The Citroen 9HL (DV6C) is a 1,560 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2004 and 2013. It features a DOHC 16-valve configuration with common rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering 80 kW (109 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm. Part of the PSA DV family, the DV6C was engineered for responsive low-end torque and fuel efficiency in compact and mid-size platforms.
Fitted to models such as the Citroën C4, C5, and Peugeot 307, 407, the DV6C was designed for balanced driving dynamics, combining strong mid-range pull with highway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and closed-loop lambda control, allowing Euro 4 compliance across its production run, with certain later builds meeting early Euro 5 thresholds depending on market.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, particularly under sustained high-load conditions or with poor fuel quality. This issue, referenced in PSA Service Information Bulletin SIB-ENG-2006-09, is linked to wear in the camshaft-driven pump plunger assembly. From 2007, revised HPFP internals and updated fuel filter specifications were introduced to improve durability and contamination resistance.
Production years 2004–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2013 models comply with Euro 5 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Citroen 9HL (DV6C) is a 1,560 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2004–2013). It combines common rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance and economy for mainstream family vehicles.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,560 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (ULSD, EN 590 compliant) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (variable geometry) | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 88.3 mm | |
| Power output | 80 kW (109 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Delphi DCR common rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2004–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2013, market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Honeywell variable geometry turbo (VGT) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (renew every 120,000 km or 6 years) | |
| Oil type | Total Rubia TIR 5000 5W-30 | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The variable geometry turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires adherence to 120,000 km or 6-year timing belt replacement intervals to prevent valve damage. Total Rubia TIR 5000 5W-30 oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability and compatibility with the EGR and DPF systems. Extended idling after high-load operation should be avoided to reduce heat soak in the turbocharger. The Delphi DCR fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent high-pressure pump wear. Post-2007 models feature improved HPFP internals; pre-2007 units benefit from upgraded fuel filters and regular system flushing. EGR/DPF maintenance is essential to prevent regeneration issues and limp-mode events.
Oil Specs: Requires Total Rubia TIR 5000 5W-30 specification (PSA SIB-ENG-2006-09). Compatible with ACEA B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2004–2009 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 5 compliance from 2010 onward varies by market.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output remains consistent across fuel grades due to closed-loop rail pressure control (PSA TIS Doc. B36210).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B36000, B36120, SIB-ENG-2006-09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO International: ISO 1585 Road vehicles — Passenger cars — Test method for the measurement of fuel consumption
The Citroen 9HL (DV6C) was used across Citroen's Platform 2 and Platform 3 with transverse mounting and shared extensively with Peugeot under PSA Group harmonisation. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the C5 and revised ECU mapping in the Peugeot 407-and from 2007 the updated DV6TED4 variant introduced improved fuel pump durability, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the starter motor (PSA TIS B36050). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('H' for DV6C series). Pre-2007 models have silver valve covers with black cam covers; post-2007 units use gloss black valve covers. Critical differentiation from DV6TED4: Original DV6C uses Delphi DCR ECU with circular connectors, while DV6TED4 uses Siemens SID803 with rectangular connectors. Service parts require model year verification—fuel pumps for pre-2007 engines are not compatible with post-2007 variants due to internal revisions (PSA SIB-ENG-2006-09).
The DV6C's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in long-distance or poorly maintained vehicles. Internal PSA quality reports from 2008 indicated a notable share of pre-2007 engines required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to EGR clogging in city-driven vehicles. Poor fuel quality and extended service intervals increase wear risk, making fuel filtration and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (2004–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2008–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN 9HL-DV6C.
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