Xsara Picasso HDi not starting.

[mm1]

im no mechanic but i had the exact same problem just before xmas with my c5 hdi.my local garage done what he called a bottle test on the injectors and one of them was faulty.150 euro sorted the problem.

[RichardW]

im no mechanic but i had the exact same problem just before xmas with my c5 hdi.my local garage done what he called a bottle test on the injectors and one of them was faulty.150 euro sorted the problem.

Sounds like a leak off test, which I alluded to above - basically you disconnect the injector leak off hoses and route the leak offs into separate bottles, then run the engine (OK so that might be a challenge here, but cranking it may well be enough) and compare the amount leaked off - should be pretty minimal, if one (or more) has a significant leak off then it's gubbed. A Lexia investigation may be able to do this electronically.

[Rockley Lock & Safe]

I can try that,

The car runs fine once it starts.

[Paul-R]

A Lexia investigation may be able to do this electronically.

I'm certainly no expert with a Lexia but I believe that it can't pick this up.

[Rockley Lock & Safe]

Leak off test done, fine no issues.

Still hard to start but runs lovely once it has started.

I can't be arsed to faff about with it any more, I was only getting it starting better to sell it.

I am going to break it this weekend, should be worth more I think.

[rick45]

I have a Citroën Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDi, once it is running it is great, it turns over for a couple of minutes before starting. The first 30 seconds of cranking it is as though it has no fuel or an immobiliser problem, then the car starts shaking and diesel spoke pours out of the exhaust. If i pump the throttle I can usually get it going after a minute or two of cranking.

It is easier to start once the car is warmed up but not perfect.

The glow plugs never seemed to do anything and are doing the same amount of not a lot now, I have powered the glow plugs directly with no noticeable effect, the problem doesn't seem to be affected by the temperature outside.
I have swapped the fuel filter and used "Redex" diesel fuel additive after the filter swap, no difference.

The car had an engine swap around 12 months ago, done at the main dealers who claimed it came out of a van.

I am at my wits end with it now, any advice greatly apreciated.

I am main dealer trained (Audi) with a well stocked garage but I am at a loss as to where to start.

Thanks in advance guys.

Warren

hi, you say you have changed the fuel filter, i bet you have an air leak and getting air in fuel, or it could be a lazy in tank fuel pump.
rick.

[Rockley Lock & Safe]

Number 3 injector is/was knackered, I have had them rebuilt and then tested at the local Bosch Diesel centre.

The engine is now 1/2 out of the car and for sale complete, the rest of the car will be broken by the weekend.