Oil Filter Plastic Grid Rupture (1.4 8v, 1.5 8v and 1.6 16v TU5/EC5 Engines)

• Most affected models: C3 (generations 1 and 2), C3 Picasso, Aircross and C4 Cactus (naturally aspirated version).
• What happens: The engine starts to make a loud tapping noise (similar to low oil) after warming up. In severe cases, the oil pressure light on the dashboard flashes intermittently at idle, and the on-board computer displays the warning “Insufficient Oil Pressure”.

What to check:

1. The inner stem of the filter cup: When changing the oil, remove the filter element (paper refill) and observe the central plastic piece that is attached to the lid or bottom of the cup. It has a spring and a small plastic grid.
2. Pieces of plastic in the housing: Check that the tip of this rod or the original sealing rings have not broken and become embedded in the bottom of the filter housing.
3. Maintenance history: This problem almost always occurs after a recent oil change where the mechanic pulled the old filter too forcefully or used a low-quality aftermarket part.

Solution:

• Preventive: Always replace the filter element with top-of-the-line brands (such as Purflux, Fram, or Mahle) that have the exact dimensions of the protective rod. Never apply lateral force when removing the used filter cartridge.
• Corrective: If the central plastic rod breaks, the engine oil flow loses proper pressurization towards the cylinder head. The solution requires immediate replacement of the oil filter cover (or the entire filter support assembly, depending on where the lock broke) and cleaning of the duct to ensure that no pieces of plastic have migrated into the internal lubrication galleries.