The Citroën KFX (engine code TU3JP) is a 1,360 cc, inline-three petrol engine produced by PSA Group between 1998 and 2011. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 12-valve configuration, and multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), delivering 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,750 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. This naturally aspirated design prioritizes fuel efficiency and mechanical simplicity for urban and city driving.
Fitted to models such as the Citroën C2, C3, and Peugeot 107, the TU3JP was engineered for entry-level applications where reliability and low running costs are paramount. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed-loop lambda control and a close-coupled catalytic converter, enabling Euro 3 and later Euro 4 certification across its production run.
One documented reliability concern is premature camshaft wear, highlighted in PSA Service Bulletin SIB-ENG-2008-04. This issue arises from inadequate lubrication at the cam lobes under high-temperature conditions, particularly in vehicles with extended oil change intervals. Later production units incorporated revised camshaft metallurgy and updated oil pump calibration to improve oil flow to upper engine components.
Production years 1998–2005 meet Euro 3 standards; 2006–2011 models comply with Euro 4 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Citroën KFX (TU3JP) is a 1,360 cc inline-three naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and city vehicles (1998–2011). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a SOHC valvetrain to deliver predictable performance and strong fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 3 and Euro 4 standards, it balances simplicity with emissions compliance for urban transport.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,360 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, SOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 77.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 110 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MPFI (multi-point fuel injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 (1998–2005); Euro 4 (2006–2011) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (interference design) | |
| Oil type | PSA B71 2000 (SAE 10W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides smooth, predictable power ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil change intervals to prevent camshaft wear and timing belt degradation. PSA B71 2000 (10W-40) oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability and protection of the SOHC system. Extended idling and stop-start traffic increase thermal stress on the cam lobes. The Bosch MPFI system is robust but sensitive to low-quality fuel, which can lead to injector coking. Timing belt replacement every 5 years or 100,000 km is essential due to interference design. Lambda sensor checks are recommended to maintain emissions compliance and idle stability.
Oil Specs: Requires PSA B71 2000 specification (PSA SIB-ENG-2008-04). Compatible with ACEA A3 but not a substitute.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to 1998–2005 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681). Euro 4 compliance confirmed for 2006–2011 units in UK markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 55 kW output optimized for urban efficiency (PSA TIS Doc. P13801).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P13750, SIB-ENG-2008-04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5681)
ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Test code for net power of internal combustion engines
The Citroën KFX (TU3JP) was used across Citroën's A-segment platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Peugeot and Toyota under joint manufacturing agreements. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—shorter intake runners in the C2 and revised exhaust manifolds in the 107—and from 2006 the facelifted C3 adopted the Euro 4-compliant TU3JP variant with updated lambda control, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (PSA TIS P13890). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for TU series). Pre-2006 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam cover; post-2006 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from TU3M: TU3JP has MPFI with external fuel rail, while TU3M uses integrated rail and revised ECU mapping. Service parts require build date verification—timing belts before 06/2006 are incompatible with later Euro 4 variants due to revised tensioner design (PSA SIB-ENG-2008-04).
The TU3JP's primary reliability risk is premature camshaft wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended service intervals. Internal PSA field reports from 2009 indicated a significant number of pre-2006 units required camshaft replacement before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a notable share of emissions-related MOT failures to lambda sensor drift in high-mileage examples. Short-trip cycles and poor fuel quality increase thermal and deposit-related stress, making maintenance interval adherence and fuel specification critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (2005–2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2011–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN KFX-TU3JP.
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