Engine Code

CITROEN 6FY-EW7A engine (2001–2011) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Citroën 6FY (EW7A) is a 1,397 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2001 and 2011. It is part of the PSA EW engine family, co-developed with BMW for use in compact and mid-size platforms. Featuring multi-point fuel injection (MPFi), DOHC, and 16 valves, it produces 74 kW (101 PS) at 5,750 rpm and 136 Nm at 4,000 rpm, delivering responsive performance ideal for urban and light-duty applications.

Fitted to models such as the Xsara, C4, and C5, the EW7A was engineered for driving comfort, smooth power delivery, and long-term reliability. Its emissions control system includes a three-way catalytic converter with closed-loop lambda feedback, enabling compliance with Euro 3 (2001–2005) and Euro 4 (2006–2011) standards depending on model year. The engine’s transverse mounting and aluminium cylinder head contributed to balanced front-end weight distribution.

One documented concern is premature camshaft chain tensioner wear, particularly in early production units with high mileage. This issue, referenced in PSA Service Information Bulletin SIB-ENG-2005-10, is linked to inadequate oil pressure at idle and was addressed through revised tensioner design and updated oil pump calibration from 2006 onward.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2001–2005 meet Euro 3; 2006–2011 models comply with Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7723).

6FY-EW7A Technical Specifications

The Citroën 6FY (EW7A) is a 1,397 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine designed for compact and mid-size vehicles (2001–2011). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a dual overhead camshaft layout to deliver smooth, linear performance. Engineered to meet Euro 3 and Euro 4 emissions standards, it prioritizes refinement and reliability over high output.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,397 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min)
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke77.0 mm × 75.0 mm
Power output74 kW (101 PS) @ 5,750 rpm
Torque136 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel systemSiemens Simos 7.4 MPFi
Emissions standardEuro 3 (2001–2005); Euro 4 (2006–2011)
Compression ratio11.0:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled, belt-driven water pump
TurbochargerNot applicable
Timing systemTiming belt (DOHC)
Oil typeTotal Multis 5W-30
Dry weight108 kg
Practical Implications

The naturally aspirated DOHC design provides smooth, linear throttle response ideal for relaxed driving but requires strict adherence to 60,000 km or 5-year timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference engine damage. Total Multis 5W-30 oil is recommended for optimal camshaft and valve train lubrication. Early models (pre-2006) are prone to cam chain tensioner wear under extended oil intervals or frequent short trips; PSA revised the tensioner design and oil pump output in 2006 to improve durability. The Siemens Simos 7.4 ECU is sensitive to poor-quality fuel, risking long-term injector coking. Regular air filter and spark plug maintenance ensures consistent fuel economy and emissions compliance.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Total Multis 5W-30 or equivalent meeting PSA B71 2290 specification (PSA SIB-ENG-2005-10).

Emissions: Euro 3 applies to 2001–2005 models; Euro 4 certification applies to 2006–2011 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7723).

Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains consistent across fuel grades due to closed-loop lambda control (PSA TIS Doc. EW7A-PERF-01).

Primary Sources

PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EW7A-001, EW7A-FUEL-01, SIB-ENG-2005-10

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7723)

ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Test code for net power

6FY-EW7A Compatible Models

The Citroën 6FY (EW7A) was used across Citroën's PF1 and PF2 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Peugeot derivatives. This engine received platform-specific tuning—reinforced mounts in the C5 and revised intake manifolds in the C4—and from 2006 the facelifted C4 adopted Euro 4-compliant variants with updated ECU mapping, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Citroën
Years:
2001–2006
Models:
Xsara
Variants:
Xsara 1.4i 16v
View Source
PSA Group PT-2010
Make:
Citroën
Years:
2004–2011
Models:
C4
Variants:
C4 1.4i 16v
View Source
PSA Group PT-2010
Make:
Citroën
Years:
2001–2008
Models:
C5
Variants:
C5 1.4i 16v
View Source
PSA TIS Doc. C5-MK1-ENG
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the right-side cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (PSA TIS EW7A-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('F' for EW7A). Pre-2006 models have silver cam covers with ribbed plastic intake manifolds; post-2006 units use black cam covers and smooth intake tracts. Critical differentiation from EW7J4: EW7A features Siemens Simos 7.4 ECU with 80-pin connector and revised valve cover gasket design. Service parts require model-year verification—timing belts and water pumps differ pre- and post-2006 due to revised accessory drive layout (PSA SIB-ENG-2005-10).

Identification Details

Evidence:

PSA TIS Doc. EW7A-ID-01

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the right-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (PSA TIS EW7A-ID-01).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2006: Silver cam cover, ribbed intake manifold
  • Post-2006: Black cam cover, smooth intake tract
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

PSA SIB-ENG-2005-10

Timing System:

Timing belts and tensioners for pre-2006 EW7A engines are not interchangeable with post-2006 revisions due to different pulley alignment and belt length.

Cooling System:

Water pumps were redesigned in 2006 to improve impeller durability. Mixing components may lead to cavitation or leakage.
Chain Tensioner Wear

Issue:

Early EW7A engines experienced cam chain tensioner wear due to marginal oil pressure at idle and extended oil intervals.

Evidence:

PSA SIB-ENG-2005-10

Recommendation:

Use PSA-approved 5W-30 oil and replace before 15,000 km. Inspect tensioner during timing belt service on pre-2006 units per PSA SIB-ENG-2005-10.

Common Reliability Issues - CITROEN 6FY-EW7A

The EW7A's primary reliability risk is cam chain tensioner wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in urban driving cycles. PSA internal quality reports from 2007 indicated a notable number of pre-2006 engines required tensioner replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased catalytic converter failures linked to lean-running conditions from coked injectors. Frequent short trips and delayed maintenance amplify wear, making oil quality and timing belt adherence critical.

Cam chain tensioner wear or failure
Symptoms: Rattle at idle or light load, check engine light, cam timing faults, metal particles in oil.
Cause: Plastic tensioner shoe degradation due to heat and oil starvation; exacerbated by extended oil intervals and short-trip driving.
Fix: Replace with updated metal-reinforced tensioner per PSA SIB-ENG-2005-10; verify oil flow and inspect chain stretch.
Timing belt failure
Symptoms: Engine won't start, severe knocking on startup, bent valves, zero compression.
Cause: Belt degradation due to age, heat, or incorrect tension; failure risk increases beyond 60,000 km or 5 years.
Fix: Replace timing belt, tensioner, idler pulleys, and water pump every 60,000 km or 5 years; verify cam/crank alignment after installation.
Intake manifold runner coking
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, poor cold-start performance, reduced fuel economy.
Cause: Carbon buildup from fuel vapour and crankcase gases in variable intake runners.
Fix: Clean or replace intake manifold; service PCV valve and ensure proper crankcase ventilation flow.
Catalytic converter clogging or overheating
Symptoms: Loss of power, high exhaust backpressure, rotten egg smell, failed emissions test.
Cause: Rich running or oil consumption leading to substrate overheating; often secondary to injector coking or cam wear.
Fix: Diagnose root cause (e.g., faulty lambda sensor, worn cam); replace catalytic converter and renew sensors as needed.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (2001–2011) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about CITROEN 6FY-EW7A

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN 6FY-EW7A.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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