Running On (Runaway)

[alcudia60]

Guys I need your help again,

After months of trouble free motoring I'm having problems again. Espr light is on intermittently, engine management and service light on almost permanently.

It started last week, on my way to work the temp sensor dropped to cold and the engine revs dropped and rose rhythmically. When I got to work I turned off the engine and it kept running for a second. 10 hours later I started her and got all the warnings. Usual anti pollution, espr etc. stopped for fuel, started her up and espr disappeared. Engine management and service still on.

I changed air and fuel filter and did being reset.

All ok for 2 days but now the engine over runs every time and the dash looks like a Christmas tree.

Don't have a lexia and no dealers anywhere near me.

Any idea what I should be looking for.

[paul.h]

As a reminder for others, it is a 51 plate 2.2 hdi c5.

 

You should check the engine oil level since if high it can lead to a runaway where it runs on the engine oil.

Check if the swirl flap actuator plastic ball joint at the gearbox end of the cylinder head is broken.

Also check the battery voltage since this can light up the dash if it is low.

 

Did you ever get the fault codes read before during the previous faults ?

[alcudia60]

Hi Paul. Thanks for clarifying model and year. I keep forgetting.

Oil level is fine. Battery output is perfect.

Hopefully the Highland weather will improve tomorrow and I can get under the bonnet.

Its very difficult being in the middle of nowhere with no diagnostics.

I really do need to get one.

[paul.h]

 A few more thoughts

- the temp sensor/gauge dropping to cold could be a sensor fault or its electrical connector or its wiring or the thermostat has opened fully when not required or possibly the engine fan has come on when not required. Also check the coolant level is normal.

- the running on could possibly be leaking fuel injectors so fuel still goes in until the fuel rail pressure has dropped. I looked in the Haynes C5 manual to see if a fuel shut off valve is mentioned on the other diesels but could not find anything.

[coastline taxis]

Being stuck in the middle of nowhere like what  you are you have only one option.  buy a lexia of ebay as that is your only way forward. Everything else will be a guess and cost you a fortune. Sorry for being negative but it is what it is

[alcudia60]

Paul. Thanks for the advice. I'll check the injectors later. I think there's a pressure release valve on the rail.

Coastline. Your right. A lexia is the way forward. As I understand they only work on xp or previous windows. I run windows 8.1. Is there a way to research the codes that the lexia gives you.

[paul.h]

I have not used a Lexia but most code readers will give a definition of the code it reports. Also in the Petrol Diesel & LPG injection section on here there are pinned topics with definitions of most of the codes. You can also do a google search with a code and often will get a fix for it.

 

easydiagnostics also advertise a lexia and being a UK company (Hamilton, South Lanarkshire) you would be able to get advice before buying one, whereas many of the ones on ebay are based in China which could give problems. http://www.easydiagnostics.co.uk/#/home/4584136126 On their site it says 'MUST BE RUN ON A 32BIT OPERATING SYSTEM - XP,VISTA,7, 8 ( MUST BE 32BIT )' - so windows 8 may be ok but you need it to be 32 bit but I would think they will advise on this. Only thing, their Lexia is dearer than others on ebay, approx £120 vs £70.

[madmadmax]

this sound like a dirtey fuel pressure regulator . is it a bosch setup?

[alcudia60]

Yes Max it Bosch.

Weirdest thing today. Like a prat I left my keys in my pocket and washed them.

Ok remote c/l wont work. No big deal.

However. Everything is now perfect

no lights. No warnings. Nothing.

Go figure !

[alcudia60]

Just an update.

Had the espr back on yesterday. Today it cut out twice. As I had the day off,and for once it wasn't raining, I decided to fit a new air and fuel filter. I only changed these about 6 -7 months ago. The fuel filter was filthy. I don't let the tank get below half and use redex regularly. Only thing I can put it down to is supermarket fuel.

Did a bsi reset ( just in case ). Starts great, runs great, stops straight away after turning the key.

Only thing that spoiled the weekend was finding my car keys in my jacket pocket.

After it had been through the washing machine. Hopefully a new battery will fix that though.

Thanks for all the help.

Lexia is my next purchase.

[paul.h]

The engine management light could possibly have been low fuel pressure if the filter was blocked enough. The fault codes will still be stored on the car until deleted by a code reader so in the future you should be able to see what was wrong.

[coastline taxis]

Change your fuel filter housing both top and bottom sections and put a new fuel filter in aswell

[paul.h]

http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citroen/topic/9171-citroen-c5-20hdi-52-starting-problems/?hl=%2Bbimetal+%2Bstrip&do=findComment&comment=43683

http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citroen/topic/7664-20-hdi-engine-managment-light/?hl=%2Bbimetal+%2Bstrip&do=findComment&comment=37543

http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citroen/topic/7437-techbod-advice-please-its-back-p1112/?hl=p1138

 

Some old posts on diesel fuel filter housings and a bi metal strip on early models of C5 which can fail and cause running problems - hence a reason for replacing the housing.