Anti Pollution Non-fault

[seefive]

Hi

 

My car has deveoped a habit of suddenly throwing up "Antipollution fault" whilst the the engine is warm and running fine. It's done it twice now, about 5 minutes after starting. No limp home, no nothing - just the dreaded engine and service lights. Last time I had to take it to the main dealer to get the light switched off, but at £45 a time for pointless diagnostics this is going to get expensive

 

Can anyone recommend an affordable hand held scanner that will do the job?

 

Any idea what would cause this?

 

Thanks

[Randombloke]

My car has deveoped a habit of suddenly throwing up "Antipollution fault" whilst the the engine is warm and running fine. It's done it twice now, about 5 minutes after starting. No limp home, no nothing - just the dreaded engine and service lights. Last time I had to take it to the main dealer to get the light switched off, but at £45 a time for pointless diagnostics this is going to get expensive

 

Any idea what would cause this?

 

Important point - did they just clear the fault or did they give you the code stored? No point paying for a diagnostic unless you get the info.

 

If there was no code stored, mine has done this twice in 40k miles. The cure is to turn the engine off, wait for 3-4 minutes until you hear the clunk from behind the instruments and the speedo kick negative mph, then wait for a few more seconds before starting. Lights gone.

 

If the light is staying on after doing this, then there should be a code. Action that code.

 

It would also be worth checking the battery voltage, and that all earths are good. I now run my C5 with a small plug in voltmeter, which gives numbers, necessary in a Mk1 I think.

 

It might be worth reseating all the plugs to the main ECU, having checked they are all clean.

[seefive]

Important point - did they just clear the fault or did they give you the code stored? No point paying for a diagnostic unless you get the info.

 

If there was no code stored, mine has done this twice in 40k miles. The cure is to turn the engine off, wait for 3-4 minutes until you hear the clunk from behind the instruments and the speedo kick negative mph, then wait for a few more seconds before starting. Lights gone.

 

If the light is staying on after doing this, then there should be a code. Action that code.

 

It would also be worth checking the battery voltage, and that all earths are good. I now run my C5 with a small plug in voltmeter, which gives numbers, necessary in a Mk1 I think.

 

It might be worth reseating all the plugs to the main ECU, having checked they are all clean.

 

 

Thanks for the reply

 

They didn't give me a code, but said there was an air shortage, and suggested a new pump. As the air pump only operates for a minute on startup (per Haynes) I don't belive this is the cause here. Their Lexia machine read the coolant temperature as minus 40c so I'm none too confident in this.

 

I tried the off and on approach with no luck (didn't hear the noise or see the speedo flicker, mind you)

 

Would this do the trick?

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OBD-2-II-EOBD-OBD2-F...%3A1%7C294%3A50

[Guest Citroen CT]

if lexia read the temp sensor at -40 your sensor needs replacing as thats a ecu default value.as for you depoll fault it could be a pressure difference in the exhaust which sometimes doesnt throw a fault into ecu,it works by getting a reading pre and post particle filter and works out how loaded the filter is,it then checks if this is correct with other readings eg how much eoyls have been injected miles since last regen.to check this under the bonnet on the bulk head roughly in the middle you should have the sensor with 2 rubber pipes and i think its a 3way connector going into it,they are know for getting water build up inside just remove the sensor and empty out any water gently blow through it to make sure its not blocked.

 

if you do remove plugs from your ecu as per one reply on here, ensure you disconnect your battery first but i wouldnt recommend doing this just carry out the ecu reset procedure as described on thread with title "ecu reset procedure" i have put up previously in the technical section as this will reset engine and particle filter ecu and erase any stored intermittent or ghost faults.

 

the code reader you mention should read engine ecu but the fault may lie in the particle filter ecu as this is seperate from engine ecu

[Randombloke]

I tried the off and on approach with no luck (didn't hear the noise or see the speedo flicker, mind you)

 

It's quite noticeable in mine, but yours might be a newer model.

 

Would this do the trick?

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OBD-2-II-EOBD-OBD2-F...%3A1%7C294%3A50

 

What exact year and model? I bought a simple scanner like this for my 2002 2.2 HDi but it's too old and an EOBD scanner would not work - to be sure it needs to be a diesel post 2004?

 

What model and year is your car?

[seefive]

It's quite noticeable in mine, but yours might be a newer model.

What exact year and model? I bought a simple scanner like this for my 2002 2.2 HDi but it's too old and an EOBD scanner would not work - to be sure it needs to be a diesel post 2004?

 

What model and year is your car?

 

Mine's a 2002 petrol (not hpi) - see my signature. The blurb on ebay says that scanner's good for everything from 1996. If not, what protocol should I be looking for please?

 

Citroen CT - which sensor needs replacing? The coolant temp sensor was replaced at the same main dealer 2 years ago, and it immediately started giving me crazy external temp numbers on the screen (ice alerts on a warm May afternoon) then settled down again..

 

Thanks again

[seefive]

This one looks interesting - see compatibilty petrol and diesel...

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CAN-Bus-OBDII-OBD2-T...%3A1%7C294%3A30

[Randombloke]

Mine's a 2002 petrol (not hpi) - see my signature. The blurb on ebay says that scanner's good for everything from 1996. If not, what protocol should I be looking for please?

 

Sorry, sigs are only visible after log in, I only ever log in if I have to reply to a message, so mostly don't see sigs.

 

You should be fine as your car, i.e. petrol had to comply with EOBD from 2001 onwards.

 

Try it and report back?

[seefive]

Sorry, sigs are only visible after log in, I only ever log in if I have to reply to a message, so mostly don't see sigs.

 

You should be fine as your car, i.e. petrol had to comply with EOBD from 2001 onwards.

 

Try it and report back?

 

OK Got the scanner and it threw up code PO401 (EGR insufficient flow). Although the scanner erases and confirms all clear and light off on rescan, the fault lights remain on, and when I scan again after starting the engine, the code appears again.

 

AAARGH I'm getting fed up with this car. I was offered the princely sum of £500 to trade it in or a 2007 9k mile high spec Kia Magentis at £5,300 this week. Maybe I should have gone for it??

[Randombloke]

OK Got the scanner and it threw up code PO401 (EGR insufficient flow). Although the scanner erases and confirms all clear and light off on rescan, the fault lights remain on, and when I scan again after starting the engine, the code appears again.

 

I must be missing something here but why not check and clear out the EGR valve and all the tubing/piping associated with it?

 

Is there a sensor that's measuring this particular value that might be faulty?

[seefive]

I must be missing something here but why not check and clear out the EGR valve and all the tubing/piping associated with it?

 

Is there a sensor that's measuring this particular value that might be faulty?

 

 

My point is - the scanner confirms codes erased and engine light off, but the car refuses to switch off the light. It seems that Citroen have made the car impervious to non-citroen powered scanners trying to clear faults, an example of protectionism, whch is supposedly illegal.

 

I should be able to clear codes and switch off the light without going back to Citroen, who have failed to diagnose and fix this real or imaginary fault on repeated visits. All very frustrating.

[seefive]

Update - fault lights went off today. Very strange - seems like a delayed reaction to the scanner. It must have cleared the code, as in previous occurances the light goes out after a day or 2 if there is no code stored

 

Result!!

[DaveHerns]

Update - fault lights went off today. Very strange - seems like a delayed reaction to the scanner. It must have cleared the code, as in previous occurances the light goes out after a day or 2 if there is no code stored

 

Result!!

Don't get a Kia Magentis - even my Kia dealer admits they are a joke

[seefive]

Don't get a Kia Magentis - even my Kia dealer admits they are a joke

 

 

Hmm interesting. I took a look at one ( but couldn't drive it) and thought it felt really solid . The door closed with a whisper, and everything felt durable. The older model was flimsy and a bit of an eyesore, but the current version is very European-looking. Reliabilty seems to be a strong point ,and at £5k - ish for a 2007 car, a real bargain, I would have thought.

 

 

I know - this is a Citroen site - but any other opinions on this? Stop me throwing away 5 grand?

[old'uns]

you can only do what you feel is right...

 

a 'dog' is a 'dog' regardless of manufacturer, don't go on the opinion of a couple of people, if you get a 1000 replies then 'maybe' listen.

 

i know people who've bought new cars & have had loads of trouble- DB7 in the garage more than out, 20+ codes everytime & would rather use a TVR to go to France!

another guy with an Audi S3 same thing- 4 wheel drive clunks, rattles in car fault codes

Renault Laguna- 2 turbos, 1 intercooler, wishbone bushes, shock absorbers... all 3 on cars bought new & less than 2 yrs old.

 

i've been lucky with my C5, had MAF replaced, new radiator, heater resistor & a few other usual wear & tear bits & its never thrown up any fault codes. '02 plate now on 183k probably due for a clutch, maybe alternator soon i suppose but will do them as i don't want to buy another car just yet.

 

would i buy another one? after seeing everyone else's major problems...NO!!!

[mlkey]

you can only do what you feel is right...

 

Agreed. You should buy a motor you like the feel of on a test drive. Get some models in mind, do your homework on the internet before you buy, then get to looking for a good one.

 

At the end of the day, all manufacturers have issues with their cars, admittedly some are apparently worse than others. I work for a luxury car maker in the UK, their motors cost around £70k new, and even they screw up. People are now forcing buy backs over the issues with EGR valves... they all get it wrong.

 

I got my C5 18 months ago, it is an 02 plate and had 82k on the clock. Now it has 124k, so far had to replace a head gasket and the MAF. I look at the mileage and think thats not bad. The car has never failed me, even with the head gasket going, is nice and comfy, and economical. It has more than saved me double the repair bills in fuel savings, so I am happy.

 

Would I buy another? Yes, without hesitation.

 

If you buy a second hand motor, you always have that element of "buyer beware", although you will get some peace of mind getting something from a dealer rather than private. Good luck with your hunt. ;)

[72dudes]

Hmm interesting. I took a look at one ( but couldn't drive it) and thought it felt really solid . The door closed with a whisper, and everything felt durable. The older model was flimsy and a bit of an eyesore, but the current version is very European-looking. Reliabilty seems to be a strong point ,and at £5k - ish for a 2007 car, a real bargain, I would have thought.

 

Two ways of looking at this: Reliability, fairly comfortable, reasonable build quality would suggest the Magentis is not a bad car. It's the sister car to the Hyundai Sonata, and may even be built at the same factory (Kia C'eed and Hyundai i30 are).

 

However, in terms of handling and ride quality, generally regarded as being well behind European

[72dudes]

Hmm interesting. I took a look at one ( but couldn't drive it) and thought it felt really solid . The door closed with a whisper, and everything felt durable. The older model was flimsy and a bit of an eyesore, but the current version is very European-looking. Reliabilty seems to be a strong point ,and at £5k - ish for a 2007 car, a real bargain, I would have thought.

 

Two ways of looking at this: Reliability, fairly comfortable, reasonable build quality would suggest the Magentis is not a bad car. It's the sister car to the Hyundai Sonata, and may even be built at the same factory (Kia C'eed and Hyundai i30 are).

 

However, in terms of handling and ride quality, generally regarded as being well behind European standards. Fairly high emmissions mean higher road tax, and the engines are not particularly

[72dudes]

Hmm interesting. I took a look at one ( but couldn't drive it) and thought it felt really solid . The door closed with a whisper, and everything felt durable. The older model was flimsy and a bit of an eyesore, but the current version is very European-looking. Reliabilty seems to be a strong point ,and at £5k - ish for a 2007 car, a real bargain, I would have thought.

 

Two ways of looking at this: Reliability, fairly comfortable, reasonable build quality would suggest the Magentis is not a bad car. It's the sister car to the Hyundai Sonata, and may even be built at the same factory (Kia C'eed and Hyundai i30 are).

 

However, in terms of handling and ride quality, generally regarded as being well behind European standards. Fairly high emmissions mean higher road tax, and the engines are not particularly economical.

 

But the real killer is depreciation. There's a reason you can

[72dudes]

Hmm interesting. I took a look at one ( but couldn't drive it) and thought it felt really solid . The door closed with a whisper, and everything felt durable. The older model was flimsy and a bit of an eyesore, but the current version is very European-looking. Reliabilty seems to be a strong point ,and at £5k - ish for a 2007 car, a real bargain, I would have thought.

 

Two ways of looking at this: Reliability, fairly comfortable, reasonable build quality would suggest the Magentis is not a bad car. It's the sister car to the Hyundai Sonata, and may even be built at the same factory (Kia C'eed and Hyundai i30 are).

 

However, in terms of handling and ride quality, generally regarded as being well behind European standards. Fairly high emmissions mean higher road tax, and the engines are not particularly economical.

 

But the real killer is depreciation. There's a reason you

[72dudes]

Hmm interesting. I took a look at one ( but couldn't drive it) and thought it felt really solid . The door closed with a whisper, and everything felt durable. The older model was flimsy and a bit of an eyesore, but the current version is very European-looking. Reliabilty seems to be a strong point ,and at £5k - ish for a 2007 car, a real bargain, I would have thought.

 

Two ways of looking at this: Reliability, fairly comfortable, reasonable build quality would suggest the Magentis is not a bad car. It's the sister car to the Hyundai Sonata, and may even be built at the same factory (Kia C'eed and Hyundai i30 are).

 

However, in terms of handling and ride quality, generally regarded as being well behind European standards. Fairly high emmissions mean higher road tax, and the engines are not particularly economical.

 

But the real killer is depreciation. There's a

[72dudes]

Hmm interesting. I took a look at one ( but couldn't drive it) and thought it felt really solid . The door closed with a whisper, and everything felt durable. The older model was flimsy and a bit of an eyesore, but the current version is very European-looking. Reliabilty seems to be a strong point ,and at £5k - ish for a 2007 car, a real bargain, I would have thought.

 

Two ways of looking at this: Reliability, fairly comfortable, reasonable build quality would suggest the Magentis is not a bad car. It's the sister car to the Hyundai Sonata, and may even be built at the same factory (Kia C'eed and Hyundai i30 are).

 

However, in terms of handling and ride quality, generally regarded as being well behind European standards. Fairly high emmissions mean higher road tax, and the engines are not particularly economical.

 

But the real killer is depreciation. There's a reason you can buy a 2007 Magentis for £5200.

[72dudes]

Hmm interesting. I took a look at one ( but couldn't drive it) and thought it felt really solid . The door closed with a whisper, and everything felt durable. The older model was flimsy and a bit of an eyesore, but the current version is very European-looking. Reliabilty seems to be a strong point ,and at £5k - ish for a 2007 car, a real bargain, I would have thought.

 

Two ways of looking at this: Reliability, fairly comfortable, reasonable build quality would suggest the Magentis is not a bad car. It's the sister car to the Hyundai Sonata, and may even be built at the same factory (Kia C'eed and Hyundai i30 are).

 

However, in terms of handling and ride quality, generally regarded as being well behind European standards. Fairly high emmissions mean higher road tax, and the engines are not particularly economical.

 

But the real killer is depreciation. There's a reason you can buy a 2007 Magentis for £5200. In another two years you'll

[72dudes]

Hmm interesting. I took a look at one ( but couldn't drive it) and thought it felt really solid . The door closed with a whisper, and everything felt durable. The older model was flimsy and a bit of an eyesore, but the current version is very European-looking. Reliabilty seems to be a strong point ,and at £5k - ish for a 2007 car, a real bargain, I would have thought.

 

Two ways of looking at this: Reliability, fairly comfortable, reasonable build quality would suggest the Magentis is not a bad car. It's the sister car to the Hyundai Sonata, and may even be built at the same factory (Kia C'eed and Hyundai i30 are).

 

However, in terms of handling and ride quality, generally regarded as being well behind European standards. Fairly high emmissions mean higher road tax, and the engines are not particularly economical.

 

But the real killer is depreciation. There's a reason you can buy a 2007 Magentis for £5200. In another two years you'll be offered

[72dudes]

Hmm interesting. I took a look at one ( but couldn't drive it) and thought it felt really solid . The door closed with a whisper, and everything felt durable. The older model was flimsy and a bit of an eyesore, but the current version is very European-looking. Reliabilty seems to be a strong point ,and at £5k - ish for a 2007 car, a real bargain, I would have thought.

 

Two ways of looking at this: Reliability, fairly comfortable, reasonable build quality would suggest the Magentis is not a bad car. It's the sister car to the Hyundai Sonata, and may even be built at the same factory (Kia C'eed and Hyundai i30 are).

 

However, in terms of handling and ride quality, generally regarded as being well behind European standards. Fairly high emmissions mean higher road tax, and the engines are not particularly economical.

 

But the real killer is depreciation. There's a reason you can buy a