C3 1.4 Hdi 16v - Hard To Start And Noisy Running

[Guest Chappers]

Hi everyone,

 

I've got a 2003 C3 which is a 1.4 HDi 16V creature and a few months ago it developed a fault which is becoming a bigger and bigger annoyance. It's very hard to start, vomits plumes of white smoke when it eventually does, and is very rattly and noisy afterwards. Although the noise calms down as it warms up, it is still too noisy when driving along.

 

I've scoured the net, posted on other forums and I'm still stabbing in the dark with ideas on what's up with the thing. Local Citroen dealership said they'd want to replace the injectors at a cost of £1600, but considering this was a rapid diagnosis without even reading fault codes, and the fact they couldn't clip the air intake pipes together properly and so cable-tied them instead (I did the job properly when we got it back), I was disinclined to go with their idea or visit them again.

 

I see on this forum that AlanFC has had apparently the identical symptoms and an ECU change eventually sorted the car out. Is this as common a problem as the internet seems to show it as, and is it usually the ECU at fault? I'd like to know what actually goes wrong in the ECU, but I doubt that will never be disclosed by Citroen.

 

I simply can't afford to get Citroen to do anything to it, so I'm pretty stuck now. Just wondered how many others have had this fault and what the eventual outcome was. Also if anyone has any advice, I'd keenly listen to it. I'm thinking of writing to Citroen UK and seeing if they'll fix the thing for free considering it's very young to be having such a fault, and it's one of many we've had with the car that's seen us out of pocket. Wish I'd kept my Xantia, a fairly problem-free car and I did all hydraulic repairs myself, which seemed the only weak area. 180,000 miles and no ECU or injector problems at any stage. Built to last, unlike this flimsy monstrosity with its cheap plastic bits that break easily but cost a fortune to replace.

 

Anyway, look forward to any help. Thanks a lot.

 

James

[stimulator]

I'd have a look at the pre-heat circuit before going any further.

 

on modern diesels there is a misnomer that the pre-heat doesn't operate unless it's very cold.

 

this is untrue it operates everytime even though it doesn't turn on the warning light (the light isn't fitted to later cars either).

 

when the ignition is turned ON the glow plugs operate to ensure the engine starts they then stay ON till the engine reaches certain parameters, temp & revs in particular. This is to ensure good running and clean exhaust.

 

Once it's running and warm and you then turn it off (say after 5 miles or more) does it start again without a problem?

 

You could also try injector cleaner in the fuel to ensure they are clean, one bottle should be enough.

[Guest Chappers]

Hi,

 

Unfortunately, although my C3 has the preheat symbol on the dash, it never comes on, even when outside temperature has been -5, so I never know what's happening in that respect.

 

After about 5 miles, the car will indeed start fine if turned off and back on. Got me thinking glow plugs or preheat system fault, but the trouble with that is that the car is too noisy and a little low on power even after an hour's drive.

 

I bought two bottles of diesel injector treatment and used them both consecutively, but there was no difference at all. I've since discovered that Forte stuff is supposedly the best, although I haven't tried it.

 

I've gone through stages of thinking it was the injectors partially blocked, the preheat system at fault, and now the ECU or a sensor at fault. It's a confusing fault. However, I do have a code reader on the way which I hope might yield something of interest, although i don't have high hopes by any means.

 

Thanks, James.

[stimulator]

On the Picasso 20HDi thatw e used to own the pre-heat light was never seen in 5 years. However you could get it to come on, by simply switching on the ignition, then switching it OFF then immediately back ON, then as if by magic the light would appear. Doe sthis happen on your C3.

[Guest Chappers]

Nope, tried that but no joy, still no preheat light.

 

Just got back from having cat MOT'ed, which it failed. Both front springs broken. And they reckon the problem I posted this topic about is faulty injectors and replacement is the only cure; mechanic said he'd encountered other C3s with same symptoms and he had to change the injectors. It just gets worse. So much for being an economical choice of vehicle.

[paul.h]

Before having injectors replaced, it is still probably worth the effort of replacing the glow plugs, these do not cost much and they do not last forever. Should be similar effort as replacing spark plugs on a petrol car.