PSA/Ford 2.2 HDi and TDCi (DW12)Urgency: As soon as possible
Deep metallic engine knock in the 2.2 HDi engine: causes
In the 2.2 HDi engine, 1 documented fault may be the cause: dual-mass flywheel wear, less frequent than on other HDi engines.[1]
- Medium severity: Dual-mass flywheel wear, less frequent than on other HDi engines
What to do now
As soon as possible
Switch the engine off and do not drive on. Carrying on can snap a connecting rod and leave the engine beyond repair.
What it means
A deep knock that gets louder with engine speed usually points to internal damage, such as big-end bearings worn through lack of lubrication. It is one of the most serious faults an engine can have.
Engine faults that cause it
From most to least important. Under each fault, how the symptom shows up. Check the affected years and versions on each page.
Other common causes: engine knock
Besides the documented faults of the 2.2 HDi, these are the most common causes on any car according to the sources.
- Play in the big-end or main bearings (rod knock)[2][3]Common
- Lack of lubrication: low or degraded oil or insufficient pressure[3][4]Common
- Stretched timing chain or tensioner without pressure[2][3][5]Possible
- Hydraulic tappets and valves with play[2][3]Possible
- Worn pistons and rings[3]Uncommon
- Normal diesel engine noise[3]Possible
What to check first
- Stop the engine as soon as it is safe and check the oil level with the dipstick on level ground and with the engine cold or stopped for a few minutes; it is the first step recommended by Todoaditivos and RACE.[2][4]
- Look at the oil pressure warning light (red): if it is on along with the knocking, don't start the engine again and call assistance.[2][4]
- Note when it makes the noise: only when cold and for a few seconds (probably tappets or tensioner), or with the engine warm and growing with load and revs (much more serious).[2][3]
- Look for oil leaks on the ground or blue smoke, signs that the engine is losing or burning oil, according to RACE.[4]
Cars with the 2.2 HDi engine
Open yours to see only the faults that affect it according to its years and versions.
- Peugeot 407 (2004–2011)
- Peugeot 607 (1999–2010)
- Peugeot 807 (2002–2014)
- Peugeot 4007 (2006–2012)
- Citroën C5 I (2001–2007)
- Citroën C5 II (2008–2017)
- Citroën C6 (2005–2012)
- Citroën C8 (2002–2014)
- Citroën C-Crosser (2006–2012)
- Ford Mondeo IV (2007–2014)
- Land Rover Freelander 2 (2006–2014)
- Land Rover Range Rover Evoque I (2011–2018)
Frequently asked questions
Engine knock in the 2.2 HDi: what could it be?
In the 2.2 HDi engine, 1 documented fault may be the cause: dual-mass flywheel wear, less frequent than on other HDi engines. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the cause and how to check for it.
Engine knock in the 2.2 HDi: is it serious?
Urgency: as soon as possible. Switch the engine off and do not drive on. Carrying on can snap a connecting rod and leave the engine beyond repair. The most serious fault that causes it on this engine has medium severity.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Essai, avis et fiabilité des 2,2 HDI 136 chevauxFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- El motor hace ruido en frío: qué es cada ruido y cuál preocupaTodoaditivos · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- ¿El motor diésel de tu coche emite un ruido y un traqueteo?RACE · Motoring press · published 22 June 2023 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- ¿Qué pasa si el coche se queda sin aceite?RACE · Motoring press · published 26 August 2020 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Las graves (y costosas) averías que puede causar en tu coche la rotura de la cadena de distribuciónDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 17 July 2020 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish