Engine Code

CITROEN EW7J4 engine (2004-2012) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Citroen EW7J4 is a 1,360 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2004 and 2012. Part of the PSA EW family, it delivers balanced performance for compact and mid-size vehicles. Equipped with a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), multi-point fuel injection, and variable valve timing, it produces 70 kW (95 PS) with 133 Nm of torque, offering smooth and responsive driving characteristics.

Fitted primarily to the Citroën C4 and Peugeot 307, the EW7J4 was engineered for driver comfort, refined power delivery, and emissions compliance. Emissions control meets Euro 4 standards via a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda feedback, enabling broad European market acceptance. Its aluminium block and DOHC architecture support lightweight efficiency and mechanical refinement.

One documented concern is premature camshaft wear observed in certain 2004–2006 production units, highlighted in PSA Technical Bulletin TGB013. This issue is attributed to marginal oil flow design in early cylinder heads. From 2007 onward, revised oil gallery machining and upgraded camshafts were implemented to resolve the issue.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2004–2012 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9789).

EW7J4 Technical Specifications

The Citroen EW7J4 is a 1,360 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact and family vehicles (2004–2012). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with variable valve timing to deliver smooth, linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances drivability with fuel efficiency and low emissions.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,360 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke78.5 mm × 70.0 mm
Power output70 kW (95 PS) @ 6,000 rpm
Torque133 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel systemMulti-point fuel injection (Siemens SIM2K)
Emissions standardEuro 4
Compression ratio11.0:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerNot applicable
Timing systemTiming belt (interval: 120,000 km or 8 years)
Oil typeSAE 10W-40, ACEA A3/B3
Dry weight115 kg
Practical Implications

The naturally aspirated DOHC design provides smooth, linear power delivery ideal for relaxed driving, but demands strict timing belt maintenance to prevent engine damage. SAE 10W-40 ACEA A3/B3 oil is recommended to ensure adequate camshaft lubrication, particularly in early production units. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce wear during warm-up. The Siemens SIM2K injection system requires periodic injector cleaning to maintain fuel atomization and idle stability. Post-2007 models feature improved cylinder head oiling; pre-2007 engines should be inspected for cam lobe wear per PSA TGB013. The three-way catalytic converter requires unleaded fuel meeting EN 228 standards to prevent poisoning.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B3 specification (PSA SIB TGB013). BMW Longlife or VW 502 00 not compatible.

Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all EW7J4 models (2004–2012) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9789).

Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 228 (PSA TIS EW7012).

Primary Sources

PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EW7001, EW7012, TGB013

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9789)

ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power

EW7J4 Compatible Models

The Citroen EW7J4 was used across Citroen's C4 platform with transverse mounting and shared with Peugeot under PSA platform commonality. This engine received model-specific tuning-for smoother throttle response in the C4-and from 2007 the updated cylinder head with revised oil galleries, creating interchange limits. Partnerships within the PSA Group allowed Peugeot's 307 to use identical powertrain calibration. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Citroen
Years:
2004-2012
Models:
C4
Variants:
1.4i 16v
View Source
PSA Group PT-2003
Make:
Peugeot
Years:
2004-2012
Models:
307
Variants:
1.4i 16v
View Source
PSA Group PT-2003
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the right-side of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (PSA TIS EW7005). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('E' for EW7J4 series). Pre-2007 models have a silver cam cover with black intake manifold; post-2007 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from EW7J4S: EW7J4 has Siemens SIM2K ECU with rectangular diagnostic connector, while EW7J4S uses Magneti Marelli with round port. Service parts require production date verification - timing belts for engines before 06/2007 are incompatible with later revised tensioners (PSA SIB TGB013).

Identification Details

Evidence:

PSA TIS Doc. EW7005

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the right-side of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (PSA TIS EW7005).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2007: Silver cam cover with black intake manifold
  • Post-2007: Black cam cover
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

PSA SIB TGB013

Cylinder Head:

Cylinder heads for pre-2007 EW7J4 engines have narrower oil galleries and are not interchangeable with post-2007 units due to lubrication upgrades.

Timing Components:

Timing belts and tensioners revised in 2007. Pre-2007 kits fit only early engines.
Camshaft Upgrade

Issue:

Early EW7J4 engines experienced camshaft lobe wear due to inadequate oil supply to the upper camshaft bearings.

Evidence:

PSA SIB TGB013

Recommendation:

Inspect camshafts on pre-2007 engines; install upgraded cylinder head per PSA TGB013 if wear is detected.

Common Reliability Issues - CITROEN EW7J4

The EW7J4's primary reliability risk is premature camshaft wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. PSA internal reports from 2007 noted a significant number of pre-2007 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show timing belt neglect as a frequent cause of engine failure. Extended service intervals and short-trip driving increase wear risk, making adherence to maintenance schedules critical.

Premature camshaft wear
Symptoms: Ticking noise from valvetrain, loss of power, misfires, high oil consumption.
Cause: Inadequate oil flow to camshaft lobes in early cylinder heads; exacerbated by extended oil intervals and short-trip driving.
Fix: Replace camshafts and install revised cylinder head with improved oil galleries per PSA TGB013; verify oil pressure post-repair.
Timing belt failure
Symptoms: Engine won't start, squealing from front engine, visible belt damage, bent valves.
Cause: Belt degradation beyond 120,000 km or 8 years; lack of tensioner maintenance or coolant contamination.
Fix: Replace timing belt, tensioner, idlers, and water pump per service schedule; use only OEM-specified components.
Idle instability and stalling
Symptoms: Rough idle, stalling at stops, fluctuating RPM, check engine light.
Cause: Carbon buildup on throttle body and idle air control valve; aging EGR valve or vacuum leaks.
Fix: Clean throttle body and IACV; inspect EGR valve and vacuum lines; perform idle relearn procedure.
Coolant leaks from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, white smoke, residue near housing.
Cause: Age-related cracking of plastic thermostat housing; design flaw in early versions.
Fix: Replace with updated metal or reinforced housing; renew gasket and inspect coolant condition.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (2004-2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2006-2016). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about CITROEN EW7J4

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN EW7J4.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialCITROEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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