C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 BlueHDI Water pump / timing belt failure :(

[Jules]

Hi all

Sorry to be posting for the first time with a bad news story, but I'd value some advice or views on my situation.

Unfortunately my 2017 C4 GP 1.6 BlueHDI seems to have had a water pump failure / seizure leading to timing belt failure etc.. True extent of damage yet to be determined, but it's going to be expensive.

I am obviously not happy, but more so because we've had the car since new, and always serviced it at the dealership, and it is less than 5 years old. I don't think a car of this age and ~100k miles should be suffering such catastrophic breakdown.

Is this common or a known issue?

I'm wondering about what chance we have of getting Citroen to stump up for repairs. Has anyone had any joy with that in the past?

Gutted.

Thanks in advance.

[GiveMeABreak]

The timing belt and water pump would of been due any time now on this engine (about 108k -112k miles) on this engine, so maybe you were unlucky. If you've had it main dealer serviced, I would speak to Citroen and have a moan, emphasising that you have had it dealer maintained and see what they say - but given the mileage and 2 years out of warranty they may not do anything, especially as it may have caused periphery damage to the rockers assuming the belt has snapped.

[RichardW]

Welcome along, sorry to hear about the failure. Sadly at 5+ years old the chances of getting Citroen to do anything are nil - they refused to even acknowledge there was an issue with the turbos on early 1.6 HDi engines for instance. You might be 'lucky' and it might just have broken a few rockers meaning the head might not have to come off - although some versions of this engine line have pressed on cam lobes and the valve vs piston action can knock out the cam timing. I would just ignore Citroen and find a (Cheaper!) independent that can fix it. Or even, in the current market, sell it spares / repair, it's probably worth reasonable money to someone that can DIY it.

[Jules]

Hi. I know it's been a while, but as an update, Cit UK did agree to pay 50% of the final bill. The car was just under 5 years old, owned from new and kept strictly to the service schedule at the same main dealer, which must have helped.

In the end, it was deemed that a brand new engine was necessary, and if I'd had to cover all that, then I think I'd have scrapped it, or at best had it repaired elsewhere with a recon engine. At least this means that I get a car back with zero miles on the engine, which I'm then happy to keep using. And of course I don't need to have the timing belt & water pump done as I would've in just a few thousand miles time! Always a silver lining eh?

One thing, I will be getting the clutch done whilst it's in bits. At least the kit, but possibly the flywheel too. Thoughts on that? The flywheel is obviously quite an expensive part. The car has never towed, and I think has had a relatively easy life with mostly rural and motorway miles.

Any idea which manufacturer Citroen original parts would be for the DMF? Luk, Valeo, Sachs etc.? They seem to be available far cheaper than dealer quoted.

So after almost 2 months now, it'll be like getting a new car once I have it back!

Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

Well that's a good result, well done.

As far as the DMF goes - yes get it done at the same time - they rarely outlast another clutch and the labour cost is prohibitive as the whole lot has to come out again to do it.

Flywheels and clutches are not always more expensive elsewhere, so be careful. It depends on stock, but prices change frequently.

If you can't already find the info you need on the Forum, we do ask for a membership upgrade for official parts data as we are in turn charged for this. It will cover you for future parts requests for up to 2 years, so excellent value.

If interested, links are below, then pop your VIN up.

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[Jules]

Hi Marc.

Thanks for that.

It's not really parts #s I'm after etc. Just general info, as I thought it might be worth me sourcing the part myself. I do trust the dealer though, but expect that they would not shop around in the same way the owner would! Hence me wondering which manufacturer as I'd seen several options. Doubt it would save me that much on the scheme of things anyway. At least they will not charge extra labour for fitting as the engine will already be out.

Thanks for the advice on getting the DMF done. I am waiting to hear from them on how it looks once out - it does seem like a no brainer, but the bill is already high enough. "In for a penny.." and all that though!

[Jules]

Hi all

I'm dropping in to update my thread, although a bit late!

I eventually got Citroen UK to stump up 50% of the costs relating to the engine failure. Shiny new engine direct from Citroen, and associated parts. The dealer had the car for well over 2 months in the end, while I continued my "negotiations".

Also got the DMF replaced. Unfortunately, the MOT and service were also due by then, so I had to add brake discs, pads, tyres... adding a whole lot more to the bill!!!

One thing, this engine seems a quieter than when we had it new. I'm pretty sure I'm not imagining that. I always wondered if some sound proofing had been missed or improperly installed as the engine noise in the cabin was louder than I'd expected (although coming from an S-Max previously, and presumed build quality differences). Now, that noise is far less, unless my memory if playing tricks.

This car now owes me a lot more miles - but I do feel more comfortable about keeping it longer now anyway (which is a good job as I suspect it's difficult to sell a car for a higher price just because it has a new engine etc, as people will not even look past the listing price).

Thanks for all the advice, back at the time.

[GiveMeABreak]

Great, thanks for the update. I hope she gives you many more years on the road.