CITROEN C1: Questions and answers

Citroen C1 2007

My Citroen C1 is going to have the water pump replaced in 6 days time as it`s started to rattle. Is it still okay to drive approx 30 miles a day in heavy traffic or should I leave it at home? (vibe)

Citroen C1 2008

My wife`s Citroen C1 has a top end rattle that is noticeably louder when cold. It sounds like a cam to valve issue but I’m not sure of the cam follower arrangement on this engine. What is the likely cause?

Citroen C1 2011

I noticed that I have a grinding/scraping when turning right in my Citroen C1. The further round I steer the louder it gets, but there is no noise at all when I turn left. Does anyone have any idea what this could be? Is it serious?

Citroen C1 2008

My central locking has not worked from 3 days from buying my car, it opens the driver’s door but the passengers does not unlock. I have changed the fuse but this was not the fault. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Citroen C1 2007

I am trying to identify which wire to the nearside headlamp bulb is the main beam on my Citroen C1. I can see red, green and grey. Red is best guess but I’d like to know for sure so I can take a feed to driving lights via a relay. Can anyone help me please? (Vibe)

Citroen C1 2007

The main problem with my Citroen C1 is that the engine light is always on, sometimes it disappears but after a short period it comes on again. Please can anyone help?

Citroen C1 2007

I was wondering if anyone can help. My Citroen C1 will not go into reverse gear without serious crunching and grinding. It also struggles to go into first when setting off but once it gets going all other gears are fine. Also when the clutch is pressed down or when biting there is a rattling noise. I have tried adjusting the clutch but there`s only a slight improvement . Any ideas please?

Answers

Sounds like you need a replacement clutch, mine went about 2 weeks ago with exactly the same problems. I drove it for a day or two and it just gets worse - Beth Grisedale from England

Citroen C1 2008

My Citroen C1 sometimes loses power and cuts out. It`s unable to start immediately but after waiting a few minutes it successfully starts. What could the problem be?

Citroen C1 2011

Hi, I have just noticed that the driver`s side rear passenger window on my Citroen C1 has come off one of it`s brackets, (glued on by the looks of it). Is there a quick fix on this or is it a garage job? Cheers.

Answers

I had the same problem - my garage referred me to a local windscreen specialist as it needs a special glue. They did the job in about 5 minutes and didn’t charge me anything for it! I think this is known problem on the C1 - Michael Gregory from Oxfordshire

Had the same problem twice. The first time I asked autoglass if they could fix it and they glued it using what appeared to be the same stuff that they use for windscreens, charged 85 pounds to do this, but only lasted for a year. Second time, i simply bought some evo-stick glass/metal clear glue and a small clamp. I takes two minutes to remove the window (two bolts and a couple of hex bolts where the window opens). mark out where the hinge needs to go, clean off the old adhesive, then glue, gently clamp and leave for ah hour.This repair has lasted me over a year so far and has no signs of failing (and i do around 35k miles a year) - Mark from Essex

Citroen C1 2010

Hi. My Citroen C1 is letting in water in the boot. I had it in the garage and they fixed the seals but I had to take it back. They now say they will have to take the roof off to find the leak. Has anyone heard this before? I have to take it back in on January 14th and am having problems with my locks as well.

Answers

Hey! I have the same problem, my boot lock won’t work at all, can’t even get the key in anymore and my driver’s side lock is starting to do the same. I have had the leck in my boot for the last 5 years and the same problem my mother has with her 12 plate - Kimberley from Wales

I bought my C1 secondhand and I noticed the left side of the boot carpet was sodden. I removed the carpet and then noticed the spare wheel well had 3 inches of water in it. I removed the rubber bung and drained it out, then dried it out with towels. I dried the carpet over one of my radiators. Within two weeks it was wet again. When I had a service I asked them to fix it. They seemed to know about the general problem. Later, when I asked if they had fixed it they said that the C1 was known for letting water in through the rear lamp lens area (presumably there’s a gap between the lens and the bodywork or something). I also seem to recall they mentioned a special glue (sealant?). Anyway, it seems to have been fixed (under warranty) - Ray Battersby from Sussex

Citroen C1 2007

My Citroen C1`s battery light does not go out, then when you have been driving a while the temperature light comes on, followed by the stop light, but the heater is blowing cold air. What`s wrong?

Answers

Battery light indicates it is not charging, so either faulty battery not accepting charge or alternator has gone. As for the temp light and cold air, is there enough water in the collant? The heaters use the heat produced by the engine transfered to the collant which then goes on to the radiator which cools the water down and is also used for your own heating system hence why it takes a while to heat up. The engine heat sensor is working and telling you to stop your engine before you overheat it. Do you have a leak? Richard from England

Citroen C1 2011

Where, from whom and at what cost can I purchase a new replacement seal/gasket that is fixed by double sided tape to the interior of the rear light cluster of my Citroen C1? This faulty gasket is the cause of water ingress into the boot via the cable penetration in the bulkhead. This would appear to be a common fault condition on these types by the amount of posts on the subject and would appear to be poor engineering and design by the manufacturers. On applying to my local dealers, I`’m informed that I must purchase a new complete light cluster (£50) as gaskets are not sold separately. When by the nature of it`s composition the said gasket/seal can only have an intrinsic value of pennies, this is a price too far. Failure to obtain a new seal at a reasonable price will result in doing what I generally do with regards to most things and that is manufacture one myself .

Citroen C1 2007

My Citroen C1 has only done 20,000 miles. When driving every now and then, mostly when changing to second from first, I experience the gears feeling ’loose’, it`s very unnerving when in heavy traffic. After being told nothing was wrong by the garage I bought it from, I had a second opinion from another garage who said the clutch was at it`s highest position and needed changing. With this information and after a struggle the original garage has offered to put in a new clutch. I have read on the internet many ’threads’ saying pre-2009 models with the 180mm clutch plate have the same problem. Can anyone confirm this or am I imagining the problem? Also I have a wet boot on the right hand side. I really wish I hadn`t bought a C1 after reading all the negatives. Can anyone help?

Citroen C1 2006

My Citroen C1 does not start and is flashing a red stop light from the dash. Can anyone tell me what it is or what`s wrong with it?

Citroen C1 2011

I would like to know how I either pull up or remove the rear (non split fold) seat in my 60 plate Citroen C1 VTR? My son dropped a smalll object in the hole where the seatbelt comes through and having searched as best I can I can’t find it, nor has it fallen into the cavity where the spare tyre is! Can anyone help? Thanks. (VTR)

Citroen C1 2006

My partner has a 2006 Citroen C1 with a mere 5k on the clock since new. At the last service the agent said the water pump was leaking and the bill would be around £400. I have inspected and run the car. There is no evidence on the engine block or water on the ground. The oil is perfect and level correct although it was changed at the service. Of course I did not get to see the oil that came out. The water level is perfect and holding so far. I have examined the rocker cover cap and here I found the faintest sign of emulsion (about as thick as a coat of car paint) that I put down to moisture in the air and lack of use. I reckon to keep running and watch for signs - what does anyone think, please? Cheers.

Answers

Mine has just seized up but this was after 4 years and 34,000 miles. The only sign was some discolouration just below the water pump pulley where I think there is a drain hole which only comes into play once the pump bearing is on its way out. Modified water pump was £45.00 and took me about two hours to fit - Mike Graham from Lancashire

Citroen C1 2011

I have water leaking from somewhere in my Citroen C1 causing the rear footwells to be filled with water. It has been back to the garage and they replaced the rear door seals. Unfortunately this has not cured the problem. Has anyone out there had the same experience? Many thanks.

Answers

I had the same problem with my C1 I’m afraid, took it back to the garage and they replaced the seals under warranty. The car was only 2 years old but the water was still coming in under the rear footwells so I decided I had to get rid of the car and traded it in, loved the car but I wasn’t going to keep paying monthly payments for that - Richard Coleman from Northumberland

I have a C2 and have had a similar problem. I had my seals replaced on my boot but everytime it rains my boot and back seats are getting soaking. Unfortunately I have yet solved the problem but it could possibly be coming in through the lights as my rear windows nor my roof lining are at all wet! Sam Murdy from Northumberland

Thank you. That is useful. It’s due to go back to the Citroen main dealer for investigation. They claim it could be the grommets on the window but I am not convinced. There seems to have been quite a few C1s return with the same problem recently. Will update with any outcomes. Thank you - Ian Young from Surrey

Any progress on this? I had the rear tail lights resealed and the boot re-sealed as they garage seemed to think it was this. Sadly... still puddles of water in rear passenger footwells - Kate from Northumberland

I am gutted - I love my little C1 Diesel but like your emails my car is letting water into my boot and then down into my foot wells. This has to be a design fault!! I have been asked to pay for a water ingress test (as it is out of warranty - only recently). The test will cost £74:00 plus VAT. I was hoping to find a solution amongst these postings but I am not confident I will find one. I will also try and raise this issue with Citroen HQ. Please let me know if anyone out there finds a solution. :( Lin Charlwood from Worcestershire

Citroen C1 2009

Hi there. My Citroen C1 has a little flashing bar next to a little fuel pump. I don`t know how to fix this. Oh and it won`t start. Can anyone help? (Vtr +)

Answers

Try adding fuel - Ellie from England

The bars are the petrol gauge. When it gets to the bottom it flashes slowly (also beeps once) and when it’s very empty it flashes fast. When there is no more fuel the car will cut out. Solution: Put some petrol in! :) Gavin from England

Citroen C1 2007

I have a Citroen C1 2007 with 45,000 miles on the clock. It has always been a bit of a pain getting it into first gear once I have been driving for a while, but it has now become almost impossible once the car is properly warmed up. I am having to push really hard to get the car into first, but all the other gears are fine. In addition, when trying to get the car into reverse (again, when the engine has warmed up a bit), it has started grinding and making an awful noise. Has anyone else experienced this problem? It may just be my driving style as I only tend to city drive which is stop-start and have a bad habit of taking the car in and out of first gear when waiting in traffic. Also, I had to have the water pump replaced approximately four weeks ago and it was fine before then, could this be anything to do with it? (Airplay)

Answers

Your problem is a combination of two things. The first is the gear linkage is worn, damaged or misaligned (first and reverse use the same one) worst case scenario is it will break and you will lose first and reverse. The second thing is the clutch release baring is sticking. Sadly there is no adjustment on these. The only solution is to fit a new clutch. As yours is a 2007 model it will be using the old 180mm clutch, the new 190mm ones are much better. Just watch out for cheap ones that are reconditioned old ones with new 190mm plates on. A new 190mm one will cost about £90. Fitting will take about 2 hours so thats £80 upwards depending on the garage you use. You may also want to think about replacing the water pump as they are prone to going on the early models. The new style one will cost about £30 and will take about 1 1/2 hours to fit (£60+) - Gavin from England

I have seen this on some cars where the heat from the exhaust gets to the gear selector rod/nylon bush and tightens it - they often share the same space in the console under the car, often due to heat deflector moved or damaged - Henri Stighelen from Dumbartonshire

Citroen C1 2007

I am buying a Citroen C1 2007 with 64,000 miles on the clock. I only drive on average 20 miles a week (usually less). Does this car have plenty of ’mileage’ left to do? I don’t know on average how many miles a C1 has in it’s ’life’? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Answers

My wife and Father are both on their 2nd C1s and for local trips it has been brilliant. Economy is excellent. Cheap insurance and car tax. As far as I can tell and what we have experienced with ours, if it’s serviced regularly you shouldn’t have a problem. Hope that helps - Ian Young from Surrey

I should say so. Mine, a 57 plate, has done 80,000 miles (76,000 of those by me in the two years I have owned it) and shows no signs of wearing out - Mark from Essex

Citroen C1 2009

My Citroen C1 has a leak which seems to be just water under my car near the front offside wheel. At least this is where it is dripping from. Coolant, window wash etc are all on top levels so it doesn’t seem to be anything serious. What could this possibly be? Weather has been sunny for last week too.

Answers

This is normal for cars with air con. Don’t worry... if your car has air con - Bob Myers from England

Citroen C1 2012

I have a been given a hire car which is a Citroen C1. The petrol gauge is flashing a bar which has an "R" beside it. Can anyone tell me what it means, as I have no manual to explain?

Answers

It means reserve which says you need to refuel - Peet Brown from England

Citroen C1 2007

When my Citroen C1`s fuel light comes on how many miles are left in the tank?

Answers

When it beeps and it flashes slowly then you have about 40 miles left. When it starts flashing fast then you have about 20 miles. Also if the fuel gets too low it won’t misfire or splutter like old cars, the ECU will just shut off the engine. Where possible try to fill up before it gets to the fast flashing point as the last bit in the tank will have sediment in it which while the car will drive fine, doing this on a regular basis is not good for the engine - Gavin from England

Citroen C1 2012

My Citroen C1`s steering doesn`t lock when I take the key out. Should I be doing something to do this or should I go back to the garage? The car is 1 week old.

Answers

When key is removed, turn steering to either side until you feel it locked. Normally left - Peet Brown from England

My C1 steering lock has never worked since new either, I thought it did not have a lock, until I was told recently it should have. It is now 9 months old - Mark Stuart from Powys

I had the same problem on my 2008 model and took it back under warranty. You have to turn the wheel more than normal and the lock will work. Take key out and turn steering wheel as far as it will go - Graham from Cheshire

Citroen C1 2007

My Citroen C1`s heater /blower won`t start. I have looked at the 7.5amp interior fuse and that is okay,. I do hear a click under the dash when I switch it on but it doesn`t do anything. Does anyone know what could be the problem?

Citroen C1 2007

My radio on my Citroen C1 is totally unresponsive, none of the buttons work and no lights or anything come on, so I don’t have a clock in my car anymore. Does anyone know how to fix this?

Answers

Exactly same problem today on my girlfriend`s car, also same year. Have you got anywhere with it yet? I’m going to have a look at it on Thursday - Mike from England

Citroen C1 2009

My Citroen C1 has a leak coming from the driver`s door and the footwell can get very wet. How can I solve this problem?

Citroen C1 2008

My Citroen C1`s boot is becoming wet in the right hand corner. My local garage have established that it is letting water in through the back right hand side lights. On removing the light they said that there is only a piece of foam at the back and this is becoming wet through. How do you suggest this can be rectified? (Vibe)

Answers

I had exactly the same problem. The boot and rear seat was also getting wet. At first the garage said it was the seals and replaced all of them. As the car was just out of its 3 year warranty I was not that happy especially with the extra bill. This did not stop it. As you have mentioned the leak in fact was coming through the light clusters. Both were replaced and eventually when the car dried it it has not happened again. To be honest I would now move towards the Toyota version as you get a longer warranty - John Hearn from England

Citroen C1 2006

My Citroen C1`s reversing light has stopped working. I have replaced the bulb but that`s not it. Any ideas?

Citroen C1 2012

Does anyone know if ’c’ fishing rods would fit into a Citroen C1?

Citroen C1 2005

My Citroen started making a loud noise. I thought that it was the oil as there was none in it so I filled it up, but the noise was still there. It sounds like a droning noise from the engine, a bit like a loud fan. Does anyone have any idea what this could be?

Answers

Might be your water pump going which is a common fault. I had mine changed about a year ago, my car was making a noise like a fan about after a week it started smoking unable to drive it so be careful - Beth from England

Citroen C1

Everytime I try to lock my Citroen`s doors with the central locking button on my remote it just locks and then opens them straight away again, but no doors are left open. Also when in the car my driver`s side window won`t open unless I open the door with the engine running. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Answers

It might be the wiring harness between the door and car itself. It’s prone to damage when you open and close the door - Mike Baker from Neath Port Talbot

Citroen C1 2006

Hi. My Citroen C1 failed its pre MOT test yesterday as the boot would not open or the passenger side door, although the key will open the driver’s side. The garage did everything they could to release the locks but couldn`t. Any idea why the key would open the driver’s door but not the boot and passenger side? Am I going to need to change all my locks and is this expensive? Thanks. (Vibe)

Answers

Mine does the exact same thing, maybe it’s a Citroen fault - Jade L from Essex

Citroen C1 2001

Hi I have a rattling noise coming from gear box in 1st 2nd 4th 5th. Could this be the clutch or the gear box or thrust bearing?

Answers

Probably clutch friction plate breaking up. The Toyota drivetrain used in these cars is well known for clutch problems. When you get a new clutch fitted, make sure it is the bigger 190mm, not the original 180mm - Carl from Sussex

Citroen C1 2003

Hi. I have had my Citroen C1 for over a year and I have the word TRIP appearing on the screen next to the mileage. Does anyone have any idea what this means please?

Answers

It’s just the trip meter displaying. All you have to do is press the long button in once (next to the trip meter) and the word trip wil be gone, and replaced with your car mileage - John from Dumfriesshire

Citroen C1 2011

I have just got my brand new first car, a C1, and need to know if it should have two reversing lights, as mine only has one. I’m just worried it might have a problem.

Answers

Hi Steph, your car only has one reversing light and that’s fine. It was designed that way. A lot of cars only have one, especially smaller cars - Frank from Lancashire

Citroen C1 2007

My engine light keeps coming on. I took my Citroen C1 to a Citroen dealer but they can’t find anything wrong. They replaced the ECU and some other parts but the light just stays on. What should I do/try next?

Citroen C1 2008

We are having problems with the door and boot locks. Quite bad on the driver side door. This has been getting gradually worse over the past few months. Have sprayed all locks with a releaseant . will I need to replace locks or is there a solution? Thanks.

Answers

I had the same problem on both our C1 cars. If you look at key, you will find end of car wears on sides where it enters lock and will end up with key not opening locks. A new key is the answer, not cheap though about £50 each, wife had all her locks changed under warranty but had to pay for keys - Paul Cooke from Cambridgeshire

May be a manufacturing issue. My C1 is an 06 plate and drivers lock and boot lock both stopped working. Couldn’t even get the key in the lock. Rang Citroen UK who said to take it to a garage to be checked. The garage dealt directly with Citroen UK who have paid for them all to be replaced (despite the fact we are out of warranty). Just wish we were having as much luck sorting the infamous water leak! - Nickie Asha from England

I had problems with mine, it started with the boot lock not opening. I have a 2005 model. I got new barrels and keys for the doors and boot in the end - Kelly Moore from Derbyshire

Citroen C1 2005

The radio in my Citroen C1 is permanently on, even with the key out and all the buttons are unresponsive. Has anyone else had this problem or know how to fix this?

Citroen C1 2008

My C1 is leaking rain water in the rear. How can I stop it?

Answers

The only way to trace the leak is to remove the loose panel and fold seats flat with someone inside the car have water from hose pipe (not high pressure) poured over a section at a time. This should show up where the leaks are - John Shurie from England (shurj9@aol.com)

My C1 was leaking rain water through the rear light clusters, I removed the rear lights and covered the contact area with silicone sealant - Jonny Dixon from Lancashire

Hi Conrad, I had same problem, the water was coming in from around the high level rear brake light over the rear hatch back, no seal had been fitted - Charlie Stretch from Lancashire

Citreon C1 2008: I have a leaking back seat problem as well. This sounds all very similar! I wonder if getting my rear lights seen to would fix the problem too? Soo annoying being out of warranty now - must have been a faulty batch of 2008 models! Zoe Smart from Lothians

Exactly same problem! Citroen said it was my fault as I had broke the seals but I hadn’t used my boot by this point as the problem only occurred a month after I bought the car. They replaced the seals and my car is still soaking! My passenger’s have been reduced to sitting on bin bags if in the back of my car. It’s so frustrating - Sam from Northumberland

Citroen C1 2007

Where is the fuse box in a Citroen C1 2007?

Answers

Behind battery under bonnet. Remove black plastic cover and hey presto - Rob from England

There is a fuse box behind the speedo, turn the steering wheel 90 degrees either way and remove the two screws, then lift the cowling from the speedo - Jonny Dixon from Lancashire

Citroen C1 2006

How much free play should the clutch pedal have after a new clutch has been fitted only a week ago? (Petrol)

Answers

Should be about 1/2 inch. This should have been checked after the clutch was changed. Any good mech would check this clearence after fitting - John Shurie from England

Citroen C1 2006

What could be the problem if the engine light, the temperature light and the stop light appers on a Citroen C1?

Citroen C1

Bought my little red C1 2 weeks ago and am still trying to adjust my seat belt so that it doesn’t sear my neck. Does anyone know if there is an accessory available which can hold the seat belt off my neck whilst still reacting when necessary. I did have one, bought at Halfords, for my old car, but the C1 seatbelt comes directly out of the inner column and not through a buckle type fitting.

Answers

Could be that you have the seat too far forward and/or the seat back angle is too vertical - John Shurie from England