filling it with new one will not work. Fresh oil will only agitate the heavy oil deposits that have settled on the inside of the box, after which it may simply “die.” Therefore, if the owner has not regularly changed the lubricant, it is better to avoid such a machine.

Another problem is the two automatic transmission solenoid valves, which often fly out. This often happened on cars under warranty, and dealers corrected these troubles at their own expense. But the “illness” can happen after several years, especially if low temperatures start active driving with an unheated box. The first thing you will be told about this is the service icon on dashboard or shocks when switching.

Suspension

The Citroen's suspension is also not very reliable. At the front, the C4 swings on MacPherson struts, the struts of which last no more than 40,000 km, and sometimes they have to be changed after 10,000 km. Steering rods go away approximately 25,000 - 50,000 km, and if they are not changed in time, they can “pull along” the steering rack, which in any case does not last longer than 100,000 km.

Wheel bearings are usually changed around 50,000 - 100,00 km. Everything is much more reliable at the back, since there is an elastic beam there, which should not cause much trouble. Its only weak point is the silent blocks, which quickly lose their damping properties. True, experts recommend not touching them, since they do not particularly affect driving and safety, and replacing them is very difficult and expensive. Brake pads on the front and rear usually wear down between 20,000 and 30,000 km, and the discs require replacement by 50,000 km.

Alexander Korobchenko

Website observer, 2011

The hatchback quickly and accurately responds to turns of the unusually designed steering wheel, however, the driver and passengers pay for this with the sensations of a stiff suspension that reacts unpleasantly to every more or less noticeable road irregularity. On the highway, the shock absorbers cope well with “surprises” from road services.

Body and interior

The second owner should have no complaints about the body of a three-year-old C4. The paintwork, even after three to five years, looks great and does not experience any urge to rust. But if you do find one, then most likely this car survived an accident.

But if the front plastic fenders (usually the right one) begin to catch the opening front door in the heat, this is not a consequence of an accident, but an anomaly that occurs on the C4. But as soon as the car cools down, everything returns to normal. On cars assembled in Kaluga in 2010, the steering wheel braid is made of low-quality material, which often peels off. The steering wheels were re-tightened under warranty, but not everyone had time to contact service about this, so “shabby” C4s can be found on the secondary market.

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Alexander Korobchenko

Website observer, 2011

But the car’s sound insulation is good: up to 4,000 rpm, the engine sound almost does not penetrate into the cabin, does not reach the driver’s ears and most road noise - from wheel arches, glass, tires. Let's add to this the fact that Citroen has a very decent audio system with clear sound and many options for customizing the sound. Thus, the acoustic comfort in the car can be called quite European.

Electrical equipment

The electrics also let down the C4, and the whole point is its complexity. Firstly, heated seats often fail. This almost always happens due to a broken wire in the backrest or cushion of the front seats. For example, if the owner unsuccessfully stepped on the chair with his knee. Now dealers have already learned to “cure” this “illness” without resorting to completely replacing the heating element.

The main “brains” of the C4 are quite complex and consist of two blocks - BSM and BSI plus an injection calculator. Both blocks are essentially fuse blocks with control chips, which are not very reliable. BSM often “glitches” due to poor insulation of antifreeze hoses passing nearby, through which this very antifreeze can get into it, which can be determined by the corresponding smell. The injection calculator and BSM unit, like any electrical devices, sometimes simply short out, which leads to their complete replacement. Thank God this doesn't happen often.

If the heater/air conditioner stops blowing from somewhere in the car, then, most likely, the gear teeth of one of the dampers simply broke off. The manufacturer was unable to overcome the “disease,” but they released an inexpensive repair kit with new gears, which you can buy and, if you have the ability to use a screwdriver, change it yourself. At the service station, for disassembling the side part of the dashboard, they will ask, depending on the impudence of the master, from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles.

Finally, good news: sophisticated electronics and low cost Resales contribute to the fact that the C4 is not popular among car thieves.

Foreman at the Citroen AXIS dealership center (St. Petersburg, Marshal Zhukov Ave., 82)

The first C4 caused a lot of problems both for us and for the owners. First of all, the electronics were glitchy. In most cases, we simply erased the mistakes, and then everything was fine, but sometimes we had to “dig deeper.”

Problems with automatic transmissions were solved most costly - sometimes they were replaced as a whole at very short mileage. However, many drivers, especially young ones, “killed” the boxes themselves, openly raping the cars.

Maintenance costs from official dealers

We calculate the costs for the most common version with a 1.6 liter engine and only for work. The maintenance period for Citroen is confusing: the maintenance itself must be done once a year or 20,000 km, whichever comes first. But changing the oil and oil filter must be done every 10,000 km. The cost of a standard hour at dealers in Russia fluctuates around 2,000 rubles.

Citroen C4 began production in September 2004. His wardrobe included two suits: a three-door coupe and five-door hatchback. In 2008, the “French” underwent restyling, during which the appearance was slightly retouched, slightly changing the shape of the optics, bumpers and interior. The range of engines has also been updated. In 2010, Citroen C4 began to be assembled in Russia near Kaluga using the large-unit assembly method, and in 2011 it was replaced by the second generation Citroen C4.

Engines

The Citroen C4 engine range is represented by petrol power units of 1.4 liters (90 hp), 1.6 (110 hp), 2.0 liters (138, 143 hp and 180 hp) . The most common engine is the 1.6 liter. Minor troubles that the TU5JP4 engine (110 hp) caused due to poor assembly quality have most likely already been eliminated during the warranty period. But many owners note incorrect behavior of the engine - dips in traction at speeds close to 3000, floating idle speed, difficulty starting. The reason for this phenomenon is not yet clear; in some cases, it was possible to correct the situation by replacing spark plugs, ignition coils, flashing the computer, cleaning or replacing the throttle valve. Another common occurrence is oil leaking from under the gasket between the head and cylinder block.

Thermostat failure on 1.6 liter engines (TU5JP4, 110 hp) is often observed after 100 - 120 thousand km. Its malfunction can lead to overheating of the engine, and it also provokes an antifreeze leak. A new thermostat will cost 2 thousand rubles. The EP6 engine (1.6 l, 120 hp), which replaced the 110 hp, is free of this problem.

The new EP6 engine was developed jointly with BMW. The engine did not live up to expectations, it also turned out to be not without its “gun”. Pulling the chain and wearing out the camshaft seats with a mileage of more than 50 - 60 thousand km is not uncommon. Repairs will cost 15–20 thousand rubles.

The ignition coils on both engines last at least 90 – 110 thousand km (about 5 thousand rubles). The cooling system pump will last at least 60 – 80 thousand km (1,000 rubles). To avoid unnecessary trips to a car service center, it should be replaced together with timing belt, the replacement of which is recommended every 60,000 km.

Some people are bothered by a “crackling” sound on the right side of the engine, more often in winter. There is no reason to worry - this is an adsorber valve that deals with gasoline vapors. Catalytic converter rarely travels more than 150 - 200 thousand km.

Often the cooling system fan relay gets stuck, in which case it does not turn on, and there is a danger of overheating, or it does not turn off after stopping the engine, continuing to thresh until completely discharged battery. In a critical situation, lightly tapping the relay body until it operates can help, but you should not delay replacing it.

Transmission

A 5-speed gearbox was installed on the Citroen C4 manual transmission gears and a 4-speed automatic.

The mechanical clutch lasts about 100 - 150 thousand km. An original set of new clutch will cost 9 - 10 thousand rubles, a non-original one 5 - 6 thousand rubles. Replacement work will require another 5 - 7 thousand rubles. Sometimes it happens that the release bearing wears out earlier - after a mileage of 70 - 90 thousand km. A “crunching” sound often appears when shifting gears - the reason is due to failed synchronizers. The howl or hum of the box in motion is caused by the input shaft bearing, which may have to be replaced with a mileage of more than 120 - 140 thousand km. The bearing will cost 2-3 thousand rubles, the work to replace it will cost 6-7 thousand rubles.

An automatic transmission with a mileage of more than 80 - 120 thousand km may stop pleasing its owner, starting to twitch when switching or going into emergency mode. The cause of trouble lies in solenoid valves that need to be replaced. Repair costs will range from 11 to 18 thousand rubles.

Chassis

The suspension is not very reliable. An unpleasant boom when driving over bumps may appear after 40 - 60 thousand km. Its reasons: silent blocks rear suspension(later they began to install reinforced ones), a rear shock absorber boot walking along the rod (the manufacturer provides a kit for modification) or rear struts (they knock more often in winter). Loose fastening fuel tank It also provokes an annoying “booming” noise.

Front wheel bearings are worn out after 50 - 100 thousand km, and stabilizer struts - at 40 - 60 thousand km. Support bearings run for at least 80 – 100 thousand km, suspension arms – 150 – 200 thousand km.

Steering ends last about 40 - 60 thousand km, steering rods - about 80 - 110 thousand km. Steering rack It often starts knocking when the mileage is more than 60 - 100 thousand km, the reason is wear of the guide bushings. The hydraulic pump of the electro-hydraulic power steering may leak through the “chip” in which the power cable passes. When replacing the pump, you will have to register it in the ECU.

Front brake pads run at least 30 - 50 thousand km, rear ones 50 - 70 thousand km. The front brake discs are operational for at least 70–100 thousand km, the rear brake discs for 80–120 thousand km.

Other problems and malfunctions

The quality of the paintwork, like the vast majority of cars of other brands, is average. On cars older than 6-7 years, swelling may appear. The hood often peels off from its supporting frame. Repairing an aluminum hood is difficult; in some cases it is easier to install a new one.

“Crickets” often settle in the front seat belt attachment point. On the C4 coupe, this is a loosely dangling bracket under the plastic trim of the center pillar. On 5-door hatchbacks, the “cricket” comes to life in the button for adjusting the height of the belt. An unpleasant squeaking sound appears in the front panel, front door trim or in the plastic panel on the trunk door.

Electric locks on cars older than 5–6 years sometimes begin to “glitch.”

Due to icing of one of the parking sensors or its contamination, the parking system is completely disabled. The cause of the shutdown may also be the electrical harness, which often frays in the area of ​​the bumper-trunk junction.

If when you turn on the washer rear window, water pours only onto the windshield, which means the washer fluid distribution valve has failed.

Due to chafing of the rear door electrical harness, the rear door wiper begins to take on a life of its own, or the heated rear window and lock fail. Citroen carried out a recall campaign to replace the harnesses with stronger ones.

The electric heating threads of the front seats often burn out. Authorized services replace the entire seat, but if the car is not under warranty, then the wires can be soldered on the side for 2 - 3 thousand rubles.

Electrics are the most problem area Citroen C4. The condition of the car is constantly monitored by 4 different electronic units, which often “freeze” with a mileage of more than 100 - 120 thousand km.

Due to voltage instability, light bulbs in the headlights often burn out, and replacing them is another task... The generator is given up after 100 - 120 thousand km - more often due to a failure of the voltage regulator (2 - 3 thousand rubles), less often - due to diode bridge(6 – 7 thousand rubles). The starter, due to the fault of the retractor (1.5 – 2 thousand rubles), “dies” after a mileage of more than 60 – 100 thousand km.

Conclusion

It is unlikely that anyone will doubt that the Citroen C4 is a very elegant and beautiful car, which is popular not only among ladies, but also among young people. For this unique image, its owners are ready to forgive many of its shortcomings.

Model history

• 2004. Debut of the Citroen C4 (the model replaced the Xara). Body: 3- or 5-door hatchback. Engines: petrol P4 - 1.4 l, 65 kW/88 hp; 1.6 l, 80 kW/109 hp; 1.6 l, 82 kW/112 hp (bi-fuel: ethanol/gasoline); 2.0 l, 103 kW/140 hp or 132 kW/180 hp (the last one is for the WTS version); diesel P4 - 1.6 l, 66 kW/90 hp. or 80 kW/109 hp (different settings); 2.0 l, 103 kW/140 hp Front-wheel drive, M5, M6 (diesel only) or A4.
• EuroNCAP crash test: 16 points for frontal impact, 18 for side impact. Result: five stars.
• 2006. Picasso version.
• 2007. In January, the extended Picasso was introduced, and in the summer - the sedan. Gasoline engine P4, 1.8 l, 92 kW/125 hp.
• 2008. Facelift: minor changes in optics, bumpers, interior. New engines: petrol P4, 1.6 l, 88 kW/120 hp; petrol turbocharged P4, 1.6 l, 103 kW/140 hp. or 110 kW/150 hp (respectively automatic transmission or manual transmission); diesel P4, 2.0 l, 110 kW/150 hp
• 2010. Start of production of the model in Kaluga. The new generation C4 was presented in Paris.

Why are they buying it?

When asked by the owner of a C4 why he chose a car of this particular brand, many answer: “Citroen is a state of mind.” And it doesn’t matter that immediately after purchasing a new car, it loses in price much more than its classmates - 13–17%, depending on the configuration.

For its bold design and original solutions, such as a fixed steering wheel hub, the car is forgiven a lot. Including poor sound insulation and a harsh suspension. And also annoying breakdowns that occur, however, more often during the warranty period.

We are gradually losing comfort...

The standard Blaupunkt audio center sometimes stops reading discs, and the climate control controls lose contact: when you turn the wheel, the temperature changes from one extreme to the other. On cars produced in 2004–2006, the heater damper gears often wore out and the rear door locks froze. The latter began to be protected from moisture with additional plastic shields, and later completely changed the design.

The failure of electric seat heating in 2008 became widespread. The tricky part is that the elements of the backrest and the cushion are connected in series, and if one of them breaks (usually in the backrest), the entire seat stops heating. The repair is not easy because the heater is integrated into the filling to which the upholstery is glued. That is, this is a single part, and not a cheap one: a fabric back costs 30 thousand rubles, and a leather one costs twice as much! You won't be jealous if the car's warranty has already expired.

Before 2007, windshields sometimes cracked spontaneously. Let's give credit to the dealers: they didn't even try to fight back, looking for chips from stones invisible to the eye.

There were cases of unsuccessful fixation of side moldings: after gluing in new glass, they often became brittle. And the bottom one, on the frill, completely slid off the glass, revealing a huge gap. In principle, it’s not scary, but if it bothers you, put the molding on the sealant.

Guilty and solutions

Failures of electric windows are usually the fault of the owners themselves - in the rain they kept the windows ajar, which caused the door console to flood. The windshield washer motor, which is integral with the valve, has recently become noticeably more reliable. But headlight washers, alas, fail no less often than before. In order to get rid of the defect, on Kaluga-assembled cars... this option was simply abolished. And at the same time they intend to eliminate seat heating: no parts - no problems.

Overheated in the sun, the plastic front fenders sometimes warp and begin to cling to the edge of the door when it is opened. Moreover, surprisingly, this mostly happens on the starboard side. Don't worry: once the wing cools down, the gap with the door will return to normal. But it’s still better to loosen the fasteners and move the wing a little forward. Or don’t park your car in the sun.

TU5: bad luck beginning

One of the most common engines is the 109 hp 1.6 liter petrol TU5. (See Model History). At first, the unit was not famous for the reliability of the throttle unit: due to warping of the plastic valve, it worked unstably at idling and transitional regimes. The supplier of the unit, Bosch, was at first perplexed: they had not noticed anything similar anywhere except Citroen. However, the unit was modified by making the dampers from more heat-resistant plastic, and around the end of 2006 the malfunction disappeared.

Also in 2006, a batch of cars with defective block heads passed through. The fit of the valve guides turned out to be loose, causing oil to leak through the gap with the head body. Sometimes it took more than a liter per thousand kilometers! Of course, the valves became overgrown with a thick layer of carbon deposits and either jammed in the guides or burned out. Be that as it may, the matter turned into a serious repair (exclusively under warranty). Considering that the defect was obvious, widespread and fleeting, we undertake to assure you that all the engines were repaired, and it is unlikely to encounter such a disaster today.

The timing drive on the TU5 is belt driven, so strictly follow the replacement schedule. At first they ordered it to be changed after 80 thousand km, and later the period was increased to 120 thousand. But experts recommend sticking to the old recommendations, since belt breaks have occurred with a mileage of just over 100 thousand km.

EP6: Bad Inheritance

In 2008, the TU5 engine was gradually replaced by the more modern EP6 unit (1.6 l, 120 hp) jointly developed by the PCA and BMW concerns. Here the camshaft is driven by a chain. Do you hope it won't be demolished? No matter how it is: the first signs of excessive elongation make themselves felt already at 50–60 thousand km. But this is not the most unpleasant thing: the sprocket on the crankshaft is fixed only by friction (there is no key or pin), and sometimes the central bolt does not hold. There are known cases when it unscrewed itself, of course, with sad consequences.

The situation is even worse with the EP6DT engine, equipped with a turbocharger: if the sprocket turns even a little, the electronics will turn off the turbine. And this is also unsafe - imagine what would happen when overtaking!

The operation of the control electric motor of the valve lift mechanism, as mechanics joke, contradicts the laws of physics: instead of current, oil flows through the wires. It seeps down the regulator rod and, having passed through the entire motor, finishes it off. Fortunately, this is a warranty case - the dealer will fork out 7,150 rubles (labor plus spare parts).

EW10A awaits grinding in

The two-liter EW10A is familiar from the C5 model. If the cold engine does not hold idle speed and “fails” during transient conditions, your way to service. There, say the “initialization” spell, and the specialists will immediately understand: the elements of the engine’s peripheral equipment have ceased to understand each other.

The process of grinding in the characters is simple: connect the scanner to a cold engine, switch it to sensor training mode and, after starting the engine, warm it up to operating temperature(before turning on the fan). After which the electronics begin to work harmoniously, as a single organism.

Cars with an ET3 engine are extremely rare on the market. It’s a pity, because this is one of the most reliable gasoline units. Statistics on diesel engines that are not officially supplied to us are scarce. It is only known that in Europe they work without serious breakdowns, but in our closest neighbors, in Belarus and Ukraine, expensive fuel equipment sometimes fails.

Automatic transmission - it can't be worse

About automatic transmission(the infamous AL4) is usually spoken very emotionally - for many years now the French have not been able to achieve its reliability! Either an error will be displayed due to the pressure difference (the valve does not hold), then the entire hydraulic unit will malfunction, or even the band brake will break completely and the unit will jam. It happened that a brand new car could not leave the car transporter on its own! So the owners go to the service as if they were going to work (by the way, read one of the stories in the “Forum” section). You don’t know what’s better - to take a car with an automatic and constantly pray for it, or to prefer a manual.

But it is not a miracle of technology either - noisy, with an indistinct cable drive. In addition, on some cars the input shaft taps, complaining of increased axial play. It happens that a tooth on the main pair gear flies out and pierces the crankcase. These problems are known from Xara, from which the unit was borrowed, but, alas, it was not possible to bring it to fruition.

...and other little things

The engine temperature sensor fails regularly. Some owners have already changed it three times, which is why they came to the conclusion: evolution has not affected this detail.

The generator is also weak - after three or four years it gives in under the influence of de-icing chemicals. In winter, the starter often malfunctions: the solenoid relay clicks, but the electric motor does not spin. The culprit here is the abundance of lubricant inside the relay. Having frozen, it reliably insulates the power contacts, and in order to bring the unit back to life, sometimes it is enough to simply remove the excess.

It turns out that evolution is not always for the good. Using this model as an example, I dare to say: the French did not have enough revolutionary spirit (or means?) to radically change the design and immediately eradicate childhood diseases of problematic components and assemblies.

It's a nice car, but innovative design alone won't get you far.

We thank the Citroen Center Moscow company on Viktorenko Street for their assistance in preparing the material.

To this day, this car stands out favorably in traffic. First of all, it is necessary to note the successful design of the three-door hatchback, which was proudly positioned by the French as a coupe - the Citroen C4. The cars offered at attractive prices have numerous weak points and disadvantages that should be given close attention during the selection and purchasing process.

Specifications

• Sedan;
• Power units: five gasoline (volume from 1.4 to 1.8 liters develop 90, 110, 138, 143 and 180 hp) and three diesel engines with the common rai l system (1.6 and 2 liters produce 92, 110 and 138 hp);
• Transmission: manual 5- and 6-speed, automatic 4-speed and six-speed “robot”;
• Fuel tank volume – 60 l;
• Fuel consumption - y gasoline engines 8.7 - 11.7 liters per 100 km, for diesel engines - 6-7 liters.

Advantages and benefits of Citroen C4

1. Spacious and comfortable salon. Attractive interior;
2. Unusual body design;
3. High-quality finishing materials;
4. Unpretentious in maintenance;
5. Economical fuel consumption;
6. Safety;
7. Good aerodynamics;
8. Average level of sound insulation.

Weaknesses of Citroen C4

• Chassis;
• Power steering;
• Power plants;
• automatic transmission;
• manual transmission;
• Wheel bearings;
• Starter;
• Rapid wear of chassis elements;
• Ignition coil;
• Climate – control;
• Electric heating of seats and power windows;
• Engine TU5.

Now more details...

The weak point of the suspension is the silent blocks installed at the rear. Their lifespan is short and they break down after a mileage of 40 thousand km. A sign of a malfunction is knocking in the suspension. The shock absorber boot can also make similar sounds. This is explained by its free movement up and down the rod.

Power steering

The Citroen C4 has electro-hydraulic power steering. Its main problem is the leakage of the hydraulic pump. This happens through a chip that is located adjacent to the power cable. To fix the problem, you need to replace the node with a new one. This will require reconfiguration electronic unit management.

Power plants

Power plants are very sensitive to the quality of the fuel used. If it is low, the engine will quickly become clogged and the life of the spark plugs will decrease. Bad fuel leads to carbon deposits on the valves. The problem occurs after a mileage of 60 thousand km. There is a high probability of a drop in compression and power in the first year of operation. When buying not only a used, but also a new car, these points need to be given special attention. Diagnostics and compression measurements will help determine the problem.

An automatic transmission rarely runs without problems, even 100,000 km. And critical and serious problems begin to appear in the area of ​​150 thousand km. To avoid costly repairs and even replacement, you need to pay close attention to the operation of the box during a test drive. Often, in neglected units, the band brake often breaks; the unit will then require overhaul and high costs accordingly. Characteristic signs of an imminent breakdown are shocks when changing gears.

Manual transmissions cause fewer problems for owners of cars with these boxes, but they are also not as reliable as we would like. It is necessary to pay attention to whether the gears are engaged clearly and the clutch pedal travel. Clutch replacement is often necessary at a mileage interval of 80,000 km.

Wheel bearings.

Wheel bearings quickly fail. To prevent the purchase of a car from causing the need to immediately engage in repairs, pay attention to the characteristic hum while driving. Replacement and the cost are not high, but it is better to save money, especially since bearing failure is easily determined, as mentioned above, by the characteristic hum when the car is moving.

The starter is unreliable, problems appear in winter. If it doesn't work right away, don't avoid buying the model you're testing. There is an easy way to avoid costly replacement - reduce the amount of lubricant in the relay. At sub-zero temperatures, the lubricant thickens so much that the power contacts are blocked.

The chassis of the Citroen C4 is flimsy. Before purchasing during the trip, try to catch the play and extraneous knocks. You may have to change the rods and tips, ball joints and stabilizer links. These parts last an average of 35,000 km, which is very little. If strong dives occur during braking, the struts may need to be replaced.

Ignition coil.

Ignition coils often fail when refueling with low-quality fuel, untimely replacement of spark plugs and other indirect and direct reasons. It is impossible to diagnose on your own. After purchasing a car, be sure to replace the spark plugs, change them more often than required.

Climate control.

Climate control. A frequent problem is the failure of the control unit. Testing the operation of the system is easy; just ask the owner to turn on the air conditioner. Do not neglect this advice, even in winter time. Find a heated box or underground parking to check the operation of the air conditioning system.

Electric heating of seats and power windows.

Electric seat heating is one of the diseases of the Citroen C4. In this case, this is not a small thing. Turn it on and check if it works. The backrests and seat cushions are assembled into a single system. The wiring often gets frayed, and failure of one of them may force you to re-tighten the seats.

Power windows often fail. This must be noted during the inspection. There is probably no need to explain how to check the performance of window regulators. It's a small thing, but fixing the problem is labor-intensive work.

Engine TU5.

Engine TU5. Avoid cars equipped with this power unit. The engine often warps and the throttle valve fails. Many engines were equipped with defective throttle valves. Most often, it is on these engines that the thermostat gets stuck; the pump is changed with each timing belt replacement, which is recommended to be done after 60,000 km.

The main disadvantages of the Citroen C4

1. Rigid suspension (rear);
2. Door seals are ground in paintwork;
3. Interior crickets;
4. Miscalculations in ergonomics;
5. Maintenance is not cheap;
6. Insufficient visibility;
7. Small trunk volume.

Conclusion.

If you decide to buy this car, you need to understand that you will have to shell out significant funds for repairs and maintenance. It is strictly not recommended to purchase a car with an automatic transmission. Engine oil consumption can reach 0.5 liters per thousand kilometers; this is quite common.

Disadvantages and advantages, weak points of the Citroen C4 was last modified: November 24, 2018 by Administrator