Johndouglas

Even if the transponder was faulty, the engine should still turn over but not start. If the engine doesn't turn, I would start checking the power to the starter motor. First the battery terminals. Then the cables - both the positive and the earth straps.

From memory I think the item I've marked with a white arrow is the dual horn.

Odd if you don't have one. Our 2002 90bhp Xsara has one. I don't have a picture of it but this is the one on my C5.

The car has only done around 2000 miles since the last change, - but you're right! A blocked fuel filter could have been the cause. Also there's a new theory that's being bandied about regarding bio-diesel - which all pump diesel now contains. Apparently it's causing fuel filters to block rather like waxing would do..

You need every joint in the fuel line 100% secure otherwise the system won't build up sufficient fuel pressure to start.

On a 53 Xsara you probably won't have a fuel lift pump in the tank. Instead you'll have a hand primer close to the fuel filter. Whenever the fuel lines have been disturbed - like when changing the filter, the hand primer needs constantly squeezing until it becomes solid. It may also help to keep squeezing as the starter is working.

Yes - I too am a member of "that other forum". Joined when it was still Andyspares and have been a Citroen fan since 1990.

I've seen diesel that has stood for a time develop a fungal growth. To look at it it seems to have chunks of cotton wool floating in it. Since your engine has not run for 6 months the least I'd give it is a new fuel filter and some fresh diesel.

Hello & welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear of your woes with the 1.6 but will look forward to hearing about your C5 adventures.

Hello & welcome to the forum. Tell us about your car and we'll try and help.

It's one of these kits you need http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/9-PC-PIECE-SECURITY-TAMPERPROOF-TORKS-TORX-BIT-BITS-SCREWDRIVER-SET-/360753299436?pt=UK_Baby_BabyFeedingUtensils_EH&hash=item53fe927fec

Were you having your car serviced at a general garage I would say that the belt would not be changed unless a specific order was given. However where the car is regularly serviced by a Citroen dealer I think that the owner should have been made aware that the belt change was due. The various HDI engines have different belt change intervals and many owners will be completely reliant on the advice of the service department.

From your description of the starter motor it sounds as though some cogs are stripped either on the starter or flywheel. Also as Paul said, unless the starter turns the engine at a fairly fast rate, the fuel pressure necessary for starting won't build up.

Have you ruled out fuel related problems for the non-starting? Do you have a hand primer on the engine?

When I wired my C5 for towing I connected to every wire I needed at the back of the two bulb clusters. From each bulb holder, the new wires connected to the relays which fitted into one of the two 'cupboards' in the load area.

Did you follow the correct procedure before disconnecting the battery? If you do a search for "BSI reset" you'll find it.

The bit on the right hand side of your picture levers upwards. They should have coloured plastic tips on the lever part. Mine is red for + and green for -. After levering up, the clip around the terminal will just lift off. Make sure you read the BSI reset instructions before removing a clamp.

Hello & welcome to the forum. We'll look forward to hearing about your experiences with your car. Also post about any worries.

I agree with Paul - I would reject the car and ask for a like for like replacement. Water getting into electrics may not cause a problem right now, but maybe in a year or so down the line?

Some guys remove the particle filter themselves then give it a soak in hot water for an hour or two, then use a pressure washer on it both ways. Keep the washer going until the water runs clean.

Since the trouble hasn't reoccurred then Yes - I think I got some dodgy fuel. Here in Spain most filling stations are supplied by either Repsol and Campsa.

I think you'll have your work cut out to achieve a full refund on a car bought seven months ago. If, other than the steering rack problem, you like the car, could you not insist on a replacement rack. Fully remanufactured racks are available for around £250 with a two year warranty.

I did think about that myself. I filled up just before I stopped for the night and in addition to the limp mode event, the performance and economy was less than good. During the afternoon I topped up the tank and I think performance improved.

Since last Friday night I've been towing my caravan to southern Spain. Early on Monday morning, only about 20 miles into that day's travel I was pulling up a hill. Suddenly the EML flashed on together with an antipollution fault, followed by a speed control fault. The car also went into limp mode. With some difficulty I got to the top of the hill in first gear where I was able to pull into a slip road. I switched off for a few minutes then tried the starter again. The engine readily started but with the EML still showing. Fortunately I had my Autel 509 with me so I connected it. It was showing a fault code P0093. I erased the code and with a trembling hand tried the starter again. The engine started without any lights showing and with some trepidation, moved off in first gear. I got up to the towing maximum and the engine seemed fine. In fact it behaved itself for the rest of the journey - another 280 miles. Just this afternoon I connected up the code reader again and no faults were stored. So why did it scare the life out of me?

So you're 45 miles apart. :rolleyes: