The 1.5 HDi engine, produced by the PSA Peugeot and Citroën group, is also used in other vehicles such as Ford and Mini, and is found on many Stellantis vehicles. This HDi engine series is known for its reliability and reliability.
However, the 1.5 HDI BlueHDi diesel engine faces a major problem related to the camshaft chain. This chain is responsible for moving the camshaft, which regulates the opening and closing of the engine valves. The problem is that it tends to relax and wear over time, leading to premature breakage.
Symptoms that may indicate this problem include a popping or rattling noise when starting the engine, especially when cold, and difficulty starting or sudden engine stalling.
The problem affects 1.5 HDI engines produced since approximately December 2019, affecting more than one million units in more than 30 models of Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, and some Toyota vehicles using this engine.
To mitigate this problem, Stellantis has recommended the use of 5W30 engine oil instead of 0W30 to improve lubrication and reduce wear on the camshaft chain. It has also made technical improvements to the engine by installing a larger chain (8 mm instead of 7 mm) and new exhaust valves on newer models.
The company covers repairs for this problem free of charge for vehicles under 5 years old or 150,000 kilometers, provided they have received regular maintenance. For vehicles over these limits, repairs are at the owner’s expense.
A broken camshaft chain can lead to engine shutdown and partial or complete damage, such as valve warping and combustion chamber damage. These are the most common engine problems:
Injector Issues
- Symptoms: Engine vibration during operation, loss of power, and excessive fuel consumption.
- Cause: Fuel injectors may be damaged due to poor fuel or sediment buildup.
- Solution: Clean or replace the injectors, use good fuel, and add fuel cleaners periodically.
Turbocharger Issues
- Symptoms: Loss of power, a whistling sound from the turbo, and blue or white smoke from the exhaust.
- Cause: Damaged turbo blades or leaking compressed air lines.
- Solution: Check the turbo and piping, and change the engine oil regularly, as poor oil can damage the turbo.
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Valve Problems
- Symptoms: Engine stuttering, loss of torque, and increased fuel consumption.
- Cause: Carbon buildup on the EGR valve, impeding its operation.
- Solution: Clean or replace the valve, or in some cases, disable it software-assisted (but this may affect emissions).
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Sensor Problems
- Symptoms: Check engine light illuminates, loss of performance, heavy smoke.
- Cause: Particulate filter clogged due to frequent short driving (which prevents the filter from automatically purging).
- Solution: Drive at high speeds to clean the filter, or replace it if it is completely clogged.
Cooling System Problems
- Symptoms: Engine overheating, coolant leakage.
- Cause: Water pump failure or leaking connections.
- Solution: Check the system and replace damaged parts.
Timing Chain Problems:
- This is the most common engine problem, causing significant losses for customers, and Stellantis has repaired the engine and compensated those affected.
- Symptoms: A clicking noise from the engine, especially during start-up. Cause: Chain stretch
- or damaged rollers.
- Solution: Replace the timing chain when it reaches the maximum 150,000 km (neglecting it can cause significant engine damage).
Engine Sensor Problems
- Symptoms: Check Engine light illuminated, erratic performance.
- Cause: Damaged sensors such as the MAF (Main Air Pressure Sensor) or MAP (Multiple Air Pressure Sensor).
- Solution: Check and replace damaged sensors.
General Tips for Caring for a 1.5 HDi Engine:
- Use high-quality engine oil and follow the specifications required by PSA.
- Avoid frequent short drives to prevent clogging of the particulate filter (DPF). Diesel engines are greatly affected by regular short drives. It is best to drive long drives at least once or more per month to prevent clogging of the particulate filter and the environmental box.
- Perform regular maintenance on the cooling system and turbo.
- Use good-quality fuel and add a fuel cleaner every six months.
In short, the main problem with the 1.5 HDI engine is camshaft chain failure due to premature wear, which leads to noise, engine stalling, and damage. The solution lies in regular maintenance, using the appropriate oil, and following the manufacturer’s updates.
