Citroen C5 Diesel Sluggish

[brianrfc]

problems with running of car ..when in fifth gear doing 40mph then going to accelerate the car seem to labour and takes a while to pick up speed also when driving around town the car only realy manages 3rd gear as 4th is too high a gear even at 30mph ive changed the fuel filter and air filter but made no difference at all also run injector cleaner through and that made no difference at all ive got no warnings on dash its a 2003 model 2.0hdi 110bhp ........someone mentione in a post about egr and maf .......if these might be the problem can anyone point me in the right direction of where to find them on engine as haynes dont do a manual for the c5

[Randombloke]

problems with running of car ..when in fifth gear doing 40mph then going to accelerate the car seem to labour and takes a while to pick up speed also when driving around town the car only realy manages 3rd gear as 4th is too high a gear even at 30mph ive changed the fuel filter and air filter but made no difference at all also run injector cleaner through and that made no difference at all ive got no warnings on dash its a 2003 model 2.0hdi 110bhp ........someone mentione in a post about egr and maf .......if these might be the problem can anyone point me in the right direction of where to find them on engine as haynes dont do a manual for the c5

 

The Haynes manual is supposed to be out in Dec.............

 

I would check all the air ducting downstream of the turbo for a leak.

 

Any gash or cut in the rubber/plastic or a jubilee clip not done up can cause this problem.

 

Especially check the top and bottom of the intercooler, next to the other radiators.

 

Sometimes there's a leak at the bottom and a small puddle of oil.....

 

MAF sensor is fairly obvious on the ducting just after the air cleaner?

[brianrfc]

The Haynes manual is supposed to be out in Dec.............

 

I would check all the air ducting downstream of the turbo for a leak.

 

Any gash or cut in the rubber/plastic or a jubilee clip not done up can cause this problem.

 

Especially check the top and bottom of the intercooler, next to the other radiators.

 

Sometimes there's a leak at the bottom and a small puddle of oil.....

 

MAF sensor is fairly obvious on the ducting just after the air cleaner?

 

no signs of oil leak but i will check tommorow all pipes going to turbo and intercooler thanks i let you know how i get on

[coastline taxis]

no signs of oil leak but i will check tommorow all pipes going to turbo and intercooler thanks i let you know how i get on

hi if you look at the air trunking coming from the air filter youll see a grey multi plug going to the mass air flow controllunplug the multi plug then try the car and see if theres any difference if theres not then youl need a new one as thats what it sounds like

[brianrfc]

hi if you look at the air trunking coming from the air filter youll see a grey multi plug going to the mass air flow controllunplug the multi plug then try the car and see if theres any difference if theres not then youl need a new one as thats what it sounds like

thanks m8 ive not had the time to sort the problem this week with work but im off tommorow and im going to try that first before i get my hands dirty thanks again

[fatgut]

We have had an 03 LX 2.0hdi 110bhp estate since new, and can inform you that there sounds to be no problem with the car's performance - it is a high geared car (for motorway economy presumably). My wife and I have to do a 3 yearly RoSPA advanced driving test. and this car has been used in 3 tests so far where either a serving or retired Police driver sits in the passenger seat. They are merciless in their criticism of basic faults such as wrong gear for speed, so as its never been mentioned I can only presume we're driving the car correctly. At a steady 30mph on the flat don't expect to be in anything other than 3rd gear, it will really labour if in 4th at 30mph. If accelerating steadily up through the gears for economy on a flat road, expect to change into 4th at 40mph and 5th at 50mph (all very easy to remember). My suspicion is that you've been used to driving a very differently geared car. At one point I was driving this one and a 205 1.9 GTI, which could not have been more different as at 30mph it could pootle along in 5th!! Our overriding memory of driving this Citroen when we first got it was that it felt absolutely dead and unresponsive, as we had a Focus 1.8TD before.However the fact we've kept it so long is testimony to it's economy, massive comfort and amazing ability as a fully loaded up long distance load lugger. Hope that helps, I think you are looking for a non-existant problem with this car, its just a bit slow in summary!

[myglaren]

At a steady 30mph on the flat don't expect to be in anything other than 3rd gear, it will really labour if in 4th at 30mph. If accelerating steadily up through the gears for economy on a flat road, expect to change into 4th at 40mph and 5th at 50mph (all very easy to remember). My suspicion is that you've been used to driving a very differently geared car. At one point I was driving this one and a 205 1.9 GTI, which could not have been more different as at 30mph it could pootle along in 5th!! Our overriding memory of driving this Citroen when we first got it was that it felt absolutely dead and unresponsive, as we had a Focus 1.8TD before.However the fact we've kept it so long is testimony to it's economy, massive comfort and amazing ability as a fully loaded up long distance load lugger. Hope that helps, I think you are looking for a non-existant problem with this car, its just a bit slow in summary!

 

I would broadly agree with your synopsis. I always considered mine rather underpowered. Overcame this by modifying my driving style somewhat. Mine will potter around in 4th at 30~40mph quite happily unless it encounters an upward gradient, then it is down to third.

It does need a serious kick in the arse to get it moving from the lights or junctions though.

 

OTOH, my son followed me to a garage in his 306 1.9D-Turbo and had a struggle keeping up with me so perhaps it isn't that bad :rolleyes:

 

As said, let loose on a motorway it will cruise along all day at 70 ish.

[myglaren]

At a steady 30mph on the flat don't expect to be in anything other than 3rd gear, it will really labour if in 4th at 30mph. If accelerating steadily up through the gears for economy on a flat road, expect to change into 4th at 40mph and 5th at 50mph (all very easy to remember). My suspicion is that you've been used to driving a very differently geared car. At one point I was driving this one and a 205 1.9 GTI, which could not have been more different as at 30mph it could pootle along in 5th!! Our overriding memory of driving this Citroen when we first got it was that it felt absolutely dead and unresponsive, as we had a Focus 1.8TD before.However the fact we've kept it so long is testimony to it's economy, massive comfort and amazing ability as a fully loaded up long distance load lugger. Hope that helps, I think you are looking for a non-existant problem with this car, its just a bit slow in summary!

 

I would broadly agree with your synopsis. I always considered mine rather underpowered. Overcame this by modifying my driving style somewhat. Mine will potter around in 4th at 30~40mph quite happily unless it encounters an upward gradient, then it is down to third.

It does need a serious kick in the arse to get it moving from the lights or junctions though.

 

OTOH, my son followed me to a garage in his 306 1.9D-Turbo and had a struggle keeping up with me so perhaps it isn't that bad :rolleyes:

 

As said, let loose on a motorway it will cruise along all day at 70 ish.

[brianrfc]

We have had an 03 LX 2.0hdi 110bhp estate since new, and can inform you that there sounds to be no problem with the car's performance - it is a high geared car (for motorway economy presumably). My wife and I have to do a 3 yearly RoSPA advanced driving test. and this car has been used in 3 tests so far where either a serving or retired Police driver sits in the passenger seat. They are merciless in their criticism of basic faults such as wrong gear for speed, so as its never been mentioned I can only presume we're driving the car correctly. At a steady 30mph on the flat don't expect to be in anything other than 3rd gear, it will really labour if in 4th at 30mph. If accelerating steadily up through the gears for economy on a flat road, expect to change into 4th at 40mph and 5th at 50mph (all very easy to remember). My suspicion is that you've been used to driving a very differently geared car. At one point I was driving this one and a 205 1.9 GTI, which could not have been more different as at 30mph it could pootle along in 5th!! Our overriding memory of driving this Citroen when we first got it was that it felt absolutely dead and unresponsive, as we had a Focus 1.8TD before.However the fact we've kept it so long is testimony to it's economy, massive comfort and amazing ability as a fully loaded up long distance load lugger. Hope that helps, I think you are looking for a non-existant problem with this car, its just a bit slow in summary!

 

 

thanks for the response ive tryed everything and still no better but what you are saying puts it into prospective its happy in third at 30 but not in 4th and on motorway its a good car just around town its not that good so i think its just down to gearing if i chase it on it does go well enough for a diesel thanks for the response i can chill a bit now knowing its not only my car cheers

[Guest Dervman]

Especially check the top and bottom of the intercooler, next to the other radiators.

 

Sometimes there's a leak at the bottom and a small puddle of oil.....

 

Hi Random,

 

Can you give more information on this? I have that puddle!! Only a small amount, but its there.

 

The car goes ok; and I'm getting consistent 43mpg - recent few runs up to Bradford and back and I saw genuine 700+ from the tank (2004 2.0 110 HDi VTR).

 

I have a warranty on the car, but ignored this oil spill, as I was thinking Intercooler looked like an air:air model. What is the oil leak? Is this causing my frustration at lack of grunt (diesels supposed to have good low/mid-range...!?).

 

Thanks,

[mlkey]

Hi Random,

 

Can you give more information on this? I have that puddle!! Only a small amount, but its there.

 

The car goes ok; and I'm getting consistent 43mpg - recent few runs up to Bradford and back and I saw genuine 700+ from the tank (2004 2.0 110 HDi VTR).

 

I have a warranty on the car, but ignored this oil spill, as I was thinking Intercooler looked like an air:air model. What is the oil leak? Is this causing my frustration at lack of grunt (diesels supposed to have good low/mid-range...!?).

 

Thanks,

 

Subjective based on what you call sluggish. I also have the puddle, not too worried about it. Don't forget the engine breather system vents into the intake system between the MAF and the turbo, so anything it chucks in there goes through the turbo and to the intercooler. Technically, if you have oil coming out of the intercooler, you are leaking precious boost. That said, mine is still pulling very well, and coupled with good fuel return, can't be much wrong. I have just replaced the MAF due to variable power issues, lack of bottom end etc. Now it pulls lovely, especially on the motorways. I cover 500 miles a week commuting, and some local running around, tank range normally around 800.

 

Hope that helps.

[Guest Dervman]

Technically, if you have oil coming out of the intercooler, you are leaking precious boost. That said, mine is still pulling very well, and coupled with good fuel return, can't be much wrong. I have just replaced the MAF due to variable power issues, lack of bottom end etc. Now it pulls lovely, especially on the motorways. I cover 500 miles a week commuting, and some local running around, tank range normally around 800.

 

So many people mention 800miles per tank, yet my best todate is 650, typical is around 610 - obviously a lead right foot on my part :rolleyes: but £65 to fill, and £120 tax make up for it.

 

I suffer with no bottom end power, and I never really feel it pulling (but is this because my previous car had 255bhp...) I can hear the turbo (quietly) whistling away. I'm going to see if I can get the Intercooler out over the weekend and give it an inspection. I'll also check the MAF, to see what state that is in. Finally, I'll follow all pipes round to the turbo and check tightening/splits etc.

 

I'm also getting a higher sound like ticking - like the diesel engine "dagga dagga" sound, but a higher pitch. I need to check the manifold and pipes on that - I'm wondering if the Exhaust manifold or downpipe is leaking. The sound is like its blowing on one cylinder - but intermittent, mostly when its cold.

[mlkey]

So many people mention 800miles per tank, yet my best todate is 650, typical is around 610 - obviously a lead right foot on my part :rolleyes: but £65 to fill, and £120 tax make up for it.

 

I just filled up today, got 67.4 litres in :o which was cutting it a bit fine as tank supposed to take 68 litres. I covered 842 miles on that which worked out close to 57 mpg. Most of that was steady 60 ish mph on the motorway. Love the fuel economy of these motors!

 

Would be interested in your findings when you get to the bottom of it. My last car had 204 bhp, weighed 1100 kg. Went very nicely, but came to a sticky end on the M6 toll last November. The C5 impresses me, especially on motorways, pulls very nicely for overtaking, feels like it pulls harder than the previous car when accelerating from 50 or 60 in 5th gear.