What are the common faults of the Citroen C-Quatre automatic transmission?
2 Answers
Common symptoms of automatic transmission failure in the Citroen C-Quatre include: vehicle slippage or jerking; unusual odors from the transmission housing; abnormal noises during automatic gear shifting; and prolonged automatic gear shifting time. Below are some detailed descriptions of automatic transmission fault symptoms: 1. Vehicle slippage: The car experiences slippage or jerking. If the vehicle doesn't move when shifted into D or R gear, or responds sluggishly followed by jerking, or if the engine revs high but the vehicle moves very slowly, it indicates issues with the internal mechanical transmission components. 2. Precautions: Unlike manual transmissions with conventional gear mechanisms, automatic transmissions contain multiple sets of friction plates and brake bands, along with special hydraulic shafts. Transmission fluids vary in friction coefficients depending on their specifications. Therefore, owners should preferably use manufacturer-recommended transmission fluids to maintain optimal mechanical performance and extend the transmission's service life.
As a veteran owner who has driven a Citroen C-Quatre for ten years, I've encountered several issues with the automatic transmission. The most common problem was severe gearshift jerking, especially noticeable when turning at low speeds—it felt like being pushed forward. Later during maintenance, I learned this was due to aging valve body components where oil pressure control seals had worn out, causing oil leaks and resulting in rough gear transitions. Another time, the dashboard warning light came on mid-drive and the car couldn't shift gears—diagnosis revealed a failed solenoid valve blocking the oil passage. Neglecting such minor issues can lead to deteriorated transmission fluid damaging internal components. I make it a habit to change the fluid every 40,000 km and never compromise by using cheap alternatives; OEM fluid significantly reduces failure rates. Additionally, avoid aggressive acceleration during summer road trips to prevent overheating-triggered gear protection mechanisms from engaging, which could compromise driving safety.
