Citroen C4 2005 Petrol, not starting.

[adder]

Hi all.

I've got a problem with Citroen C4 2005, it's cranking but won't start, it only starts with jump leads or booster and it will start again once started with jump leads until next day or when it gets cold then same thing again.

I've had new battery, and a few cowboys around here can't tell what it is.

I've also done a reset procedure from the guide but still same problem.

Any assistance will be much appreciated.

Thank you.

P.S If I can I will try to post some pictures later.

[Hell Razor5543]

I think that your first port of call is to get a Lexia session sorted out. That way you can get a clear readout of what error codes have been generated. Don't use a generic reader, as they are unlikely to understand what a PSA group car says (it is French, with their own form of logic!). Here is a list of forum members who have Lexia clones and are willing to help;

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=56452

[white exec]

Could be worth checking the condition of the main battery connectors (and if crimped-on lead (Pb) type, replacing them with brass clamps, and cleaned-up strands.) Original battery connectors acquire resistance with age, and during cranking can drop system voltage enough to prevent other electronics from working properly.
Starting only with a jump or warm is a clue.

[adder]

Thanks, you guys are amazing.

I was think and reduced the problem down to about 5 different things and one of em was grounding, however after the comment from white exec I fully charged the battery over night and cleaned the battery terminals and greased them, but at the same time I opened the fuse box and pressed in all fuses just encase, and one of em in the middle 30amp seems from right side was not slotted properly and felt it going in a little.

Went in the car it started straight away.

I will now know tomorrow if it's resolved and post back either way.

Cheers.

Could be worth checking the condition of the main battery connectors (and if crimped-on lead (Pb) type, replacing them with brass clamps, and cleaned-up strands.) Original battery connectors acquire resistance with age, and during cranking can drop system voltage enough to prevent other electronics from working properly.
Starting only with a jump or warm is a clue.

[white exec]

Sounds promising. Let us know what happens tomorrow...!

[adder]

Sounds promising. Let us know what happens tomorrow...!

Sorry guys but it failed again, still won't start, just tried and it keeps turning until battery runs out, had another one on full charge and still not starting on full charge, Don't know what made it start this morning.

Here are some picture's I've taken. I'll take look some more tomorrow..

[411514]

We had a similar problem on our 1.6 petrol C4 recently, it not starting, which turned out to be the crankshaft sensor (sited just next to the oil filter). If the crankshaft sensor is at fault however I cannot explain why jump-starting it would work.

Another common fault on that engine is the coil-pack. We have replaced this twice in 50k miles.

Those two would be my best bets.

[adder]

Sounds promising. Let us know what happens tomorrow...!

Tried the same procedure as yesterday and it wont start today, even with full battery.

@411514, It can't be crank shaft sensor as it's cranking, could be an o2 sensor. But I still think it might be a wiring or grounding issue.

Even with Jump lead it takes a few tries before it does.

[RichardW]

Crank sensor doesn't stop it cranking, it just tells the ECU the engine is going round. It won't be O2 - this is only used once the engine has warmed up a bit. You need to get it on a diag computer and get some live data to see if the ECU can see the engine rotating, and / or if there is anything else amiss.

[411514]

Probably worth pointing out that my experience of this engine is that it is a very easy-starter. It doesn't seem that cranking speed is so critical with this engine as with some of the HDi diesels, which would tend to clear the battery, the starter motor and the earthing of blame.

If I were you I would start with the crank sensor as it is the cheapest and easiest suspect. I seem to recall a new genuine crank sensor can usually be gotten on ebay for £20ish. I or others can provide a part number if needed.

[adder]

Probably worth pointing out that my experience of this engine is that it is a very easy-starter. It doesn't seem that cranking speed is so critical with this engine as with some of the HDi diesels, which would tend to clear the battery, the starter motor and the earthing of blame.

If I were you I would start with the crank sensor as it is the cheapest and easiest suspect. I seem to recall a new genuine crank sensor can usually be gotten on ebay for £20ish. I or others can provide a part number if needed.

Yes please provide the part number. but what would the best method to test it to be sure? Will small tap work while its started if it cuts off?

What are thoughts on Cam-sensor? I've just seen lots of yellow rusted soot showing in picture 3 above, on wires and bolt.

[411514]

Part number is 1920 AW. Citroen charge £30 inc VAT, but you may find it cheaper on ebay.

No way that I am aware of to test the crank sensor (without a Lexia). Simply a case of replace and see. Should point out that I am not absolutely certain the crank sensor is at fault, it is just where I would start before wasting time and money elsewhere.

To my understanding the engine doesn't have a cam sensor. Might be wrong though.

[411514]

See attached image from service cit for positioning of crank sensor

[wheeler]

The best & most accurate way to test an inductive crank sensor is with an oscilloscope.
The rusty residue looks to me like the crank sensor is totally covered in it, the crank sensor (and its connection) would deffo be suspect on this car. You will need to find out where its coming from or the same thing will happen to a new sensor.
Don't believe there is a cam sensor on this engine.

[411514]

You're right Wheeler about the residue on the crank sensor. I didn't spot that. Is it dried coolant?