C5 2.0 manual HDI ESTATE - NO UMPH!! - No Solution !!

johnway · Post by **johnway** » 30 Jun 2006, 20:24

Hello,
I wrote a little while back reporting zero accelleration from my C5 110 BHP HDI Estate. Replies/suggestions pointed to air flow meter, air filter and diesel filter. These I have changed - little improvement. I spent 4.5 hours at Citroens Wickford today patiently and nervously waiting while the car underwent diagnosis and tests - result? One frustrated technician and one frustrated owner - no solution!! Car booked for another round of diagnosis with a chief technician with the brains at Slough hooked into the diagnostic machine. Any other Citroen owners had a similar experience? I am all for modern technology, but what is the point of a computer engine management system and a fault diagnostic machine if the b. things can't pinpoint a problem immediately, or at least within a few tests? I have no intention of paying for a huge bill (especially as I am on a small pension) for a problem which a representative of the involved large car sales company has failed to fix and god knows how many more hours will be required to find the problem (if at all!!). Your comments etc. appreciated.
Regards,
John (now not quite as ecstatic with my C5 as I was).

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 30 Jun 2006, 21:00

Hi John -

Have never messed around in a HDI engine bay - not even looked down in one yet

But that does not mean i dont have an opinion on those problems of yours

Has the engine had the cambelt replaced at any time yet ? Even top professional golden awarded garages can miss the belt timing by one tooth - with severe influence on engine performance.
Its very easy to check - and very easy to forget to check - if you get stuck into "something very complex must be at wrong".

We have had many reports on bad HDI HP fuel pumps - or HDI fuel feed problems in general. Has the complete fuel/tank/pump/lines system been checked out ?

Hope I hereby have opened the bottle for other good opinions on the topic.

johnway · Post by **johnway** » 30 Jun 2006, 22:44

Hello AndersDK,
Thanks for your response. Yes the cambelt was changed 20,000 miles ago - all was OK with the car until about 1 month ago when the power drop was first noticed. As for HDI fuel feed problems I think this would be apparent throughout the rev range? My car still revs freely and is OK reaching top speed in all gears - it just does not get the turbo boost when foot to the floor when extra fuel is supposed to be injected. I don't know if the pump has a seperate feed or not to do this. If only Mr Haynes would produce a Service and Repair Manual for us C5 owners to browse!!
Regards,
John.

SimonM · Post by **SimonM** » 01 Jul 2006, 09:54

Hi, I would be looking at either the turbo or the exhaust. If the exhaust has a blockage it will produce the problems you have, you would notice a slight rise in running temperature if this was the case. With regards to the turbo, the wastegate could be stuck open, if so it is venting all boost pressure to the outside rather than to the engine which would cause it to be sluggish. Not sure whether the engine management would pick this up.

johnway · Post by **johnway** » 01 Jul 2006, 10:06

SimonM wrote:Hi, I would be looking at either the turbo or the exhaust. If the exhaust has a blockage it will produce the problems you have, you would notice a slight rise in running temperature if this was the case. With regards to the turbo, the wastegate could be stuck open, if so it is venting all boost pressure to the outside rather than to the engine which would cause it to be sluggish. Not sure whether the engine management would pick this up.

Thanks Simon,
I have noticed that the "far-off siren noise" which I used to hear (I think this was the turbo) has disappeared so boost pressure is a fair bet. Any idea where the wastegate is located and what it looks like? Without an HDI manual I am stumped!!
Regards,
John.

Homer · Post by **Homer** » 02 Jul 2006, 08:56

I would suggest that instead of taking it to Citroen you take it to one of the diesel tuning specialists with a rolling road to get it properly diagnosed.

bencowell · Post by **bencowell** » 02 Jul 2006, 09:12

Go to http://www.boschautoparts.co.uk/ and choose dealer locator at the very top of the screen.

I visited their specialist in Shipley after my dealer said my turbo was overboosting and needed replacing. He tested everything and roadtested with his computer attached and said nothing is wrong at all. Yes, it makes a little bit of noise but he wouldn't change anything. 6,000 miles later on and no problems at all.

He did advise using decent diesel (Shell or BP) and the occasional shot of Millers DPP.

Ben