EXPERT IN AUTO PARTS
23 September 2025 (updated) Table of Contents
The air conditioning does not cool and the fan does not work - these frequent faults occur particularly in the Berlingo 2 and Berlingo 3. The fan often fails completely or only works at certain levels, resulting in insufficient ventilation and cooling. The symptoms usually manifest themselves in a low air volume, warm air despite the air conditioning system being switched on or complete failure of the ventilation. These breakdowns can occur as early as 40,000 km and deteriorate progressively. The reliability of the air conditioning system is a known weak point of the model. The 1.6 16V and VTI 95 are particularly susceptible to these problems.
A systematic check is essential to diagnose these complex problems. The sensitive Citroën Berlingo air conditioning components require regular checks of the refrigerant level, compressor performance and electrical connections. The blower motor should be checked for carbon brush wear, while the air conditioning compressor must be tested for leaks and proper operation. The solution often involves replacing the blower motor (costs vary depending on the workshop), recharging the refrigerant or repairing leaks in the system.
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GATES Water pump and timing belt kit
with water pump, G-Force Redline™
Article number: KP15127XS
£43.49price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 77407251
£37.99
Price per set of 3 pieces
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-26%
Article number: 1496
compared to
RRP
£23.65
£17.49
Price per item
£69.96 / Price per 4 items
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Water pump and timing belt kit
Number of Teeth: 134 L: 1276 mm, Width: 25,4 mm
Article number: 1 987 948 711
£79.99price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-18%
LIQUI MOLY Engine oil
5W-30, 5l
Article number: 3707
More
compared to
RRP
£71.35
£58.49
Price per item
£11.70
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
The engine won't start and won't start - these critical faults mainly affect the 1.6 HDI and 2.0 HDI diesel engines. The Multispace will not start, especially at low temperatures, causing significant mobility problems. Symptoms include prolonged cranking without ignition, erratic starting behavior or complete failure to start. These failures typically occur after 80,000 km, but can appear earlier if not properly maintained. The service life of the starting components is influenced by the quality of the fuel and maintenance intervals. The 1.5 diesel in particular shows similar weak points in the starting logic.
A professional inspection is required to accurately diagnose the starting problems. The complex Citroën Berlingo diesel injection systems require special diagnostic equipment to check the glow plugs, fuel pump and injectors. The fuel pressure should be measured (normal: 1350-1400 bar for common rail systems), the glow plugs tested for continuity (resistance: 0.5-2 ohms) and the battery voltage checked (at least 12.4V). The repair may require the replacement of glow plugs, fuel filters or the high-pressure pump, with preventive maintenance recommended every 15,000 km.
The Start-Stop does not work - this modern technology often fails in the Berlingo 3, especially in models with 1.5 BlueHDI 130 and VTI 120. The system does not switch off automatically or does not restart the engine, which significantly impairs fuel efficiency. The symptoms are manifested by the engine constantly running when stationary, error messages on the display or unexpected shutdown while driving. These malfunctions can occur as early as 30,000 km and are often weather-dependent. The reliability of the system depends heavily on the battery capacity and the sensors. Both petrol and automatic variants are affected by these faults.
Professional maintenance is crucial for the functionality of the Start-Stop system. The sensitive Citroën Berlingo Start-Stop components require regular checks of the battery voltage (at least 12.6V), engine temperature sensors and air conditioning status. The battery should be tested every 50,000 km, as a low battery (below 70% capacity) will deactivate the system. The solution often involves replacing the starter battery, calibrating the sensors or updating the software, although the battery life may be reduced to 3-4 years with frequent Start-Stop use.
The clutch pedal does not return - these mechanical problems occur particularly with manual gearboxes of the 1.6 HDI. The pedal gets stuck in the depressed position or is slow to return, making shifting considerably more difficult and posing safety risks. Symptoms include sluggish pedal, incomplete return to the starting position or complete sticking. These breakdowns typically manifest themselves after 70,000 km and progressively worsen due to wear. The service life of the clutch components is normally 120,000-150,000 km, but can be significantly reduced with frequent urban traffic. Both the Berlingo 2 and newer models show these weak points.
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LUCAS Alternator
12V, 70A, M8, 0230, Ø 63 mm
Article number: LRB00183
£68.49price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-46%
ELRING Gasket, cylinder head
1,4 mm, Ø: 76,3 mm, Multilayer Steel (MLS), Notches/Holes Number: 4
Article number: 718.341
compared to
RRP
£45.60
£24.49price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-56%
INA V-Ribbed Belt Set
Check alternator freewheel clutch & replace if necessary
Article number: 529 0335 10
compared to
RRP
£80.70
£34.99price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Brake Set, drum brakes
with accessories, with wheel brake cylinder
Article number: 0 204 114 556
£63.99price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Injector Nozzle
Common Rail (CR), with seal ring
Article number: 0 986 435 203
£153.99£615.96 / Price per 4 items
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity of the clutch system. The precise Citroën Berlingo clutch components require regular checks of the hydraulic fluid, the master cylinder and the pedal mechanism. The hydraulic pressure should be kept at 15-20 bar, the brake fluid should be changed every 2 years and the clutch disk should be checked for wear (minimum thickness: 7mm). Repair may require replacement of the master cylinder, the clutch disk or the entire clutch unit, with preventive checks recommended every 30,000 km.
The heating doesn't get warm and the ventilation doesn't work - these comfort problems particularly affect older Berlingo models with 60,000 km or more. The system fails due to defective heating valves, clogged heat exchangers or failed fan motors. The symptoms are manifested by cold air despite the heating being switched on, uneven temperature distribution or complete failure of the ventilation. These complaints occur more frequently in the cold season and can impair driving safety due to misted-up windows. The reliability of the heating system is a known weak point that has affected several model generations. Vehicles with a high mileage of over 100,000 km are particularly affected.
A systematic check is required to diagnose the heating and ventilation problems. The complex Citroën Berlingo heating systems require regular checks of the coolant level, the thermostat function and the heating valves. The coolant level should be between minimum and maximum, the operating temperature should reach 90°C and the heating valves should open fully. The solution often involves flushing the heating system, replacing the thermostat or repairing the fan motors, with regular maintenance every 40,000 km significantly extending the service life.
Based on the experience of Citroën Berlingo drivers, the following additional problems occur:
| Strengths | Weak points |
|---|---|
| Large load space and variability | Air conditioning does not cool |
| Robust diesel engines | Blower does not work |
| Good price-performance ratio | Engine does not start |
| High payload | Start-Stop does not work |
| Easy maintenance | Clutch pedal does not return |
| Low maintenance costs | Heater does not get warm |
| Practical design | Electronic problems |
| Reliable basic technology | Ventilation does not work |
The Citroën Berlingo proves to be a practical commercial vehicle with a solid basic design, but one that requires regular attention to its electronic components. The most frequent problems concern comfort systems such as the air conditioning and heating, while the mechanical components generally function reliably. Consistent maintenance according to the manufacturer's instructions can prevent most breakdowns and significantly extend the service life.
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