Help Desperately Needed Please C5 Warning Light

[Guest lizyr]

hi i am new here and need advice for my mother in law please she has an 02 c5 2.2 diesel,she only paid 4000 for it a fortnight ago after 2 days an anti pollution light came on ,local garage said the filter in the exhaust needed cleaned she paid for this,2 days later same thing again ,discovered some little rod broken had this done next day same again ,had elyos fluid done two days later same happened again but car went into limp mode on motorway with caravan on caused someone run into back of caravan wrote it off.

can anybody please recommend someone in the burnley /blackburn area who can sort this out at reasonable price she already spent several hundred on it ,hoiliday booked for two weeks time so we are pretty desperate.

many thanks in advance

liz

[seefive]

Hi Liz

Sorry to hear of your troubles.

 

I'm guessing you (your mother-in-law) bought this car from a dealer? £4k is about the maximimum retail price for a car of this age. My advice would be - take it back and insist on it being repaired. The 2.2 diesels are notorious for particle filters blocking, and a replacement filter at a main dealer will set you back the best part of £1,000. (£500 for the filter, £100 fluid, plus fitting/regenerating)

 

The car was obviously faulty when you bought it, ( breaking down after 2 days) and under consumer law you can inisist on repair within 90 days of purchase. Stop throwing money at a problem the seller should fix! If they refuse threaten to sue for consequential loss of the caravan...

 

If, on the other hand, you bought privately your remedies are less clear cut, but I would still check out your legal options. Selling a car like this is not on.

 

As for reapairing it at your own cost, try searching for a "Citroen specialist" on the internet. Generally they are better and cheaper than main dealers

 

Good luck.

[72dudes]

I agree with seefive, if you bought from a garage of any sort, you have full legal redress under the Sale of Goods Act (goods must be fit for service). The garage would have to prove that the fault was not there when they sold it to you.

 

It needs a Citroen dealer or specialist to download the fault code from the computer to establish exactly where the fault lies. I have the same model and have had the same problems - first time it was a turbo pressure switch, second time egr valve related.

 

If you bought it privately then I'm afraid there is no legal recourse - "caveat emptor" or buyer beware, you are buying the car "as seen" with all its faults. It is likely this is why the previous owner was getting rid! You could however appeal to his better nature, if he has one, but he is under no obligation to help you out.

 

As seefive says, £4k is top book retail price, depending on mileage, so I hope you are able to return the car and get it fixed or reject it outright.

 

A chat with Consumer Direct or the local CAB may help, and I think you would be entirely within your rights to sue for the value of the caravan, as it is a consequential loss arising from the fault.

 

Please keep us posted and let us know the outcome.

[Guest lizyr]

I agree with seefive, if you bought from a garage of any sort, you have full legal redress under the Sale of Goods Act (goods must be fit for service). The garage would have to prove that the fault was not there when they sold it to you.

 

It needs a Citroen dealer or specialist to download the fault code from the computer to establish exactly where the fault lies. I have the same model and have had the same problems - first time it was a turbo pressure switch, second time egr valve related.

 

If you bought it privately then I'm afraid there is no legal recourse - "caveat emptor" or buyer beware, you are buying the car "as seen" with all its faults. It is likely this is why the previous owner was getting rid! You could however appeal to his better nature, if he has one, but he is under no obligation to help you out.

 

As seefive says, £4k is top book retail price, depending on mileage, so I hope you are able to return the car and get it fixed or reject it outright.

 

A chat with Consumer Direct or the local CAB may help, and I think you would be entirely within your rights to sue for the value of the caravan, as it is a consequential loss arising from the fault.

 

Please keep us posted and let us know the outcome.

Hi thanks for that, unfortunately we bought in private sale . The car is in showroom condition only had 36000 miles so we opted to pay the price for it thinking she had grabbed a bargain.

We have been in touch with previous owner he insists there was no known faults (as we expected).

A local garage put it on his computer and it showed the filter problem we had this done as i said plus some little rod thing and the elyos fluid,this was three separate big bills,this garage has now suggested we take to citroen specialist who seem to charge the earth so was really wanting to know if anyone on here could give any suggestions as where to take it in the blackburn burnley preston areas .

many thanks

liz

[72dudes]

Hi thanks for that, unfortunately we bought in private sale . The car is in showroom condition only had 36000 miles so we opted to pay the price for it thinking she had grabbed a bargain.

We have been in touch with previous owner he insists there was no known faults (as we expected).

A local garage put it on his computer and it showed the filter problem we had this done as i said plus some little rod thing and the elyos fluid,this was three separate big bills,this garage has now suggested we take to citroen specialist who seem to charge the earth so was really wanting to know if anyone on here could give any suggestions as where to take it in the blackburn burnley preston areas .

many thanks

liz

 

Sorry to hear that Liz. There's no way it should have needed filter and fluid changed at 36,000 miles, unless it's done lots of short journeys. Was the mileage backed up by a full service history and old MOTs?

 

Anyway, a quick internet search has revealed the following (no idea if they are dealers or independent specialists so do check first:

 

Blackburn Local Car Dealers, for Local Car Dealers in Blackburn ... North West Peugeot & Citroen Specialist. 01254 882887 ... White House Services.

01282 424227. Brookside Garage, Burnley Road, Cliviger, Burnley, BB10 4SH ... www.city-visitor.com - 37kCar Dealers - New in Barley, Burnley » Yell.com Citroen Specialists; New & Used Car Sales; Servicing, Parts & Accessories;

Motability, ... Boundary Garage, Burnley Rd, Colne, Lancashire BB8 8LF ... www.yell.comCar Dealers - New in Blackburn, Lancashire » Yell.com Brownhill Garage, Whalley New Rd, Blackburn, Lancashire ... Tel: 01282 611911.

New & Used Car Sales; Citroen Specialists. Classification: Car Dealers - New ... www.yell.com

 

 

 

 

You may be able to find more by widening the search. Good luck with the solving the problem. Looking on the bright side, she's had the most expensive things done relating to the anti-pollution fault, so ask the garage you choose to check for a blocked pipe leading to/from the EGR valve. Once it's sorted I guarantee your mother-in-law will have a supremely comfortable economical car with character!

[Randombloke]

The 2.2 diesels are notorious for particle filters blocking, and a replacement filter at a main dealer will set you back the best part of £1,000.

 

To play Devil's Advocate, the 2.2 diesels are notorious for owners who do not respect the Eolys/DPF service intervals and cut corners.

 

The whole of my 75,000 mile service including 2 new tyres and the complete Eolys/DPF saga was about £1,100.

 

plus some little rod thing and the elyos fluid,this was three separate big bills,this garage has now suggested we take to citroen specialist who seem to charge the earth so was really wanting to know if anyone on here could give any suggestions as where to take it in the blackburn burnley preston areas .

 

Hopefully some of the locals in that area will reply soon. Maybe do a search on the whole of this forum for good independents or franchised dealers.

 

If you find either of the above it is worth using them as they will not be cheap but will save money and trouble in the long run.

 

It may be worth your while starting a thread in the "General Discussion and Nonsense" forum entitled Good Citroën franchise/independent repairer in the Blackburn/Burnley/Preston area.

 

I'm sure you will a lot of replies.

 

Personally I would query that a 36,000 mile 2.2 required an Eolys top up or a replacement DPF as usually it is 50,000 or 75,000 miles before that is due on that age of car. The replacement of the little rod thing or Swirl Chamber Control Valve is not usually expensive as it should be about £90 plus 2 hours labour? to fix.

 

The phrase "clocked" comes up in my head, I know this is very difficult on a newer PSA car as the mileage is hard to frig, but tools for same are on sale on eBay......

 

My own personal approach to owning Citroën was first to find the reliable indy, then to buy a car. My 2 local indies give me advice and keep me away from silliness.

 

iannez, kfk or BarbsC1, comments please?

[Guest lizyr]

To play Devil's Advocate, the 2.2 diesels are notorious for owners who do not respect the Eolys/DPF service intervals and cut corners.

 

The whole of my 75,000 mile service including 2 new tyres and the complete Eolys/DPF saga was about £1,100.

Hopefully some of the locals in that area will reply soon. Maybe do a search on the whole of this forum for good independents or franchised dealers.

 

If you find either of the above it is worth using them as they will not be cheap but will save money and trouble in the long run.

 

It may be worth your while starting a thread in the "General Discussion and Nonsense" forum entitled Good Citroën franchise/independent repairer in the Blackburn/Burnley/Preston area.

 

I'm sure you will a lot of replies.

 

Personally I would query that a 36,000 mile 2.2 required an Eolys top up or a replacement DPF as usually it is 50,000 or 75,000 miles before that is due on that age of car. The replacement of the little rod thing or Swirl Chamber Control Valve is not usually expensive as it should be about £90 plus 2 hours labour? to fix.

 

The phrase "clocked" comes up in my head, I know this is very difficult on a newer PSA car as the mileage is hard to frig, but tools for same are on sale on eBay......

 

My own personal approach to owning Citroën was first to find the reliable indy, then to buy a car. My 2 local indies give me advice and keep me away from silliness.

 

iannez, kfk or BarbsC1, comments please?

thanks for that will give it a try

personally i think the person who repairing it has just been trying anything to try to solve problem,my husband was present when he has done these jobs but he actually said he personally doesnt think he has a clue.

the diesel additive light had come on last time that is when he put this fluid in but he only put 1 litre in do you think that could be problem.

thanks again

liz

[kfk]

I think you also have to consider that sometimes it can be cheaper to take your vehicle to a main agent. Whilst the labour rate may initially appear high, quite often problems will be solved quicker.

 

An hours labour at a main agent will cost in the region of £70. quite often the problem will be diagnosed within the hour because as main agents we get used to seeing the 'common faults'.

 

With regard to the fitment of the particle filter and topping up the Eolys tank, it does seem a bit early at that mileage to replace it and i wonder if maybe there is a further underlying fault. I cant understand them changing the filter and eolys seperately and would only assume they felt they were trying to save you money......my main concern regarding underlying faults would be that if they have replaced the filter and there is still a fault on thevehicle it could cause the new filter to block prematurely.....for information, cost of replacing a particle filter and eolys at a main dealer.....about £500.

 

In my opinion, garages thrive on reputation......price doesnt always come into it, grab your yellow pages and thumb through the 'Garage Services' section and find a Citroen/Peugeot specialists then ask around and see if anyone recommends them......other citroen owners in your area....walk up to them and ask where they get theirs done...are they any good?.....its a simple question.....and whilst they may not recommend someone they might tell you where not to go and save you the hassle of finding out the hard way.

 

And Finally....theres always the Main Dealer smaller familly run business is more likely to give a better level of service.

[seefive]

I think you also have to consider that sometimes it can be cheaper to take your vehicle to a main agent. Whilst the labour rate may initially appear high, quite often problems will be solved quicker.

 

An hours labour at a main agent will cost in the region of £70. quite often the problem will be diagnosed within the hour because as main agents we get used to seeing the 'common faults'.

 

Hi KFK

 

On reflection, I agree with your comments here. I was a little harsh in my earlier post on this thread. My local main dealers are very helpful and professional in dealing with problems, although I have always been a bit scared of their routine service pricing. They are scrupulously honest - they one refused to to replace brake pads and discs because they didn't need doing after I had been told they were "desperate" by a certain tyre and exhaust chain. They also keep a technician available to deal with "emergencies" ( blown headlamp bulbs etc) and will often sort things out without an appointment.

 

They did fail twice to diagnose a long-running misfire on cold idle, which I have now given up on, although no-one could figure it out for certain.

 

So Liz - maybe a trip to a main dealer is the best option at this point. They have the full diagnostic kit which an indie garage won't have. It's worth getting a written opinion of the fault and how long it's been there. If the seller advertised the car as "faultless" you may still have some legal leverage here, particulary as you paid dealer retail price.

[Guest lizyr]

Hi KFK

 

On reflection, I agree with your comments here. I was a little harsh in my earlier post on this thread. My local main dealers are very helpful and professional in dealing with problems, although I have always been a bit scared of their routine service pricing. They are scrupulously honest - they one refused to to replace brake pads and discs because they didn't need doing after I had been told they were "desperate" by a certain tyre and exhaust chain. They also keep a technician available to deal with "emergencies" ( blown headlamp bulbs etc) and will often sort things out without an appointment.

 

They did fail twice to diagnose a long-running misfire on cold idle, which I have now given up on, although no-one could figure it out for certain.

 

So Liz - maybe a trip to a main dealer is the best option at this point. They have the full diagnostic kit which an indie garage won't have. It's worth getting a written opinion of the fault and how long it's been there. If the seller advertised the car as "faultless" you may still have some legal leverage here, particulary as you paid dealer retail price.

Thanks for that we have decided be best to take to main dealer to sort out and probably cheaper in the long run too.

Many thanks to all who have given advice

Liz

[davidad]

Thanks for that we have decided be best to take to main dealer to sort out and probably cheaper in the long run too.

Many thanks to all who have given advice

Liz

I live in Rossendale and have my C5 2.2 serviced at Bury Car Centre in Bury and find them very helpful. As previously commented, the main dealers know the common faults and what to look for. It took one of BCC's mechanics about 5 seconds from lifting the bonnet to diagnose a high fuel consumption problem as the swirl chamber control valve link rod. I've also had good service in the past from Walker Farrimond in Nelson but I haven't used them for the last 3 or 4 years so I have no recent experience.

[crapday]

Liz, why don't you phone some local garages near to the person your mum in law bought the car from (or any Citroen dealers/specialists) to see if they have had the car in, if they have and it was a related fault, then the guy cant say that the car was fine or in great condition when you bought it. You might have some legal might if this is the case.

[72dudes]

Thanks for that we have decided be best to take to main dealer to sort out and probably cheaper in the long run too.

Many thanks to all who have given advice

Liz

 

 

Liz,

 

I'm sure that many others as well as myself would be interested to hear the outcome. If you are still logging in, perhaps you could post what happened.

[Guest lizyr]

Liz,

 

I'm sure that many others as well as myself would be interested to hear the outcome. If you are still logging in, perhaps you could post what happened.

:lol: Well folks she took it to citroen dealers had some seal or other replaced and elyos fluid topped up ,they charged her 430 was ok for three days lights back on ,returned to garage they saying it different codes to what she had so she cant do anything .Apart from pay another bill to sort it out,but how long will it last this time?

We really are at a loss with this car and wish we had left it where it was.

Any help be much appreciated

Thanks

liz

[Guest H19SNS]

This sounds so frustrating, esp as you took the car to a citroen dealer.

 

I had a similar problem, and did all the usual fluids, DPF etc, in the end thanks to help from this Group, the fault turned out to be a small split in 1the vaccum pipe to the swirl chamber control valve. It is easy to check with a mitivac or similar. The vac pipe was split right at the back of the engine, so not possible to see/visually inspect, however, pipe is accessible to check for vac leak. The swirl chamber control valve moves a small rod on the right hand side of the engine. Any indy should be able to quickly check this for you at little expense.

[Guest vin]

This sounds so frustrating, esp as you took the car to a citroen dealer.

 

I had a similar problem, and did all the usual fluids, DPF etc, in the end thanks to help from this Group, the fault turned out to be a small split in 1the vaccum pipe to the swirl chamber control valve. It is easy to check with a mitivac or similar. The vac pipe was split right at the back of the engine, so not possible to see/visually inspect, however, pipe is accessible to check for vac leak. The swirl chamber control valve moves a small rod on the right hand side of the engine. Any indy should be able to quickly check this for you at little expense.

 

 

guys dont jump in and do all that the local garage specially ones that dont have good diag equipment i was told all sort of things. and then took to a reputed bosch one. leave the citroen dealers alone. and the prob was traced out to be non working brake light contacts the bulbs were ok but there seems to be some kinda mech contact just next to the brake pedal