Struggling with First and Third Gear
Problem:
Your C1 runs smoothly, but occasionally you have problems moving into either first or third gear.
Models affected:
Solution:
Check your gearbox oil level. In most cases, this will be caused by drivers forgetting to change the gearbox oil or to check its level. If that's not the problem, then try applying lubricant to the gear linkage. In rare cases, there may be problems with or damage to the selector linkage arms that you'll find at the rear of the box. These will need to be replaced by a new version available here if they have become worn or damaged.
Difficulty level
1
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Doors Won't Lock
Problem:
You are unable to unlock one or all of the doors of your C1.
Models affected:
Solution:
If you've tried both your key and your fob and there are still one or more doors that won't lock, then the problem is very likely going to be a blown fuse. Replace the fuse with one of our own, using your owner's manual if you need help locating it. If you do replace the fuse and the problem persists, then you're going to have to check for any faulty wiring between the b-pillar and the driver's door.
Difficulty level
2
Part you need
Fuses Multipack
Part required
Fuses Multipack
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Car Won't Start
Problem:
Your C1 simply won't start.
Models affected:
Solution:
There are lots of reasons why your car won't start. It could be a dead battery, a faulty alternator, or a fuel pump failure. Before you start looking at these bigger jobs, it's always smart to first check the fuel filter. Although these don't wear out, they can easily become clogged by dirt. Your C1 will start to drop in terms of performance and will eventually simply not start. If your fuel filter does become clogged, it's not something that you can remove and cleanout. Instead, you will need to buy and install a full replacement. The good news is that this is very easy and low-cost, especially if you buy from us.
Difficulty level
1
Part you need
Fuel Filter
Part required
Fuel Filter
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Battery Keeps Dying
Problem:
Your car battery won't charge anymore. You've even replaced the battery, and after a few days, it has also lost all of its charge.
Models affected:
Solution:
Although they last longer than ever, a defective alternator is the problem here. The older your C1, the more likely it is that the alternator will have reached its end of life. The good news is that you can buy replacements very easily from us and installing them takes less than five minutes.
Difficulty level
1
Part you need
Alternator
Part required
Alternator
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Stereo is Permanently On
Problem:
Even when the car is not running, the stereo continues to play. The on/off button is unresponsive.
Models affected:
Solution:
This could be a fault with the on/off button, in which case it's best to just buy and install a replacement stereo from us. Before you do that, it's worth removing and disconnecting the stereo completely, then reconnect it. In some cases, this will resolve the issue permanently.
Difficulty level
1
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Condensation in Headlights
Problem:
There is condensation in your headlights. In some cases, that condensation will accumulate to the point where your headlight unit starts to become filled with liquid.
Models affected:
Solution:
This will usually be a case of not having enough sealant on the headlight unit. The best fix here is to remove the entire headlight and dry it out overnight before reinstalling it with more sealant. If the C1 is an older model, then you may notice rust or water damage. While this isn't dangerous, it's a good excuse to get a newer replacement from us.
Difficulty level
1
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Short Rear Wiper
Problem:
The rear window wiper is too short and doesn't provide maximum visibility when driving in the rain.
Models affected:
Solution:
This is a design flaw of the C1, and the short wiper is the standard one. Even new models of the C1 still have this issue. While it's not a serious problem, it's worth taking the time to replace it with a more practical and longer rear wiper available from our catalogue.
Difficulty level
1
Part you need
Wiper Arm
Part required
Wiper Arm
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Loose Rear Window
Problem:
You can hear a rattling coming from the rear window or have noticed that it shifts position occasionally.
Models affected:
Solution:
This is caused by insufficient bonding on the rear window and resulted in a recall by Citroen. If your car is affected, then you can either rebond or replace the entire rear window with a replacement here. Both tasks are relatively simple, although replacing the entire window can be very awkward to do yourself.
Difficulty level
2
Phone Fails To Connect to Infotainment System
Problem:
Your phone refuses to connect to the touchscreen.
Models affected:
Solution:
This is a design decision made by Citroen and affects all C1s apart from the entry-level versions. The problem is that the MirrorLink function just isn't compatible with all models of the iPhone. If your phone won't connect and it's not an iPhone, then it's going to be a software problem, and you'll need to take it to a Citroen dealer for an update.
Difficulty level
1
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Starting problems
Problem:
A common issue on the C1 is to do with starting problems specifically to do with the starter motor failure. This is caused by the electric motor getting burned out.
Models affected:
Solution:
A way to get this problem resolved is to have a timer fitted on the start relay. This will stop the starter running too long, which can cause the starter motor to burn out.
Difficulty level
3
Part you need
Starter Motor Relay
Part required
Starter Motor Relay
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Loud exhaust noise
Problem:
Have you ever heard a growling noise coming from the rear exhaust, either when you are driving or especially when you are sitting revving the car in neutral? If so, these are indications of a problem with the back box.
Models affected:
Solution:
You will need to replace the rear section of the exhaust system to sort out this problem. Breakeryard can help you find a cheap replacement rear exhaust.
Difficulty level
3
Part you need
Exhaust Rear Box
Part required
Exhaust Rear Box
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Airbag warning light
Problem:
It is re known on the C1 for the air bag warning light to appear on the dashboard. If it is flashing then it is most likely the firing unit on either the passenger or drivers air bag is at fault.
Models affected:
Solution:
You will then need to correctly identify exactly which one it is by having a diagnostic check. Once you have identified which firing unit is faulty, you will need to fit a replacement firing unit to sort the problem.
Difficulty level
5
Part you need
Airbag
Part required
Airbag
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Water leaks
Problem:
You may have experienced or be experiencing water leaking into either the front foot well or the floor of the boot area. The C1 is commonly known for having problems with the door seals. A tell tale sign would be noticing the carpets are damp in one of these areas.
Models affected:
Solution:
You will need to replace the seal which is leaking to fix the problem. Remember to dry out the carpets so that you can avoid a damp smell. If your vehicle is still under warranty, this will get fixed for free.
Difficulty level
3
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Front Seat Belts not Locking
Problem:
The driver and passenger in the front seats find that the seatbelt won't lock into place.
Models affected:
Solution:
As this is obviously a very serious problem, faulty seat belts should always be repaired or replaced as quickly as possible. Common in C1s built in December 2009, the only way to repair the issue is to completely replace the seat belt locking mechanism with one of our new ones.
Difficulty level
3
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Car Lights Won't Turn Off
Problem:
The headlights on your C1 stay on, even after you've turned them off and shut the car down completely.
Models affected:
Solution:
In most cases, this will be a fuse issue. Replace the fuses for your headlights and test them. If they are still faulty, try disconnecting the battery lead and then reattach it. This can help to reset any faults. If neither of these solutions works, then you will need to have a full diagnostic check.
Difficulty level
1
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Worn Seat Belts
Problem:
You've noticed that the seatbelts for the rear seats are becoming frayed at the joint between the buckle and the anchor plate.
Models affected:
Solution:
Citroen recalled C1s built in 2020 due to the wrong stitching on the rear seatbelts. If your car is under warranty, you can normally get a Citroen dealer to replace the seatbelts for you. If you're not still under warranty, then you will have to replace the seatbelts yourself with one of our options.
Difficulty level
2
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Reading these common Citroen C1 problemsshould help you find out what is wrong with your Citroen C1– or just what to look out for in the future. We’ll also give suggestionson what to do if your Citroen C1 does have one of theseissues.
FAQs
What are the common faults on a Citroen C1? ›
A common issue on the C1 is to do with starting problems specifically to do with the starter motor failure. This is caused by the electric motor getting burned out.
Are Citroen C1 cars reliable? ›The Citroen C1 is a little city car that's reliable, fun to drive and inexpensive to run. Equally comfortable in town and on the motorway, the engines are capable and very frugal.
How long does a clutch last on a Citroen C1? ›A clutches life expectancy differs from car to car. The clutch on your Citroën C1 will need replacing anywhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
Is Citroen C1 a Toyota engine? ›The C1 was launched in a joint project between Peugeot and Toyota in 2005. The model line up was the Citroen C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo. Peugeot and Citroen built the models, while Toyota supplied the engines. The first generation of C1 ran to 2012, along with the Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo.
Does the Citroen C1 have a Cambelt? ›Answered by Dan Powell. The Citroen C1 (built from 2005 - 2014) 1.4 diesel uses a timing belt that should be replaced every five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). 1.0-litre petrol uses a timing chain.
Is a Citroen C1 a good first car? ›THE Citroen C1 is an ideal first car. It's cheap, cheerful, cute and has a sardine tin-style peel-back roof that will come in handy for taking Ikea furniture to uni halls. But I'd actually go a bit further and say it's ONLY a first car.
Which is best Peugeot 107 or Citroën C1? ›Being essentially the same car underneath, the Peugeot 107 shares the Toyota Aygo's strengths and weaknesses; it's great fun around town, but not so competent out on the open road. But the 107 (and the Citroën C1) is more common and a fraction cheaper, which makes it a slightly better buy.
Is a Citroën C1 safe on motorway? ›Unfortunately, it's not much better on a motorway. The C1 is easily unsettled by expansion joints and potholes at speed, although it does at least ride over undulations well enough.
How often does a Citroën C1 need servicing? ›Servicing your Citroen C1
At the very least, we recommend that all drivers have their cars undertake a Full Service annually (or every 12,000 miles).
THEY'RE the same but different. Three city cars from three manufacturers built on the same platform at the same Czech factory. About 70 per cent of the new Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108 are identical, including bodyshell, engines and gearbox. Only the finishing design touches differ.
What engine is in Citroen C1? ›
The C1 is powered by a 1.0 L three cylinder engine, which has a fuel economy of 61.4 mpg (UK gallons EU method; 4.6 L/100 km EU method; ca 43.4 mpg US with US method) or a 1.4 L four cylinder diesel engine which has a fuel economy of 68.9 mpg (UK gallons EU method; 4.1 L/100 km EU method; ca 48.8 mpg US with US method) ...
Is the Citroen C1 being discontinued? ›CITROËN C1 RETIRES
Citroën marks the end of production of its popular A-segment city car – Citroën C1. As the last model rolls off the production line at the plant in Kolin, Czech Republic, Citroën is also looking ahead to the future of urban mobility.
Parking sensors are an option on all models and would help the car exploit tight spaces better still.