C3 (2005) Wont Start - Any Ideas?

[GSClarke]

Checked the posts here and tried key reset etc, been today to get new key but problem still there.

 

Battery appears fine, 12v fully charged up to 15v.

 

Car makes continuous noise but never fires.  Won't jump start even on very steep hill.  Will jerk forward if trying to start in 1st gear.

 

Any suggestions before i have it towed to a garage?

 

[coastline taxis]

could you put a bit more info in the question please, history and what is happening to the car as its a bit hard to understand what youve put

[GSClarke]

Sorry I'm not very 'car-minded'.  The car has been sat doing nothing for a while and now won't start.  I thought it may have been a faulty key as it was looking a bit tired so followed the instructions on this forum for a key reset in case it was an immobilizer problem.  No luck.  Went and got a replacement key and still no luck.  The red battery light flashes after opening the door with the key but on turning the key there is a continuous noise but no sound of the car turning over or trying to start.  No sign of it being a battery issue.  I am told it doesn't behave like a starter motor problem but I am not sure about these things.  i am wondering what else it might be before I get it towed to a garage. :( 

[paul.h]

Which engine does it have - petrol, diesel, engine size, automatic or manual gear box ?

 

Does the key you are using have the immobiliser chip in it ?

 

Is there fuel in the tank and how long is it since the car last ran ?

 

When you turn the key to start the car, can you hear the starter motor turning the engine or does it just make a clicking sound or nothing at all ?

 

If it just makes a clicking sound it is probably the starter motor that is faulty or possibly the wiring from the battery to the starter motor or the earth wire to the gearbox from the body. It is also possible the battery voltage is low but you have said that is not the case. A charged battery will be about 12.7 volts, a flat battery about 12.3 volts or less.

 

If it is making a whirring noise but not engaging the flywheel ring gear to turn over the engine, then again it could be a fault with the starter motor.

 

The red battery light coming on when the door is opened just means the car is in eco mode and that will go once the engine is started, so nothing to be bothered about.

[GSClarke]

It just makes a constant whirring noise but no clicking, no attempt to start, nothing on bump start down the hill.  If trying to start in 1st gear it does jerk forward but still nothing.  Someone suggested that meant not the starter motor but I wouldn't know about that.  I was hoping it was a faulty key as it looked a bit dodgy but the new one has made no difference.

[paul.h]

Which engine does it have - petrol, diesel, engine size, automatic or manual gear box ?

 

Does the key you are using have the immobiliser chip in it ?

 

Is there fuel in the tank and how long is it since the car last ran ?

 

If the starter is turning and not engaging with the flywheel ring gear, then possibly a tooth is missing from the ring gear or is damaged. Our previous 2003 C3 1.4 petrol would occasionally do this but not every time so I lived with it.

 

 

 

If you do take the car to a garage I would use a Citroen dealer, they will be familiar with your car and if it needs a diagnostic check they will have the right equipment.

[Rookie2]

You need to check the cam belt. Unfortunately if the starter motor is whirring when you turn the key, and if the car is not trying to start when you bump start it, then I would make checking the cam belt a priority before doing anything else.

[GSClarke]

Thanks all.

 

It's a 1.4 petrol manual,  It has an immobilizer chip but that has been checked this afternoon.  It has been stood for 4 months approx. and there is fuel in the tank.

Edited March 6, 2017 by GSClarke

[paul.h]

If you put it in reverse gear with the handbrake off and the key not in the ignition, can you push the car a bit to see if the engine rotates ? This could be a quick check to see if the cam belt is still in place. Do this on the flat and not on a hill so there is no chance of it running away. You can remove the cam belt top cover by undoing 2 bolts so if needed it can be inspected without too much bother.

[coastline taxis]

if the starter motor is just whirring and not actually turning the engine over then this would indicate a fault on the starter solenoid. but a tow should still start the engine. have u got acsess to diagnostic tools. what area area you in

[GSClarke]

It looks like the BSI unit so the car has been towed to the garage. :(  If that is so then they have suggested I get another from the scrap yard or eBay.  The garage will confirm tomorrow.  Any advice before I start looking?  I am in Tenerife so may have to be posted from mainland Spain or possibly elsewhere.

[GSClarke]

I am thinking that maybe it isn't worth penny pinching and a new one might be best, maybe straight from Citroen here in Tenerife.  Or am I being naive?  Has anyone replaced one?  What did you do?

[GSClarke]

The garage just rang.  Full marks to those who said the Cam Belt lol.  At least I think that's what "la correa distribucion" means.  Just waiting for the price now.  Google translate says "Distribution Belt".  Just hoping now that it didn't cause any damage when it broke. 

Edited March 7, 2017 by GSClarke