Problems....

[c4coupe1]

Can anyone offer any advice on the problems listed below?

 

I have a C4 Coupe VTR 1.6HDi.

 

1. Sloppy, wobbly steering that gets jolted around with every bump and always needs pressure on the steering wheel to the right to remain in a straight line, else the car pulls to the left. No resistance to any road imperfections and the amount of turn in the steering wheel is greater than that transmitted to the road wheels. Dealer has reset the tracking 3 times, and this cures the problem for about 300 miles, and the steering once again feels tight, crisp and precise, and does not get knocked around by bumps in the road..however, all the problems keep returning again. Possible worn bushes?

 

2. Squeaking from around NSF suspension unit area when travelling over some bumps, accelerating from standstill and going over bridges...connected to steering problem?

 

3. Squeaking from passenger footwell each time brake pedal is pressed.

 

4. Knocking noises when turning off a hot engine, and when changing gear.

 

5. Maintenance Indicator keeps telling me the car is overdue a service (when it's not due for another 7000 miles).

 

6. RDS Function on the radio resets to "ON" each time the station is changed or radio turned off. Radio changes station whenever it feels like it.

 

Any help greatly appreciated!!!!!

[C4VTS]

Can anyone offer any advice on the problems listed below?

 

I have a C4 Coupe VTR 1.6HDi.

 

1. Sloppy, wobbly steering that gets jolted around with every bump and always needs pressure on the steering wheel to the right to remain in a straight line, else the car pulls to the left. No resistance to any road imperfections and the amount of turn in the steering wheel is greater than that transmitted to the road wheels. Dealer has reset the tracking 3 times, and this cures the problem for about 300 miles, and the steering once again feels tight, crisp and precise, and does not get knocked around by bumps in the road..however, all the problems keep returning again. Possible worn bushes?

 

2. Squeaking from around NSF suspension unit area when travelling over some bumps, accelerating from standstill and going over bridges...connected to steering problem?

 

3. Squeaking from passenger footwell each time brake pedal is pressed.

 

4. Knocking noises when turning off a hot engine, and when changing gear.

 

5. Maintenance Indicator keeps telling me the car is overdue a service (when it's not due for another 7000 miles).

 

6. RDS Function on the radio resets to "ON" each time the station is changed or radio turned off. Radio changes station whenever it feels like it.

 

Any help greatly appreciated!!!!!

 

 

1) Not heard of any steering problems before

 

2) I did have a knocking noise from my NSF. Dealer replaced front shock absorbers which did not help much, but the fault cleared after the first service for unknown reason.

 

3) Don't know.

 

4) Some people have had this. Engine mountings? Can't remember what it was, but if you search the forum I think welshguy had a similar fault.

 

5) Well known software bug that can be fixed by the dealer.

 

6) Turn the RDS off !!

[Seefour05]

I have the same problem with my steering. Very sensitive to road conditions and whenever I brake, the car pulls. Had the tracking and balance checked and always been fine. tyres kept to correct pressure too. Its very annoying.

[Mike5483]

Does your car also 'graunch' when pulling away???

 

Mine steering is affected by road imperfections, a bump will make the steering really tug.

 

I know that sometimes the dealers can rebuilt the front suspension turret, replacing the roller bearing at the top etc.

[lab44]

Same happens with my steering - not much you can do i dont think. The new Civic does it too (though not quite as much).

[c4coupe1]

Thanks for the replies guys.

 

The steering problem is definately not a characteristic of the car. It was perfect when new, and is always temporarily perfect if the tracking is reset, before it loosens up again. I can't understand why I need to have the tracking reset every 300 miles!!!!!

Acceleration or braking makes the steering wheel vibrate and wander quite strongly. Generally the steering is loose and gets knocked of line far too easily, too much turn of the steering wheel is required to achieve the desired turn of the road wheels.

 

The sqeaking when pressing the brake pedal seems to be coming from some kind of rubber "bellow" thing filled with sponge, the squeaking is quite loud, and if the brakes are pressed hard a lot of gushing air can be heard.

 

One dealer has told me that the knocking noises when turning the engine off are to do with the flywheel housing...one persons tells me the flywheel protects the cambelt, another person (both Citroen mechanics) tells me the flywheel protects the clutch?!?!?! Another dealer said he couldnt hear the knocking at all! Doesn't seem to be a cure for it anyway, which is a very poor show.

 

The RDS function on the radio will NOT stay "OFF" which is the whole problem! It resets itself to "ON" everytime I change station. I think the radio is poor quality anyway in terms of reception, the radio in my old BX had better reception than this one...and it didnt try to think for itself! :-)

 

Maintenance Indicator has been de-bugged by the dealer, but the problem came back again after 50 miles..no further resolution has been offered.

 

Also I have side trim around the windscreen detatching on both sides. The bottom seal on the windscreen has dropped below the glass and now lets water soak the bulkhead lining. The seal on the rear window is lifting out and the front wheel arch liners have bent below the bodywork..caused by not being of suitable strength to sustain water hitting the dealer fitted mudflaps. Passeneger door handle frequently sticks despite being lubricated many times, and finally there is a cracking noise from the NSR seatbelt reel area when travelling over bumps...very annoying.

 

Replaced parts so far:

 

3 x sets of front discs and pads (keeps warping the NS disc)

EGR Valve (To cure acceleration hesitancy)

Dozer Valve (as above)

Entire exhaust system ( Attempt to cure the knocking noises)

Rear shock absorbers (Replaced when I complained about FRONT suspension noises)

NS Track rod end (Temporary cure for the steering problem)

Front suspension mounts and bearings (To cure front suspension creaking)

Intercooler to air inlet trunking (To cure an oil leak)

 

I used to love Citroen's, but after owning this C4 I think may loyalties may have to reluctantly change! Citroen make good looking cars but seem to fail to get the basics right, and their customer care doesn't exist either at dealership level (they all tell lies, and don't want to repair cars under warranty) or at Citroen UK, who don't seem to communicate with their dealer network.

[wozza]

Sounds like you have a dodgy dealer more than anything if they cant even sort out the service indicator. Few people have had this and all it required was 5 minutes to plug it into the computer and update the software and it was cured.

[Welshguy]

4. Knocking noises when turning off a hot engine, and when changing gear.

 

Yup..this happens in my C4, although in reverse..tends to happen a lot more until the engine is really warm. My guess is something gearbox related is "loose" until it warms up and expands, creating a proper fit?

 

I have had 2 engine mounts replaced and the gear cabling replaced and still the problem remains. I have even had a test drive with a Citroen tech and the car behaved itself perfectly! I am looking to book the car back in with a different dealership soon so will keep you posted.

 

Does your car also 'graunch' when pulling away???

 

Is that even a word Mike? :rolleyes:

 

I think I understand what you mean though..it's like a grating noise when you put your foot down. Happens to me as well, and as yet no fix.

[Mike5483]

Yup..this happens in my C4, although in reverse..tends to happen a lot more until the engine is really warm. My guess is something gearbox related is "loose" until it warms up and expands, creating a proper fit?

 

I have had 2 engine mounts replaced and the gear cabling replaced and still the problem remains. I have even had a test drive with a Citroen tech and the car behaved itself perfectly! I am looking to book the car back in with a different dealership soon so will keep you posted.

Is that even a word Mike? :rolleyes:

 

I think I understand what you mean though..it's like a grating noise when you put your foot down. Happens to me as well, and as yet no fix.

 

When I pull away, the car makes a grindy noise.

 

It occurs most if you pull out of a space and turn right, so the wheels are turning right as the front of the car lifts under acceleration.

 

Once its done it once, its fine again until the car is left and the suspension settles.

 

KFK has looked at it and has done all of the fixes that he can do, and yet it still does it.

 

It didnt do it when I got the car.

 

Curiously, it seems to be getting worse now. It occasionally does it if I have to stop in the middle of the road to turn right, when I eventually do turn, the noise occurs.

 

Also, when it does this, the steering feels very heavy (remember I'm turning the wheels right).

 

Its very bizarre.

[steve022cone]

Can anyone offer any advice on the problems listed below?

 

I have a C4 Coupe VTR 1.6HDi.

 

1. Sloppy, wobbly steering that gets jolted around with every bump and always needs pressure on the steering wheel to the right to remain in a straight line, else the car pulls to the left. No resistance to any road imperfections and the amount of turn in the steering wheel is greater than that transmitted to the road wheels. Dealer has reset the tracking 3 times, and this cures the problem for about 300 miles, and the steering once again feels tight, crisp and precise, and does not get knocked around by bumps in the road..however, all the problems keep returning again. Possible worn bushes?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Hi All,

My C4VTS HDi has always had this problem from new (about 1 year old now), & despite much fiddling around by dealer, is little improved.

Mine also will veer over to the left, if grip on steering wheel is loosened.

[c4coupe1]

OK, to provide an update...

 

I had an Independent Engineer carry out an inspection of my car last Thursday, with some interesting results.

 

1. The pulling to the left and sloppy steering is caused by continual upset of the tracking which in-turn is caused by improper balancing of the wheels, due to the weight of the locking nut being different to the other three. The wheels need balancing properly whilst on the car, and the tracking reset.

 

2. Continual warping of NSF brake disc is caused by a lazy caliper. The engineer also confirmed that the disc is warped (latest set of discs only covered 1000 miles so far). Citroen keep telling me there is nothing wrong with it.

 

3. Knocking noises at gear change and when turning the engine off are being caused by bottom engine mount, which needs replacing. Again Citroen seem unable to hear the noises..yet the engineer picked up on it without being prompted.

 

I carried out a detailed inspection of the rear interior trim myself yesterday, and found that the mystery 'cracking' noise I could hear when going over bumps was a tiny lip on the trim which houses the rear speaker, which has worn away the bonding glue around the window and was tapping the glass. I put a little bit of felt padding on the lip, and problem solved...why on earth Citroen mechnics couldn't find it.......

 

I will be providing my selling dealer with the Engineers Report and I have it in writing from Citroen that they will put everything right under the warranty and cover the cost of the report...they obviously thought I wouldnt pay for a report myself....hoping I would give up and go away!..NO CHANCE!!!

[Guest GarthyB]

I carried out a detailed inspection of the rear interior trim myself yesterday, and found that the mystery 'cracking' noise I could hear when going over bumps was a tiny lip on the trim which houses the rear speaker, which has worn away the bonding glue around the window and was tapping the glass. I put a little bit of felt padding on the lip, and problem solved...why on earth Citroen mechnics couldn't find it.......

 

Firstly, Kudos to you, being so persistant!

As for the eternal question.....why on earth can't the Citroen mechanics find these problems?

I work in an engineering environment and we have mechanics, and technicians. The difference...one lot can tie their shoe laces...the other, could also show you how the shoe is made!!

The mechanics change the oil and brake pads, etc. The technicians plugs in the diagnostic equipment and strip gearboxes, etc.

 

As the saying goes...When you pay peanuts ....the dealers might take £40+ p/hr off you but the mechanic won't see much of that.

They have to work very hard, for sometimes thankless customers.........I hear a noise when the engine is running...when I go over a pothole the suspension makes a knocking noise...the A/C isn't hot enough...my stereo won't tune to Radio 4, etc. Completely pointless faults raised by people who want a repair for a fault that doesn't exist.

So is it any wonder they aren't always professional when fault finding..they have to test drive brand new cars...looking for a 'little tapping noise'..when they probably drove to work in a 10 year old Ford Escort...of course they're not going to hear noises!

If it's not completely obvious, they are very often stumped. If plugging the computer in doesn't show the fault, or something isn't hanging off...it's very often No Fault Found.

 

I have empathy to the thankless task that is ' mechanic ', and yet am angered when faults aren't rectified.

It's a service industry....but they are people too!

 

Your problems have clearly caused you anguish...and are most definately real problems! I hope Citroen put their hands up and admit fault, when faced with an independent engineers (Automotive Technician) report.

[c4coupe1]

Yes, the problems have caused me great anguish. Trading Standards, SMMT and an Independent Engineer have all been involved. Only a letter to Citroen UK's MD prompted any action from the selling dealer, who have constantly refused to admit there are problems...or just tell me I have steering problems because my C4 is a diesel!!!!!???

 

I will take great pleasure in wiping the smug smile off the Dealer Principal's face when I take the Engineer's report in this week!

 

Citroen are a horrific company to deal with right from the top at Citroen UK, all the way down to the people at the dealerships who are totally disinterested in sorting out warranty repairs, unless the fault is absolutely obvious.

 

Also the workmanship is very poor. After the last visit mine came back with a cracked front speaker grille, a gouge out of the interior door panel and oily finger prints all over the fabric ceiling lining.

 

Visits to different dealers often yield varying answers to the same problems. As much as I love Citroens...this C4 is my last purchase from the company!

 

I don't see why people should have to put up with creaks, rattles and imperfections with brand new cars! As for the radio not tuning......why can't Citroen get that right? It's such a basic item..not rocket science...no wonder the mechanics get annoyed having to fix items like that...Citroen should fit their cars with accessories that are fit for purpose. If they got the basic right, people wouldnt keep going back to complain, and the company image would benefit greatly!

[hertsnminds]

Citroen are a horrific company to deal with right from the top at Citroen UK, all the way down to the people at the dealerships who are totally disinterested in sorting out warranty repairs, unless the fault is absolutely obvious.

 

I have mentioned this in replies to other posts about Citroen customer service. In my experience you can have issues like this with large companies or sole traders. It is all about individuals not companies. If you find a helpful individual the service you get is amazing. Talk to a 9-5er and you get what the idiot card tells them to say.

 

I owned a Pluriel before my C4 my dealer was excellent and never had a problem sorting things out under warranty.

 

The problem with large companies tends to be they produce anything from thousands to millions of products and yet despite faults we continue to purchase and use them. No one stops using BT phone lines or Microsoft software because we know the have poor or non existant customer service.

 

Ian

Black 55 VTR+

[Welshguy]

Glad to hear of the good news C4coupe1 (is that your first name? :blink: ) !

 

Can I ask...how much was the independent report? As I've previously mentioned I suffer from the knocking noise, and although I have found my dealership to be helpful and replace parts in an attempt to fix the problem, it would be nice to get a second opinion on where the problem is!

[c4coupe1]

The survey cost £200, but I have it in writing from Citroen that they will reimburse the cost. An independent survey is well worth it if you have a number of faults, which you know are there, but the dealer refuses to acknowledge.

Usually the dealer hopes you will give up and go away by the time it gets to getting independent engineers involved etc.