2006 C3 1.6i Exclusive Sensodrive. Multiple problems :(

[Andyrabbit]

56 plate, 48k of trouble-free motoring. Should I just accept that this car needs scrapping now?!

Okay, I had the airbag light come on a few weeks ago and after lots of false starts, I fitted a new comms unit and that solved it. (Definitely the right serial number etc.)

3 weeks later, and the ABS light came up after a night sat in heavy rain. (Connected?)
No discernable problem, but obviously I drove very cautiously.

The next morning, the Sensodrive wouldn't change up through the gears. It would get to 2nd, then stick. Then, a few hours later, just to 1st.
It works well in manual mode, both using the stick and the flappy paddles.
Also, if I get it in 5th, then switch back into auto mode, it changes down without issue, it just won't go up through the gears. Grrr!

Tried to reset it, (disconnecting battery, depress brake etc,) but no joy.

MOT due in a couple of weeks

[Hell Razor5543]

If you have a look through this post somewhere you will find Davie had a problem with his C3 gearbox, and what was done to resolve it. I hope it helps;

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 14&t=43673" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You might want to get a Lexia onto it. There are members who have them and are willing to help out;

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 14&t=43673" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Welcome to the forum, by the way.

[RichardW]

Welcome

I would suspect that if the ABS is getting an odd speed signal this will confuse the gearbox ECU. I would get that sorted first, and see where it takes the 'box. There was this recent thread, which is sort of the same problem....http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... =3&t=48092" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; so anywhere between an ABS sensor, through an ABS ECU/Controller, to a new gearbox

[Andyrabbit]

Really useful info. thank you
I'll have a look to see if there is a helpful person on here who lives in Somerset / Devon and is willing to hook it up to Lexia for a small fee or a large beer!
Beeping every 20min or so now, saying, "Stop. Brake System Faulty" or similar.
Also, most other people seem to report speedo errors and/or heavy steering. My car is driving perfectly well except for the damn warning lights and the auto not changing up.
I'll stick a new battery in tonight as an experiment...

[myglaren]

While it may not be absolutely necessary it is advisable to use this procedure when disconnecting/changing the battery.

[daviemck2006]

My c2 sensodrive wouldn't start at all, it was the gearbox ecu that had failed. The final bill for the time on diagnostics and replacing the ecu was one £1000. If you get this one fixed, sell it and never buy a semi auto of any make.

[Andyrabbit]

Didn't get round to changing the battery last night, (the pub distracted me!)
Got up this morning, drove 5 miles with just the ABS and Airbag lights showing.
Parked for an hour, then after about a minute, I saw the "-" on the speedo and got heavy power steering for the first time.
It's looking increasingly like a one-way trip to Citroen heaven now

[Hell Razor5543]

Before you consign her to the scrapyard I would strongly suggest you get the battery tested, and (assuming it is OK) follow the following procedure to try and clear the faults. The more modern Citroens are very finicky where it comes to electrical power, and can throw up glitches for no 'apparent' reason;

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 11&t=40407" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[addo]

Getting in touch with Lighty is always a good step, too.

[Andyrabbit]

Tried the procedure suggested above, but didn't make a difference.
Likewise, I tried the reset shown below, from the C3owners forum.
Again, nothing

Open the drivers window and the bonnet.
Close all the doors, switch off everything, like the radio, phone charger etc.
Remove the ignition key via the open window
WAIT 10 minutes
Disconnect the battery.

(change the battery at this point if this is required, otherwise WAIT 30 seconds)

Reconnect the battery,
WAIT 1 minute
Keeping the doors closed, lean in via the drivers window
Switch on the 'ignition' (Don't start the engine)
Switch on lights (Dipped, normal driving lights)
WAIT 30 Seconds
Start the engine

[addo]

Yes, the ABS dialogue appears missing as Richard W comments. This could be simple as a blown fuse, to a busted CAN bus wire between the ABS and other units, to an internally failed ABS computer. Lexia will help you.

The simple fact of normal paddle changes going without issue, removes any hint of actual gearbox problems.

[RichardW]

Seems a bit harsh to scrap it for what could be just an ABS sensor.... at least get it on a diag machine to confirm the fault!

[Andyrabbit]

On it's way to a Lexia as we speak...

[Hell Razor5543]

Fingers crossed that it is something simple and easy (and cheap) to resolve.

[daviemck2006]

It will be electrical that's for sure. They are very pernickety about battery power. I hope the lexia shows up a fault that is not a biggie.