Auto-diagnosis Warning Light

[michaelcarts]

This is just for your information........

 

The little orange light that's shaped like an engine came on recently (Xsara 1.4 LX 2002).

Tha handbook says "Consult Citroen Dealer asap".

 

Checked with local Citroen dealer...... it would need to be booked in for a day, and would cost 1 hr (=£70.00 + vat) just to put it on the machine to have the problem diagnosed.

But since it could be the start of a serious problem, it needs to be done.

 

Fortunately though, I also have a nearby "backstreet" Citroen specialist.

Went along without an appointment. They hooked it up to their machine within minutes, and for no charge told me that it was the final emissions sensor, indicating that the cat might need replacing soon. Also for no charge, they reset the warning light and it hasn't come on again since.

 

I left a tenner in their Xmas box.

 

But my main reason for posting this is to have a gripe.......

What on earth are Citroen doing combining such a diversity of sensors into a single warning light. The problem could have been anywhere in the engine, fuel-delivery or exhaust systems !!

The only logical answer I can think of is that they're trying to ensure a revenue stream for their dealer/service network.

I would have been well naffed-off if I'd shelled out the best part of £90 just to be told that an exhaust component might need replacing soon. Isn't that what £40 MOTs are for ??

[Guest huw]

emissions only pass or fail, they only advise on system condition e.g. leaks from crakes, holes, broken brakets are fails i think.