smokescreen

I have too have experienced your situation but only when starting off with an immediate climb up a fairly steep hill. However, the HDI diesel engine has so much torque at low revs the car copes very well when the computer changes gear seemingly too early. With the petrol engine it looks like you will need some forethought - to give the accelerator some welly to ensure the up-change occurs when the engine rpm is in the max torque rev band. I hope this helps. Regards Smokescreen 55reg C3 1.4 HDI Sensodrive

Just a thought, is there any difference if you change gear manually instead of using automatic when cold? That would allow you decide if it is an auto change function or the gearbox. Smokescreen

As none of the experts have answered I'll have a go. My 1.4HDI SX Sensodrive C3 is marginally slower first thing to change gear in auto mode but not as bad as yours sounds. I suggest that it needs looking at. Regards Smokescreen 55Reg C3 1.4 HDI SX Sensodrive

Hi there, From the literature I have, I believe that the 1.6 HDI VTR has a particle filter whereas the rest don't. Regards Smokescreen

Hi there, I've dug out my 2005 C3 sales brochure and the 3 rear headrests were not standard on the L and Desire models - standard on the SX, Exclusive, XTR and VTR. I don't know about purchasing a set but I would have thought they would be available - at a price!! Regards Smokescreen

Are you talking about OAT (outside air temp) reading or onboard demanded temp on a climate controls showing --? Either way, I suspect this might be your problem. Regards Smokescreen

Hi Paul, I've listened closely to my C3 today. The only noise I get with AUTO selected is the computer blipping the throttle (as in double de-clutching) when the car slows down through the gears WITHOUT braking. When under braking, computer changes down silently until braking stops and throttle is used. No clunk/click as such. Does that help? Smokescreen 55reg C3 1.4 HDI SX Sensodrive

Eliminate the cheap option first - have you got a spare key? Regards Smokescreen

Yes and No!! When I was considering the purchase of a C3 HDI, I was concerned that the 70bhp of the 8v engine would be gutless. I expressed my concern to the Citroen Main Dealer and the salesmen checked with the Service/Spares Dept and told me that they could supply a plug in unit (quick to fit) which would boost the bhp to 92. Also, this was a Citroen approved one and would not affect the warranty. Needless to say I haven't bought one - from memory I was quoted £350. Hope this helps. Smokescreen 55 reg C3 1.4 HDI SX Sensodrive

Pull upwards carefully - its located by a shaped ball on a plastic spike hanging down from the cover locating into a socket on the engine top X 2. Ensure you lift vertically otherwise the spike breaks away from the cover. I'm on my third top cover as the two previous ones were broken by the garage technicians when it was being serviced. Regards Smokescreen 55 reg C3 1.4 HDI Sensodrive

Hi there, I had a very similar problem. Smell of diesel and a very small pool stain on the drive from under the engine. Fault was leaking fuel from split in fuel return pipes from the injector system - replaced under warranty. Regards Smokescreen 55 reg C3 1.4 HDI SX Sensodrive

Welcome to the club! I've found, through topping up the tank to the brim, that when the fuel gauge goes down to 1 bar you can continue driving for about another 30+ miles until you get an additional low fuel warning light come on with the 3 peeps warning tones. Filling up then took just about 42lt which means about 5lt still to use. Usually 550 miles before the low fuel warning light illuminates. Enjoy the £35pa road tax as well!! Regards Smokescreen 55 reg C3 1.4 HDI SX Sensodrive

Pauldart, Did you get my PM in response to yours? Smokescreen p.s. Did you get the C3 in the end?

Yes is the answer. However, it is different from driving both a car fitted with conventional manual or automatic gearbox. No creep when stationary (computer declutches the engine so effectively you're in neutral) so it needs practice when manoeuvring into parking spaces particularly on an incline - use of handbrake essential. Auto change is a computer controlled manual shift which depends on throttle pedal position and road conditions (incline or descent) so is variable. It sometimes tries to change gear just when you want to go - pulling out onto a roundabout from a crawl in 2nd gear and it then decides 1st is required leading to an embarrassing hesitation. Using manual change is good, paddle controls work really well and the computer always changes down through the gears when you slow down. Reliability good, a couple of minor glitches done under warranty. A gasket between the turbo and manifold and a software update to cure a computer fault on the gearbox. Otherwise a good buy - 23months old and 52000 on the clock - daily commute of 120 miles round trip!! Economy - 58-60mpg always on mixed route B (50mph), A (60mph) and motorways (75mph) and some stop start in traffic. More can be obtained by careful driving (watching and adjusting style with reference to the instant mpg readout. Hope this helps. Regards Smokescreen 55 reg 1.4 HDI SX Sensodrive

Hi Ian, I would stick to the pressures recommended on the Citroen sticker if they are 'like for like' size wise. Regards Mark

Hi there, You've posted in the C3 area - it seems Berlingo matters are dealt with in the Multispace area. Best of luck with a 'fixit' reply. Regards Smokescreen C3 1.4 HDI Sensodrive

Hi Navi, Haynes do a manual for the C3 but with restrictons - see below Citroen C3 (2002 to 2005) Hatchback Petrol: 1.1 litre (1124cc), 1.4 litre (1360cc) & 1.6 litre (1587cc). Turbo-Diesel: 1.4 litre (1398cc) HDi (8- & 16-valve) Does NOT cover features specific to Pluriel Cabriolet, or models with SensoDrive transmission Book No: 4197 ISBN: 9781844251971 Regards Smokescreen C3 1.4 HDI Sensodrive

From memory you just have to rotate the outer ring to open the vent on the outlet in the glovebox. Regards Smokescreen

I had Nokian Z tyres fitted to my Puegeot 306 DT before I sold it to buy the C3 and have subsequently had my wife's Focus fitted with them (185/60x14). These Finnish made tyres were recommended to me by the local tyre firm (local taxi firms all fit them) as they are hard wearing, good grip wet or dry touted as being comparable to Michelins. My experience is they are no more noisy than Michelins and excellent vfm. Regards Smokescreen C3 1.4 HDI Sensodrive

Glad to hear it's been sorted - I've been using Worthing Motors since Oct 2005 when I bought my car and have too received good service. Any word if Citroen are possibly recalling more C3s? Regards Smokescreen

Hi there, I'm still having problems as the site continually asks me to log in, it doesn't remember me. I've cleared cookies but still no difference. It seems to have gone wrong since the change to not sharing came on line - any ideas? Regards Mark

I've just had my front's replaced at the 40K service (2mm remaining), rears are 4.5mm. Michelin E3 Energy. Smokescreen C3 1.4 HDI SX Sensodrive

From memory Pressure is proportional to Temperature and Volume so extra weight in the car won't affect the actual psi/bar reading . The higher pressure is to stop the tyre deforming - going very flat at the bottom! Regards Smokescreen

Hi Timmz, I sure KFK or Iannez will be able to help - patience!! Smokescreen

I use this car for hang gliding and paragliding and for hang gliding it is paramount that the rear glass opens by itself otherwise there is plenty of hassle to be had stowing small items in the boot with the hang glider on the roof. What's the glide ratio of your C5 after launching?????? You go careful. Smokescreen