Citroen C4 is a compact car produced by the French manufacturer Citroen.
The first generation was first presented to the general public at the Geneva Motor Show in 2004. The model is based on the Peugeot 307 platform. At first, only two bodies were available to consumers, namely a five-door hatchback and a three-door coupe. Later, a four-door sedan and a five-door MPV (known as the C4 Picasso) were added. In 2008, the model underwent restyling, as a result of which the appearance was changed.
For the first generation, several transmission options were offered, including: five-speed and six-speed manual, four-speed, and six-speed automatic transmissions. The following engines were available:
- Gasoline, with a displacement of 1.4 liters and a power of 87 horsepower;
- Gasoline, with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 108 horsepower;
- Gasoline, with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 118 horsepower;
- Gasoline, with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 148 horsepower;
- Gasoline, with a displacement of 2.0 liters and a power of 134 horsepower;
- Gasoline, with a displacement of 2.0 liters and a power of 138 horsepower;
- Gasoline, with a displacement of 2.0 liters and a power of 176 horsepower;
- Diesel, with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 89 horsepower;
- Diesel, with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 108 horsepower;
- Diesel, with a displacement of 2.0 liters and a power of 134 horsepower;
- Diesel, with a displacement of 2.0 liters and a power of 138 horsepower.
The second generation, introduced in 2010, is available in three-door coupe, four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. The range of transmissions includes a five-speed and six-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a six-speed EGS robotic gearbox. Some engines for the second generation were inherited from the predecessor, but were modernized. The updated line of units now includes:
- 1.4 liter petrol engine with 90 horsepower;
- 1.6 liter petrol engine with 110 horsepower;
- 1.6 liter petrol engine with 113 horsepower;
- 1.6 liter petrol engine with 120 horsepower;
- 1.6 liter petrol engine with 150 horsepower;
- 2.0 liter petrol engine with 143 horsepower;
- 2.0 liter petrol engine with 180 horsepower;
- 1.6 liter diesel engine with 92 horsepower;
- 1.6 liter diesel engine with 110 horsepower;
- 2.0 liter diesel engine with 138 horsepower.
First generation (2004 – 2010)
Five-speed manual transmission (1.6L)
- Original gear oil used at the factory: synthetic
- Viscosity characteristics of recommended oil: 75W80
- Lubricant volume in the gearbox: 2.0 l.
- Oil change interval: 50 thousand - 100 thousand km.
Five-speed manual transmission (2.0L)
- Original gear oil used at the factory: synthetic
- Viscosity characteristics of recommended oil: 75W80
- Lubricant volume in the gearbox: 2.0 l.
- Oil change interval: 50 thousand - 100 thousand km.
Six-speed manual transmission (2.0L)
- Original gear oil used at the factory: synthetic
- Viscosity characteristics of recommended oil: 75W80
- Lubricant volume in the gearbox: 2.2 l.
- Oil change interval: 50 thousand - 100 thousand km.
Second generation (2010–present)
Five-speed manual transmission (1.4L)
- Original gear oil used at the factory: synthetic
- Viscosity characteristics of recommended oil: 75W90 Gl4/Gl5
- Lubricant volume in the gearbox: 2.0 l.
- Oil change interval: 50 thousand - 100 thousand km.
Oil plays an important role in the operation of an automatic transmission. It not only reduces the friction between parts, but also removes excess heat and cleans spare parts from contaminants. Like any other material, lubricant has a service life - it cannot endlessly create good conditions for the operation of the box. How to understand when a replacement is needed and whether it is needed at all? Which product to choose and is it possible to change the automatic transmission oil in a Citroen C4 yourself?
Do I need to change the oil?
The official owner's manual states that the automatic transmission is not serviceable and does not need to change its oil. But experienced auto mechanics dispute such instructions, saying that the lubricant is a consumable item. It is used up, becomes contaminated, evaporates, and loses its properties. The wear rate of parts gradually increases, and at a certain point the component fails.
If you need to use the car longer than its warranty period, sooner or later you will have to change the oil in the Citroen C4 automatic transmission. The question is how quickly to do this.
We identify the need for replacement based on the main signs
Some car owners say that the automatic transmission needs to be serviced once every 35–50 thousand kilometers, others argue that they have already driven more than 100 thousand and nothing has broken. The specific timing depends on how the car is used: someone drives on good roads early in the morning or late at night, avoiding traffic jams. Others, on the contrary, operate the car in the most difficult conditions for it. That’s why some people have problems after 50 thousand kilometers, and for others after 150 thousand.
High mileage on a car is not a reason to change the oil. If the car is working properly, there are no signs of gearbox failure, then replacing it will only hurt.
The oil should be updated if:
Oil selection
The choice depends on the specific model of the car and its engine size. Citroen C4 is available with 1.6 and 2 liter power units. For the former, the following oils are most often used:
- Dexron III;
- MOPAR ATF +3;
- MOPAR ATF +4;
- Ford Mercon V;
- MB 236.6/7/10/12;
- VW G 052 162.
For two-liter engines the following compositions can be used:
- Toyota JWS 3309/Type T-IV;
- VAG G-055-025-A2;
- Ford WSS-M2C924-A.
There are products that are suitable for cars with different engines. For example, the manufacturer initially uses and recommends TOTAL FLUIDE XLD FE as a replacement. This is the best option, since changing the oil to another always leads to a change in the balance of additives, which can affect the quality of the machine.
How to make a replacement?
The best solution for car maintenance is always to contact a specialist. But if necessary, you can change the transmission oil yourself. For this you will need:
- Unscrew the drain plug - it is located at the bottom of the machine. You can't make a mistake, since she's the only one there.
- Place the container.
- Under the plug there is a valve, which is also threaded. It also needs to be unscrewed. Wait until the liquid flows out - there should be about 3-4 liters.
- Tighten the valve and plug.
- Add fresh fluid using a funnel (the neck is located under the hood).
- Warm up the engine until the fan starts, then move the lever through all positions and return to “P”.
- Unscrew the drain plug (do not unscrew the valve) and wait until the ATF drains.
After replacing the transmission problems should disappear.
Manufacturers of the Citroen C4 automobile brand recommend changing the oil in the manual transmission every 60 thousand km. If the car owner does not do this, he may have problems with:
- gearbox;
- with their switching;
- transmission wear.
Over time, car oil changes its chemical and physical properties and therefore timely replacement will extend the life of the vehicle.
How to extend the life of a gearbox?
- Proper engine warming up in winter. During this period, the oil drops to its lower limits and for it to work, you need to start the vehicle engine for a few minutes and warm it up. If this is not done, then premature wear of the manual transmission occurs.
- Timely check of oil level. It must be within normal limits for the car engine to function properly.
- In case of long-term parking, it is necessary to put the car on the handbrake.
- Do not use sudden braking. Reverse speed is only engaged when the vehicle is completely stopped.
When changing the oil in a manual transmission on a Citroen C4, the car owner must take into account the type and year of manufacture of the vehicle. Manufacturers of this car brand recommend using only original lubricant - TOTAL QUARTZ INEO FIRST 0W30.
The benefits of this oil include:
- the use of this type of oil fluid prevents premature wear of the manual transmission;
- helps to avoid all kinds of deposits on the engine in any vehicle operating conditions;
- motor oil can also be poured into diesel engines;
- Using original oil fluid helps to clean exhaust systems.
Before changing the oil in the manual transmission on a Citroen C4, it is recommended to clean the engine. The need for the procedure arises to ensure that old dust and debris do not get into the new oil.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in a manual transmission
To change the oil on a Citroen C4, its owner must carefully prepare for the process. First of all, the tools are prepared:
- latex gloves;
- screwdriver;
- oil (approximately 2 liters will be required for filling);
- empty containers;
- funnel.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in a manual transmission in a Citroen C4:
Why might oil leak?
An oil leak in a Citroen C4 manual transmission can occur for the following reasons:
- A non-original oil filter was installed. In this situation, its gasket begins to leak and the only solution is to buy a new auto part.
- The O-ring is not tightly screwed onto the oil filter. The solution is to replace the old part with a new one or tighten the ring more tightly to prevent untimely oil leakage from the manual transmission.
- Worn seals or surface shafts. In this case, it is necessary to replace them and the leak will disappear.
- The dipstick is not installed tightly. The solution is to twist it tighter.
The Citroen C4 car owner can resolve the above problems on his own and not contact a service center.
Differences between manual transmission oil changes on other Citroen models
In the Citroen Berlingo, changing the oil in the manual transmission is carried out according to the same scheme as in the Citroen C4, but there are several nuances that the car owner should know:
Otherwise, there is no significant replacement for changing the oil on different Citroen car models. The car owner is recommended to replace the fluid in a timely manner to avoid engine breakdowns.
