EXPERT IN AUTO PARTS
22 September 2025 (updated) Table of Contents
The air conditioning system of the Citroën C4 Picasso often loses its cooling capacity, which is noticeable as warm air coming out of the air vents. This problem occurs particularly in Grand Picasso petrol models after 60,000-80,000 kilometers and can have various causes. Loss of refrigerant due to leaking lines or a defective condenser is the most common source of the problem. In the case of 1.6 THP engines, premature wear of the air conditioning compressor also often occurs after just 50,000 kilometers. The symptoms range from poor cooling performance to complete failure of the air conditioning system. Particularly in summer, this leads to a considerable loss of comfort and can impair driving safety due to misted windows.
A systematic check is essential to ensure that the air conditioning system is working properly. The sensitive Citroën C4 Picasso air conditioning compressors require regular maintenance every 24 months with refrigerant checks and leak tests. The diagnosis begins with a pressure measurement of the refrigerant system - the high pressure should be between 15-20 bar, the low pressure at 2-3 bar. If there is a loss of refrigerant, the entire system must be checked for leaks, using UV contrast agent to locate leaks. Replacing the air conditioning compressor costs between 800-1200 euros, while refilling with refrigerant costs around 100-150 euros. Preventive maintenance with annual disinfection of the system prevents major damage.
The blower for heating and ventilation often fails in the Citroën C4 Picasso after 50,000-70,000 kilometers, resulting in a complete loss of interior ventilation. Particularly affected are 1.6 HDI and Grand Picasso 1.6 HDI models in which the blower motor fails due to wear of the carbon brushes or defective bearings. The first symptoms are unusual noises such as squeaking or rattling when the ventilation is switched on. In advanced stages, the blower no longer starts at all or only works at the highest level. In Grand Picasso models, the blower controller may also be defective, resulting in uncontrolled blower output. Breakdowns often occur suddenly and affect both comfort and driving safety due to misted-up windows.
Article number: 837522
£ 337,17
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-52%
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
£ 21,82
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
SKF Bellow Set, drive shaft
146 mm, with clamps
Article number: VKJP 01001
£ 9,61
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
VALEO Antifreeze
G12, yellow, 1l, Concentrate, Amine free-Phosphate free
Article number: 820734
More
£ 7,54
£ 7,54 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
DR.MOTOR AUTOMOTIVE Cover, oil filter housing
Ø: 86,5 mm , with gasket/seal
Article number: DRM0763
£ 11,40
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
A professional inspection is required to correctly diagnose the blower problems. The robust Citroën C4 Picasso blower motors require a check of the electrical connections and brush wear every 60,000 kilometers. Fault diagnosis begins by measuring the current consumption - a healthy blower motor draws between 8-15 amps depending on the power level. In the event of a total failure, the fuse (usually 40A) and the relay must be checked first. The blower motor is located under the dashboard on the passenger side and can be accessed after removing the glove compartment. Replacing the complete blower motor costs 200-350 euros, while a defective blower controller costs around 150-250 euros. Regular filter changes every 15,000 kilometers prevent premature wear due to dust deposits.
Starting problems with the Citroën C4 Picasso manifest themselves in various forms and particularly affect 1.6 VTI and Grand Picasso petrol models after 80,000-100,000 kilometers. The engine fails to start or does not start, with causes ranging from defective ignition coils and worn fuel pumps to problems with the engine control unit. In 1.6 THP engines, the high-pressure pump or the injection valves are often affected, which is noticeable through longer starting times or rough idling. Cold start problems occur particularly with HDI diesel engines if the glow plugs or the glow time relay are defective. The battery often loses its capacity after 4-5 years, which also leads to starting problems. In addition, problems with the immobilizer or the keyless system can prevent starting.
Professional maintenance is crucial for reliable starting of the vehicle. The complex Citroën C4 Picasso starting systems require regular checks of the battery voltage (should be above 12.4V in idle state) and the starter current consumption. A systematic approach must be taken in the event of starting problems: First measure the battery voltage under load, then check the fuel supply and finally the ignition system. With HDI engines, the rail pressure is crucial - it should reach at least 250 bar during the starting process. Defective glow plugs can be recognized by a current consumption of less than 8 amps per plug. Replacing a fuel pump costs 300-500 euros, new glow plugs around 200-300 euros for the set. Preventive measures such as regular battery tests and fuel system cleaning every 30,000 kilometers prevent most starting problems.
The heater of the Citroën C4 Picasso often fails to warm up properly, which occurs particularly in Grand Picasso models after 60,000-80,000 kilometers. The problem manifests itself as cold air coming out of the air vents despite the engine being warmed up and can have various causes. In 2.0 HDI engines, the heat exchanger is often clogged or leaking, while in petrol engines the thermostat is often stuck. Another common fault is air in the cooling system after repairs or leaks. The heating valves can lose their function after 70,000 kilometers due to wear or calcification. In the case of automatic air conditioning systems, the electronic temperature control can also be defective. This problem is particularly annoying in winter, as it significantly impairs driving comfort and the windows can mist up.
Regular maintenance is essential for the heating system to function optimally. The sensitive Citroën C4 Picasso heating systems require the cooling circuit to be flushed and the coolant concentration checked every 60,000 kilometers. The diagnosis begins with checking the coolant level and the temperature at the heat exchanger - both connections should be evenly warm according to the operating temperature. The thermostat opens at 89°C for petrol engines and 83°C for diesel engines. If only one connection is warm, this indicates a blockage. The heating valves can be tested by activating them with a diagnostic device. A new heat exchanger costs 150-300 euros, a thermostat around 50-80 euros. Changing the coolant regularly every 120,000 kilometers and using the prescribed antifreeze prevents calcification and corrosion.
The trunk of the Citroën C4 Picasso often does not open, which occurs particularly in Grand Picasso models after 50,000-70,000 kilometers. The problem can have mechanical or electrical causes and manifests itself in the fact that neither the remote control nor the interior switch operate the trunk lock. In the case of mechanical defects, the lock itself is often blocked due to wear or corrosion, while electrical problems are usually caused by defective actuators or interrupted cable connections. A jammed trunk is particularly annoying when the vehicle is fully loaded or in an emergency. In some models, the central locking system may also be affected, meaning that the trunk can only be opened mechanically using the emergency key. Moisture can also lead to corrosion on the contacts and exacerbate the problem.
A systematic check is required to rectify the trunk problems. The complex Citroën C4 Picasso trunk locks require regular maintenance with lubrication of the mechanical parts every 24 months. Troubleshooting begins with checking the fuses - the trunk latch is usually protected by a 15A fuse. The voltage at the servomotor can be measured with a multimeter (should be 12V). Mechanical blockages can be recognized by resistance when the lock is operated manually. In the event of electrical problems, the entire lock often has to be replaced, which costs 200-400 euros. The servomotor alone costs around 100-150 euros. Preventive care with acid-free lubricant and protection against moisture will extend the service life considerably.
OPEL GM Engine oil
10W-40, 5l, Part Synthetic Oil
Article number: 19 42 046
£ 26,49
£ 5,30 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-29%
FEBI BILSTEIN Water Pump, window cleaning
12V
Article number: 24633
compared to
RRP
£ 14,99
£ 10,64
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Fuel filter
In-Line Filter, 8mm, 8mm
Article number: 0 450 902 161
£ 7,43
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
DR.MOTOR AUTOMOTIVE Inlet manifold
Article number: DRM16911
£ 193,47
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: 2650038
£ 4,34
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Based on the experience of Citroën C4 Picasso drivers, the following additional problems occur:
| Strengths | Weak points |
|---|---|
| Spacious interior | Air conditioning does not cool |
| Flexible seating system | Blower does not work |
| Good overview | Electronics problems |
| Comfortable suspension | Heater does not get warm |
| Practical storage solutions | Starting problems |
| Low maintenance costs | Trunk does not open |
| Modern safety equipment | Keyless does not work |
| Economical HDI engines | Defective air suspension |
The Citroën C4 Picasso is a practical family car with some typical weak points, which mainly affect the comfort and electronic equipment. The most common faults occur after 50,000-80,000 kilometers and can largely be avoided with regular maintenance and preventive measures.
GATES Water pump and timing belt kit
with water pump, G-Force Redline™
GATES Belt Tensioner, v-ribbed belt
MAHLE Thermostat
Opening Temperature: 105°C, with gasket/seal, with cable
FEBI BILSTEIN Crankshaft pulley
6PK, Ø: 138mm, Number of ribs: 5, for crankshaft
MANNOL Engine oil
5W-40, 5l
ELRING Seal Set, valve stem
FPM (fluoride rubber)
HELLA Ballast, gas discharge lamp
12V, D1S, Control Unit/Software must NOT be trained/updated
BOSCH Xenon bulb
D1S, 85V, 35W, 4300K
MPM Antifreeze
blue, 1l, Concentrate, Free of silicate
