Questions For Kfk

[MikeRotherham]

Hi kfk,

 

I've got a C3 Stop and Start which I've had for 10months without problem and my dealer is pretty good too. I've got a few questions.

 

In your experience What is the long term reliability like on the sensodrive gearbox.

 

How long do the actuators last, are they expensive to replace and is it a DIY prospect?

 

Thanks

Mike.

[kfk]

Put simply as far as the gearbox is concerned its a standard 5 speed manual box with a heavy duty motor bolted on to control gearchange, the clutch operated by another electric motor.

 

The gearbox is reliable and as yet the motors also seem to be standing up to the job asked of them.

 

The only clutch actuator i've replaced was one that didnt work from new and one involved in a front end impact (they dont like that).

 

I wouldnt recomend trying to fit a clutch actuator yourself due to the safety implications if the heavy spring inside it should suddenly trap your fingers.

 

If removed, the clutch actuator is required to be set in 'removal position'. and when refitted is required to be reinitialised, along with he gearchange mechanism, these actions are carried out by diagnostic equipment.

 

I dare say that there will be short cuts found to carry out these operations but when you consider that worn syncro's and premature clutch failure may result i would have to ask if it was a worthwhile excercise

 

On the stop start side of things, i've heard of people having problems , but its not something weve encountered.

 

In general its a system that works and seems to do it well........once you have gained confidence that it will restart!

[MikeRotherham]

Thanks for the answers.

 

I know what you mean about wondering if its going to restart. I must say I only enable the Stop & Start function if I know I'm going to be held up for a long time at lights. Its pretty slick though, starts very quickly. The cheaper road tax is quite welcome too.

 

I really like the Sensodrive gearbox especially when I'm stuck in traffic. It seems to work well. The only complaint I have if you can call it that, I used to have a 1.6 Xsara so miss the extra bit of acceration on the motor way, but the available power is more than enough for town and country lane driving. Which 98% of my driving is.

[markleigh]

I rate Sensodrive too - but see my post about the clutch needing replacing after 22,600 miles of long distance driving...

[MikeRotherham]

Hello Mark,

 

I agree, clutch failure at such a low mileage is very poor. Hope that Citroen will agree and do it under warranty.

 

Clutch problems are something that I'd considered before buying the car. I'd hoped they'd tested the system extensively before they released.

 

So far I've have n't had any problem with the car apart from it not going into gear one morning when I got it out of the garage. A software download fixed that.

 

I really like the Sensodrive gearbox, especially when I'm stuck in traffic. Its got a few quirks but once you get used to them its excellent. However if I get similar problems to yourself I may change my mind. I suppose time will tell.

 

Good car, I'd definitely buy another and so economical too. Did a run down to The West Midlands yesterday, from Rotherham and it clocked 51.4 mpg.

 

Mike.

[markleigh]

Wrote to Citroen Monday (and emailed them) telling them I wasn't prepared to pay for the new clutch and that failure at this low mileage was either down to bad design or substandard product quality - no reply as yet.....

Mark

[Guest CE05LDB]

I love my car but I will say my Sensodribe Gearbox ain't so smooth as it used to be. Still good on fuel though for a 1.6i 16v.

 

Ok a 1.6i 16v does have more power than a 1.4i 16v but I drove a 1.4i 16v Corsa Automatic and there wasn't alot of difference in power really.