Pollution System Fault

[Steve Cutts]

I have a C5 2009 1.6 VTR + with 70000 miles on the clock, that from time to time come up with a pollution system fault with an audible sound and will not turn over. if I turn the key off and back on again it starts fine. I have done the regeneration for the dpf which seam to work for about a week, then comes back. does the dpf need replacing or has anyone had success with any dpf cleaners?

 

Steve

[coastline taxis]

Before spending anymoney or doing anything else you need to get a diagnostic done on the car

[Simple]

70,000 miles !!! very unlikely that the DPF needs replacement, unless damaged, which woudln't make sense, since the fault disappears on the second restart...

 

If you have a Lexia (XS Evolution) interface, try a full diagnosis, as per coastline taxis..  and while at it, check all cable connections and fuses...

 

However, If the battery is old, it could show a full (Voltage) charge, but current delivery may be below par.. These cars have a very strange behavior when the battery charge is low, so ensure the battery is FULLY charged, and perform a BSI reset (the procedure is in the forum).

[Steve Cutts]

What will resetting the BSI do?

[Steve Cutts]

can any one tell me where to find or give me a link to the BSI page :unsure:

[Simple]

Procedure to Initialise the Citroen BSI (body control units)  This is like a computer reset.
1. Disconnect any diagnostic tool.
2. Put the driver's window down, lift the bonnet and ensure all equipment is switched off.
3. Ensure all doors are closed and remove key from the ignition.
4. Wait for 3 minutes, disconnect the vehicle battery and wait 15 seconds.
5. Reconnect the vehicle battery, wait a further 10 seconds (do not open doors.).
6. Switch on the side lights through the driver's window.
7. Switch on the ignition and check system's functionality.
8. Hold lock button on key down for 10 seconds.
9. Remove key open & close door test central locking system.
10. Start the engine and complete the system's check.

 

Failure to follow this procedure could result in incorrect operation of many BSI related items.

[Steve Cutts]

Thanks for that

[paul.h]

Pollution system faults can be anything that may have an effect on the exhaust emissions and usually will not be the dpf, eg a cam shaft sensor failure. I guess you have not yet had a diagnostic check. Fault code readers are cheaper than paying for a check. A fault that puts the engine management light on should be read by any EOBD reader such as this one from Gendan for £38.95 which also includes some engine live data https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_FXNT200.html  If you need to do detailed checks on the car though you will need the dealer type Lexia diagnostic equipment.

 

As mentioned above, I would also check the battery voltage and its connections. Should be about 12.5 volts before the engine is started and then about 14.4 volts.

 

If you do try a bsi reset, make sure the gears are in neutral before switching on the ignition through the window. If you search the internet you may also come across different reset procedures.

 

I suspect the fault is not the dpf since it appears before starting the engine and the dpf blocked is measured by a pressure sensor across the dpf which requires exhaust gases to flow through the dpf to give a pressure. Other sensors also require the engine to run for a few seconds before they can detect a fault, hence why the engine management light takes a few seconds to go off when starting the engine. Maybe doing the regen you are giving the battery more of a charge than it usually gets in day to day running or maybe the fuel pressure is a bit low on first starting - has the fuel filter been replaced as part of normal servicing ?

[MikeLane]

Just a thought. Could the car be short of Eolys (or whatever this model uses). At 70000 I think it's got to the point where the service guide says that the tank should be topped up (Lexia wil advise if it's low). My 2005 1.6 HDi (109Kmiles) gives this warning occasionally, particularly whilst driving uphill, but clears itself after either some miles of level driving or giving it a bit of wellie. (I've never topped it up or had "Low Eolys" warning.)