New Member In Need Of Help!

[OldSpice60]

Hi everyone I'm new to this site and need help with a problem with my 06 plate, 1.4 petrol Citroen C4.

I bought the car in April from a used car dealer. After driving around for a couple of weeks with no problems, my C4 started cutting out intermittently usually when pulling away after idling at traffic lights or junction. For a start I thought I'd stalled but I was wrong, the engine just died. Sometimes it'll start again immediately sometimes it won't.

The dealer has had it back 4 times and can't find anything wrong with it. On one occasion they took it to the Citroen main dealer and they couldn't find a fault either.

Has anyone had this problem with a Citroen? If so did you find out what the problem is/was.

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

It could be anything. Do you trust the dealer you bought it from, they might just be fobbing you off and it may not have been taken to a Citroen dealer for a diagnostic check ?

 

If you do not do your own maintenance I would take it to a Citroen dealer and possibly mention it to the selling dealer. There were some recent changes to consumer law and a trader has only a few times to get a problem fixed before you can get your money back so is something to check. Your V5C registration document will give the name and address of the previous owner and you could contact them to see if they were aware of any problems.

 

It might need a service such as new spark plugs or something such as an ignition coil, a new sensor such as the crankshaft sensor, a new accelerator pedal if its electrics are worn - to check it really needs a diagnostic check rather than just replacing parts hoping to get the faulty one before spending too much.

[OldSpice60]

Thanks Paul,

 

My son took me to this particular dealer as his friend had had several cars over the years with never a complaint. 

 

The car came with 12 months MOT, 3 months warranty and had been serviced when I bought it. I contacted the main dealer (Bristol Street Motors) and they gave me a copy of the diagnostic report, they also did a visual health check - they couldn't find a problem.

 

Spark plugs and Cam Belt have been changed. I do have a mechanic who usually looks after my cars but at the moment the dealer I bought the car from is still checking it out under warranty, even though it has now expired. The dealer's mechanic is as frustrated as I am as it just doesn't cut out when they have it in the garage, he's taken it home with him with no problems and even he's open to suggestions.

 

I've been in touch with trading standards and on their advice written to the dealer asking for a full refund but their solicitor says I'm not entitled to it but as a gesture of good will, will continue to try and find out what is causing the problem. I've also been in touch with a solicitor and he suggested I get the RAC or AA to look at it. He also suggested I go to the small claims court, which will take at least 6 months for the case to be heard.

 

Anyway, thanks for your suggestions, I'll pass them on to the dealer :D

[paul.h]

A crankshaft sensor is an easy one to try first and from memory is only about £30 for the 1.4 petrol and take a few minutes to fit on the bellhousing at the top. Symptoms of these failing are they stop the engine when hot but once cooled down will let it start again but eventually it may not run at all. Since the engine will not run without this sensor it may not give a fault code so may not be found in a diagnostic check.

[OldSpice60]

Thanks Paul, I'll suggest that to the mechanic.