The Citroën KFW (TU3JP) is a 1,360 cc, inline-three, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2011. It is part of the long-running PSA TU engine family, known for mechanical simplicity, durability, and ease of servicing. Featuring multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), SOHC, and 12 valves, it produces 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,400 rpm and 110 Nm at 3,000 rpm, delivering adequate performance for urban and light-duty applications.
Fitted to models such as the Saxo, C2, and early C3, the TU3JP was engineered for compact city car efficiency and low ownership cost. Its emissions control system includes a three-way catalytic converter with closed-loop lambda control, enabling compliance with Euro 2 (1996–1999), Euro 3 (2000–2005), and Euro 4 (2006–2011) standards depending on model year. The engine’s transverse mounting and compact design made it ideal for PSA’s small B-platform vehicles.
One documented concern is cylinder head warping under prolonged high-load operation or coolant neglect. This issue, referenced in PSA Service Information Bulletin SIB-ENG-2004-09, is linked to thin-casting cylinder head design and inadequate cooling flow in early production units. From 2002, PSA introduced revised cylinder head casting and updated thermostat calibration to improve thermal stability and reduce head gasket failure rates.
Production years 1996–1999 meet Euro 2; 2000–2005 models meet Euro 3; 2006–2011 units comply with Euro 4 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7721).
The Citroën KFW (TU3JP) is a 1,360 cc inline-three naturally aspirated petrol engine designed for compact urban vehicles (1996–2011). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a single overhead camshaft layout to deliver reliable, low-cost performance. Engineered to meet Euro 2 through Euro 4 emissions standards, it prioritizes simplicity, fuel economy, and serviceability over power output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,360 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, SOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.5 mm × 70.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 110 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Magneti Marelli IAW 4GV MPFI | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (1996–1999); Euro 3 (2000–2005); Euro 4 (2006–2011) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, belt-driven water pump | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (SOHC) | |
| Oil type | Total Multis 5W-30 | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The naturally aspirated inline-three design provides smooth, predictable power ideal for city 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 cylinder head and valve train lubrication. Early models (pre-2002) are prone to cylinder head warping under sustained high load or coolant neglect; PSA revised the head casting and thermostat design in 2002 to improve thermal management. The Magneti Marelli IAW 4GV 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.
Oil Specs: Requires Total Multis 5W-30 or equivalent meeting PSA B71 2290 specification (PSA SIB-ENG-2004-09).
Emissions: Euro 2 applies to 1996–1999 models; Euro 3 applies to 2000–2005; Euro 4 certification applies to 2006–2011 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7721).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains consistent across fuel grades due to closed-loop lambda control (PSA TIS Doc. TU3JP-PERF-01).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TU3JP-001, TU3JP-FUEL-01, SIB-ENG-2004-09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7721)
ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Test code for net power
The Citroën KFW (TU3JP) was used across Citroën's PF1 platform with transverse mounting and shared with Peugeot derivatives. This engine received platform-specific tuning—shorter intake runners in the Saxo and revised engine mounts in the C2—and from 2006 the facelifted C3 adopted Euro 4-compliant variants with updated ECU mapping, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (PSA TIS TU3JP-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('F' for TU3JP). Pre-2002 models have silver cam covers with ribbed plastic intake manifolds; post-2002 units use black cam covers and smooth intake tracts. Critical differentiation from TU3M: TU3JP features Magneti Marelli IAW 4GV ECU with 76-pin connector and revised valve cover gasket design. Service parts require model-year verification—timing belts and water pumps differ pre- and post-2002 due to revised accessory drive layout (PSA SIB-ENG-2004-09).
The TU3JP's primary reliability risk is cylinder head warping in early production units, with elevated incidence in hot climates or undercooling conditions. PSA internal quality reports from 2005 indicated a notable number of pre-2002 engines required head gasket 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 coolant quality and timing belt adherence critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (1996–2011) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN KFW-TU3JP.
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