Xsara Diesel Crankshaft Sensor

[hiendley]

please show /tell where crankshaft sensor is. my car is a XSARA DIESEL 110 2 LITRE HDI

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

From the Haynes manual for the C5, if it is a SOHC engine, the crankshaft position sensor may be located at the top of the transmission bellhousing, directly above the flywheel.

 

Do you have a problem that makes you think it needs replacing ?

[hiendley]

many thanks for that,it wont start,dont know much about cars,been researching internet,so far swapped cam sensor,no difference,shows economy mode on dash ,no warning lights ,used a cheap code reader doesnt show anything bought new crankshaft sensor,will fit when i find location..grateful for all useful advice .thanks again

[Johndouglas]

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

[paul.h]

Did you have any running problems before it would not start - a failing crank sensor may cause the engine to cut out when hot but then once the engine had cooled it would then start, eventually though it may then prevent the car starting.

 

When trying to start the car does the engine turn over on the starter, is the battery fully charged, have you tried the spare key ?

 

The possible causes could be many as you have probably found and it may be a diagnostic check may be needed since this could prove cheaper than replacing parts hoping to find the one at fault.

 

Fuel possibilities could include the fuel pump(s), low fuel pressure, fuel draining back (try the primer as noted by John), no fuel in the tank. You could try an easy start type of product to see if it runs.

 

Others could include sensor faults, low cranking speed on the starter, an immobiliser fault, glow plug fault

[hiendley]

thank you for advice.so far fitted new cam and crank sensors,car no different.also been using easy start.will look for primer tomorrow.car has been stood about 15 months,but started up 6 months ago.couple of gallons in tank and i hear fuel pump running when key turned.starter motor doesnt sound right sometimes i.e turns slowly,seems to disengage then whirr and also grate at times.starter motor sounds better the longer you leave it between tries..please keep sending your excellent knowledge.correct way to start car would be useful such as foot on/off throttle pedal etc

[paul.h]

The battery may need charging - if you check its voltage it should be about 12.7 volts, if below about 12.3 volts it may not have enough of a charge to turn the engine fast enough to start. There will be a minimum rpm needed to start it, possibly around 300 rpm.

 

In the Citroens we've had, it usually says in the handbook to leave the accelerator pedal alone when starting but if the clutch pedal is pushed down it reduces the effort to turn the engine (provided your clutch is not stuck to the flywheel). Also try with the key in the first position so the glowplugs have a chance to work for a few seconds before turning it to the starter position.

[Johndouglas]

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.

[hiendley]

thanks for that, i will remove/inspect starter motor -easy job ? any advice

[hiendley]

inspected starter motor, cogs look fine ,no metal fragments,how do i inspect flywheel cog ? thank you

[paul.h]

You should be able to see the flywheel cog/teeth by looking in the hole where the starter fits. A spanner on the crankshaft or putting it in gear and pushing the car, will turn the flywheel so you can see all of it.