2003 C5 2.0hdi Vtr 8v

[Jonno]

I have a 2003 C5 HDi and Iam a little dissapointed in its performance. Seems very sluggish on acceleration. It will cruise all day at 70mph+ but sure takes its time getting there. There are no warnings coming up, no management light illuminating so no real indications of any problems. Its just that I feel as though it is not performing as it should.

All brakes are free so there is nothing holding it back in that way. It doesnt seem to want to accelerate in 5th at all just as though there is a lack of power, must admit I have my doubts as to whether the turbo is spooling up ok. Your thoughts would be much appreciated and any home checks I could do before getting dealers involved.

 

Jonno

[Randombloke]

Have a look at the mass air flow sensor, check it's not dirty or broken. It's a hot wire type of flow sensor. Don't touch it to clean it but maybe clean it with a carb cleaner spray.

 

Make 100% sure there are no air leaks on the intake side of the engine.

 

See if there is a puddle of oil at the bottom of the intercooler where the hose is attached - sometimes this can reduce performance if the intercooler has a lot of oil in it - might require a clean out.

 

Make sure that you have full accelerator travel - get someone to floor the pedal for you whilst you check that there is no travel left in the throttle position sensor at the other end.

 

Remove all after market floor mats in the driver's foot well and see if that changes things.

[Jonno]

Thanks for the early reply Random - will check those thngs out. just an update its a relatively low miler at 67k

[Jonno]

Right - intercooler removed and cleaned, not much in there really. MAF sensor cleaned. This has improved things a little. All I need now is someone with dolly fingers to adjust the throttle cable - what a pig to get at!!

I am considering taking it to evolution chips to get it remapped once I have sorted the bits that I can, anyone got any feedback on their work??

[Jonno]

Just an update - new MAF sensor fitted (£36 for a new one off e-bay) had been quoted between £77 and £85 from local motor factors and £135 from dealers.

Replaced a couple of dodgy rubber vacuum hoses (the ones for the turbo solenoids) and the car runs like a dream. The economy has improved, town driving can be up to 45mpg and mid fifties for motorway cruising is fairly easily achievable. Happy bunny now!! Still might get it chipped at evolution over the next few months to give it that extra bit of power plus they guarantee an increase in fuel economy or money back.