C5 Starting problem / immobiliser??

Ed Armstrong · Unread post by **Ed Armstrong** » 03 Nov 2008, 20:02

I have C5 (Reg 2003) 2.0 VTR 110HDi. Starting problem: I lock car using remote returning unlock and car will not start although starter is turning normal speed but not engaging. STOP sign is on but no other indications on the display - dash is showing the normal symbols. It seems as if the car is immobilised (will the starter turn if immobilised?)I leave car for a while and try again and everything ok starting. As I drive away, after about 10 minutes (it does vary) the car often locks itself and lock button shows red light - will not UNlock using this button when it happens. Sometimes, when parked I can open the door and the central locking mechanism clunks on an off but this does not happen all the time. Recently the starter motor has started to make as noise as it disengages suggesting replacement needed - is this the starting problem??
Car has been to Citroen dealer and had diagnosis done twice to find starting problem - no faults in ECU memory or any indications of a fault in the system. I am mystified and would appreciate any advice please......

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Ed Armstrong · Unread post by **Ed Armstrong** » 04 Nov 2008, 22:45

Starter motor does enage but does not start....Tried again this morning and "key reminder" came up in central display.,. Eventually engine did start after locking car an unlocking 3 times. Took to garage to get starter motor replace. Will let you know if that cures the problem..

Ed Armstrong · Unread post by **Ed Armstrong** » 07 Nov 2008, 22:27

Well, starter motor secialist replaced bushes which were well worn and seeemingly slowing down starter. Starts everytime now. Who'd have thought it would be that simple.
Ed

TBONE · Unread post by **TBONE** » 07 Nov 2008, 23:32

basically its that simple ( carbon brushes wear out ) and also the copper that they conduct to also wears so its cheaper to have a rebuild rehab new

Ed Armstrong · Unread post by **Ed Armstrong** » 09 Nov 2008, 19:20

These bushes were phospor bronze (soft metal) that the motor revolves on not the actual brushes. The bushes were worn and assmbly was slowing down. Thanks anyway. J

Just tried to start the car (raining all day) and will not start, showing "immobiliser fault" on the display....Will leave until the morning. Could it be the key? Or is the rain getting into something in the door? Getting really rustarted now. At one stage whilst, I was turning the engine over with the refurbished starter motor, it tried to fire....

Lexia program used by Citroen tech could not find nothing wrong nor anything in the ECU memory to suggest a fault...Car started everytime he said, but it was not raing then. A common factor to seems to be that more often it will not start in the rain. Any ideas guys? or previous experience?
Ed

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 09 Nov 2008, 19:59

have you tried the spare key ?
Do you have any aftermarket accesories fitted to the car ?

Ed Armstrong · Unread post by **Ed Armstrong** » 09 Nov 2008, 22:09

Thanks but lost spare key - sorting that out tomorrow with 3D locksmith specialists. However, got a reply back from "Just Answer UK Cars" suggesting the key and / or the aerial to key transponder in the ignition lock. Failing that then try immobiliser ECU. Many thanks for you reply. Can you give any advice on changing the aerial to key transponder please?

Ed

Ed Armstrong · Unread post by **Ed Armstrong** » 10 Nov 2008, 16:55

The problem continues, I have not got spare key yet but tech at 3D key shop says he seldom finds the receiver in the ignition barrel or the actual key to be at fault. He believes it may be the immobiliser ECU (BSI?). Waiting for him to supply new key and program immobiliser to accept it using Lexia software. Anybody know how much a new BSI would cost plus fitting please?
Many thanks

Ed

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