Citroen C5 starting problems

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garyfitz123
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Citroen C5 starting problems

Post by garyfitz123 »

I have a 2.2 hdi C5 that has developed some starting problems. The engine turns over and over and over making no attempt at starting, and then at the last minute fires up.
I changed the diesel filter and it seemed to cure the problem but a few hours later the same problem exists! It does appear as if there maybe there isn't enough diesel getting through!
Any ideas?


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Re: Citroen C5 starting problems

Post by myglaren »

There are several things that could be responsible.
One of those that seems to come up with fair regularity is the in tank fuel pump - when you first turn on the ignition can you hear it run for a few seconds?
If not, bashing the bottom of the fuel tank with a bit of wood will sometimes wake it up. Not for long though.
Another is the fuel pressure regulator.
There are a number of threads covering this fault:
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=28803" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=33739" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=20953" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... =3&t=49879" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... p?p=219310" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... highlight=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are others but that should give you a start.
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Re: Citroen C5 starting problems

Post by Stickyfinger »

Pumps can also get blocked....if not the pump, get it checked on a Lexia as "standard" code readers can take you off into places not needed.

Will it start first time with a bit of brake-cleaner shot into the inlet, is the hand pump filling ?
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Re: Citroen C5 starting problems

Post by Peter.N. »

The filter on the fuel pressure regulator on the HP pump often gives trouble, in fact its been responsible for all the running/starting problems I have had on my 2.0. Hdi. Reasonably easy to remove, it sits behind the fuel filter which will need to be removed and is secured to the pump by two torx/allen screws and a connector. You can remove the filter as some come without it, or grind the end off making sure you get all the swarf out.

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Re: Citroen C5 starting problems

Post by garyfitz123 »

The fuel tank pump is working fine...well it sounds like it is and it is filling the filter okay.

I will check the regulator tomoro


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Re: Citroen C5 starting problems

Post by Peter.N. »

This is what you are looking for:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FUEL-PRESSURE ... 3aaa4fc2cc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Citroen C5 starting problems

Post by Bandit12 »

Hi Gary, Silly answer and I'm sure you have already checked it but if the battery is old then even if it has enough juice to turn engine over it can cause starting issues, (well it did on my 2.2). :oops:

A new battery had the engine cranking over much faster and starting easier even in depths of winter 8-)

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Re: Citroen C5 starting problems

Post by Peter.N. »

That is a consideration, they do need a good cranking speed to start reliably, a worn starter can also hinder starting. Mine became difficult to start when cold and almost impossible when hot but that was the pressure regulator.

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Re: Citroen C5 starting problems

Post by wheeler »

I would get it on Lexia or something that can read live data & see what the fuel pressure is on cranking, should be at least 110 bar. Also check you can see a good engine RPM on cranking.
Does it fire straight away with easy start/brake cleaner ?
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