paul.h

Last December the offside front spring broke on our 03 SX 1.4 petrol, about 30k miles. Our dealer contacted Citroen (I did not even have to ask for this to be done) and they paid for both front springs to be replaced. The rubber in the right hand engine mounting was replaced at the same time and we paid for this part (or had the choice to fit the old one back) - I suspect to do the springs the engine/subframe was lowered.

We have a 1.6 hdi VTR+ 2008 on 18k miles and the gearbox does not whine. On other cars when on a high mileage (100K +) I have replaced bearings that have been badly worn and they have whined but not in a narrow speed range and the noise has been greater under acceleration.

If all the other windows work and the switch also stills opens this window, then it is likely the switch internal contacts need cleaning. If the door is still in bits try a 12volt supply direct to the motor to prove that it is not at fault. I had a similar problem on a Saab and as a temporary fix I put a 12volt supply from the cigar lighter socket to the switch connector wires that went to that window using 2 plugs with reversed connections +ve and -ve so one plug inserted in the socket opened the window and the other closed it - I had to do this until I could sort the switch since I had to open the driver's window several times each day.

To set auto locking, with the engine on (may not be needed), press and hold the inside door locking button on the dash, after a few seconds a message comes up "deadlocking" and then the button can be released. Then the doors auto lock above about 5 mph. Once locked, the doors can be unlocked by using an interior handle or the dash button. To remove auto locking just repeat the above.

Are these holes another common corrosion point on the calipers like on the backs where they contact the suspension arm ? I have been putting a blob of copper grease in them when fitting the retaining bolt but never thought about corrosion.

Some things to consider: Is something catching on the wheel, caliper corrosion problem so the wheel touches the caliper, something stuck in a tyre (stone), does applying the handbrake make a difference since this probably was on when the bump occurred and could have affected the front brakes, can the suspension be raised and lowered as before ?

Poor cold starting but normal when hot could be the glow plugs need replacing.

Haynes shows using a screwdriver against each spring at the same time. Not tried this so I do not know how easy it is.

On the rear lights I think the stop lights are separate 21w bulbs and the fog lights are the 21w part of the 5w twin filament bulb. Found this when wiring up the towbar.

Is the brake fluid level low in the reservoir, this may give the same warning light ?

Same model and year, our rear wiper does not always stop when switched off but it does help if it is switched off firmly to the end of the turn. It has not though worked with the key removed. I suspect in our case the switch contacts are dirty and would be cured with a new switch (or somehow taking apart and cleaning).

Bosch ZR8TPP15 for the 2.0 HPI engine EW10D (Bosch FR8ME or Champion REC9YCL for the other petrol engine). Both gapped at 1.0mm. This is from one of the French manuals but I do not know how accurate it is.

Just tried it now and had no bother logging in using the code client (ACxxx) as the id and the password (as supplied by e-mail when registering) and then clicked on Validate to enter the site. http://service.citroen.com/do/logout

Have you checked for any air leaks in the hoses or loose jubilee clips ?

When the battery voltage goes low the service light will come on. I have had this a few times when the car has not been used for a few weeks and then started it. It goes off once the car has been run to charge the battery and then restarted. Somethings to check would be battery voltage to confirm battery is ok (about 12½ with engine off and about 14 with engine running), the fuses including the maxi ones and may be the ignition switch which if part faulty may be cutting power.

Rather than a surge it may be a power dip to the lights when the pump runs so the lights go dim. This may suggest the wiring it not thick enough to handle the extra current for the pump and results in a voltage drop across the wiring as the pump runs. I have not looked at a wiring diagram but may be the pump should have its own feed from the battery. A volt meter at the battery and the lights may give some useful info. when the pump runs.

Possibilities may include the remote battery needing replacement - try the spare remote, or possibly interference from a mobile phone mast/mobile phone in use nearby - a few times we have had all our cars at the same time not responding to the remotes at the same time outside our house and then later being ok. This has also happened in car parks.

Is the alternator charging up the battery when the engine is running ? If you have a volt meter, with the engine off you should see about 12½ volts at the battery, with it running it should be about 14 volts. If not then possibilities include the alternator could be faulty, the drive belt loose or missing, alternator wire/connector loose/broken.

The brass syncromesh rings I have replaced on cars has only been possible by removing the gear shafts and gears with the gear boxes in bits.

If this is the front wheels then may be the brake pads have worn out or just seized up in the calipers so not free to move and are then binding against the discs. Either way, I would remove the front wheels to inspect the pads asap.

seefive, maybe you could put a note on here to see if anyone has a 5 year old car for sale or ask what people have been paying for one. Now may be a good time if people are thinking of buying new for the 09 registration and wanting to do a part exchange.

If you take £7000 plus loan interest payments spread over 1 to 2 years, equipment maybe used a few times a week and then add labour charges (inc overheads) when used, all makes the apparent high charges for a diagnostic only check seem quite reasonable.

Auto wipers is when you have the wiper switch set to the equivalent of an intermittent wipe, first position before set to low speed wiping. Another bong may be if you have the doors set to lock as you set off.

Does the driver's footwell get wet. Rain can get in via the driver's wiper grommet, dripping in the cabin air intake and runs down the cabin wall and in to the footwell. I seem to remember a post that on its way it affects electrical equipment. A good search may find the notes.

Did you put the old thermostat back in and did you check the actual opening temperature ? They do not last forever. You could try running the car temporarily without it or with the cabin heater and fan on full to help remove the heat instead of the engine radiator to overcome a late opening thermostat. If these do not work then it looks as though it is the headgasket.