BarryK

I've had this problem on my '04 C3 senso 1.4 HDi intermittantly from brand new - usually happens in cold weather, when the engine is first started. (and very occasionally when the engine is hot) Car starts OK but as soon as I select reverse and press the accelerator, the engine starts to falter and after a second or so the car stalls violently, and I do mean VIOLENTLY, the whole car really shakes - it feels like the transmission has taken a terrific beating. Very occasionally the faltering engine note is accompanied by a ratcheting sound, as if maybe the gear has not fully selected. This started happening within the 1st month of ownership (Sepember 04) and repeated checks by the dealer have failed to find any fault - after 5 years I stopped reporting the problem, it still happens but I now have almost a sixth sense about it and when it's about to happen, I quickly turn the ignition off, wait a couple of seconds and it always re-starts OK - still catches me out occasionally tho'...still scares the s###t out of me. The most annoying thing about this whole episode is that the dealer didn't appear to believe it was happening ( "......it doesn't show up on the computer mate, so it must be your imagination.........." ) The car doesn't get used very much (still under 20,000 on the clock after nearly 7 years) but I'd dearly love to find a solution to this problem. :) ............... :)

All working fine now - thanks again.......... :)

Yepp it is a small car with large windows, but the problem for a shortass like me is that it is impossible to see any of the corners - I find the C3 much more difficult to park than my previous car (Peugot 406 estate). Beginning to get used to it now tho' - after only 6+ years driving it........... :(

Managed to fit new battery this morning - what a palaver, but thanks to Paul it was accomplished OK. Car was a bit reluctant to start (starter motor not spinning) but OK after 3 or 4 tries, it ran in 'get you home' mode for a few minutes, after which it ran perfectly - Only problem now is that some of the memories appear to be lost, centre console flashing with date requiring to be re-set - think I've seen another post about this problem so I'll have a search through the previous postings. Thanks again Paul Barry

Thanks Paul - I'll give this a try tomorrow, I don't remember any obvious catch on the RH side but the light wasn't too good so probably just didn't see it.......

Hello all I tried today to replace the Battery on my 04 reg C3 Hdi 1.4 Senso. Battery covers came off OK and both cables easily removed but I'm buggered if I can see how the battery is clamped into it's base - no sign of any clamps on the RH side or front and back. Can't see the lh side of the battery as there are various cables, connectors and black boxes in the way......... Any advice on how to remove the battery would be gratefully recieved. Cheers Barry

Hi all My C3 hdi senso was purchased new from Kent Elms Motors, Essex (Citroen main dealer) and is now 3 1/2 years old. All previous servicing has been carried out by Kent Elms with no problems so far (apart from the expense) At the last service I extended the makers warranty by another 2 years and would like to know if I can have future services carried out by an independant without risking the extended warranty. Also, can anyone recommend an independant Citroen specialist in the South East Essex area. Thanks Barry K PS - I've been very pleased with the car so far (apart from the rattles on bad road surfaces) and fuel economy is incredible, ranging from 55mpg on local trips to around 68mpg on longer journeys, the best I ever achieved was 73mpg, Basildon to Norwich a couple of years ago.

Hello Jamie I have an 04 C3 1.4 diesel with the semi auto gear box and I've had this fault (very occasionally) since the car was new - it's been back to the main dealer several times but they cannot find the fault & claim that no-one else has reported a similar fault...............??? When it happens, the stall is so violent it seems almost as if two gears are are selected at the same time, very scary....... As the car has gotten older, the frequency of this occuring has gotten less. Also I've gotten a sense as to when this is going to happen, and switch off the ignition before it stalls. It's probably happened 10 times in 3 years, half of those within the first year. I've just extended the warranty for another 2 years just in case the gearbox eventually bursts itself.. If you take it into your main dealers I'd be interested to hear their explanation, if they say that this fault has never been reported before, I'll be glad to give them all the details about my car & dates when it was reported to my local Main dealer. Good Luck with it Cheers Barry in darkest Basildon, Essex