Buying a used car is always an exciting experience, but you may notice unusual behavior that warrants attention. This is the case, for example, with the Citroën C3 BlueHDi 100 S&S with a 1.5 diesel engine, where some owners report a gearbox jittering in fifth gear . But what causes this problem? And which other cars might be subject to a similar issue?
In this guide, we analyze the problem and offer effective solutions, also suggesting some products that can help you keep your gearbox running efficiently.
READ ALSO: The best products to use when your car's engine makes noise
Nature of the Problem: Shifting in Fifth Gear
The shaking felt in fifth gear can mainly be caused by:
- Dual mass flywheel problems
- Wear or damage to the clutch
- Gearbox synchronization faults
- Damaged engine or gearbox mounts
In PSA Group's 1.5 BlueHDi engines (used in Citroën, Peugeot, Opel and DS Automobiles), the dual-mass flywheel is a component subject to wear, especially in cars that have covered many kilometres or that have been used frequently in city driving.
What to check
Before considering expensive interventions, it is important to analyze:
- Vehicle mileage
- How does the jitter appear (only in fifth gear or in other gears too?)
- Possible vibrations even when stationary or accelerating
- Abnormal noises associated with clutch release
A check by a specialized workshop, including a road test and a visual inspection of the gearbox and engine mounts, will be essential.
Which cars are compatible with this analysis?
The problem described mainly concerns cars equipped with:
- 1.5 BlueHDi PSA engine (Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, DS)
- 5 or 6 speed manual transmission
- Presence of dual-mass flywheel
Models that may experience similar problems include:
- Citroën C3, C4, Berlingo
- Peugeot 208, 2008, 308
- Opel Crossland X, Grandland X (with BlueHDi engines)
- DS 3 Crossback BlueHDi
Please note: This guide does not apply reliably to vehicles with different engines (e.g. PureTech petrol or Volkswagen TDI engines) or to models equipped with automatic transmissions .
Possible Solutions
Depending on the diagnosis, the main solutions are:
- Replacing the dual-mass flywheel and clutch (if worn)
- Replacing engine or gearbox mounts (if damaged)
- Gearbox overhaul or replacement (in more serious cases)
If the shifting feels generally precise in the other gears, the problem may be limited to the flywheel or bearings, without needing to replace the entire transmission.
Recommended Products to Improve Gearbox Performance
If you want to keep your gearbox running efficiently or improve minor defects, you can consider using these products:
Additives for Manual Transmission
- Liqui Moly Gear Protect – 80 ml : Anti-wear additive that reduces friction and noise, ideal for worn manual transmissions.
- Wynn's Transmission Treatment – 125 ml : Improves shift smoothness and helps reduce gearbox noise.
Note: Additives will not fix serious problems like a broken flywheel, but they can significantly improve comfort on still-functioning transmissions.
Manual Transmission Oils
- Total Transmission Dual 9 FE 75W-90 – 1L : Quality oil recommended for many PSA transmissions, improves smoothness and gearbox life.
- Motul Gear 300 75W-90 – 1L : High-performance synthetic lubricant, ideal for protecting the gearbox and facilitating gear changes even when cold.
When should you contact a mechanic?
If the shaking is severe or worsens over time, it is essential to contact a repair shop immediately to avoid further damage to the clutch, flywheel, or transmission.
FAQ
1. Is a slight jitter in fifth gear normal?
A very slight shuddering may be normal on some diesel engines, but a strong or sudden shuddering is not normal and should be checked.
2. Is the problem covered under warranty?
If the car was recently purchased from a dealership, the repair may be covered by the legal warranty on used vehicles.
3. Can I continue to use the car?
It is best to avoid long journeys or heavy acceleration until the problem is resolved.
4. Do I need to replace both the clutch and the flywheel?
In case of worn dual-mass flywheel, we recommend replacing it in a kit (clutch + flywheel) to ensure optimal operation.
Conclusion
If you notice a shifter jittering in fifth gear on a Citroën C3 BlueHDi 1.5 or vehicles with similar engines and transmissions, don't ignore the problem. Proper diagnosis, the use of specific products , and targeted interventions will help you preserve your car for a long time.
