C5 mk 1 starting problem

[Peter.N.]

16.4? Thats a bit high?!

Sorry that should have been 14.6.

Peter

[GiveMeABreak]

How do I reset the auto lights function?
hirsty

Switch ignition off, press in and hold end button on the trip reset stalk (I think this is the left hand stalk, but can't be sure, it's been a while), then whilst holding the button in, turn the ignition on, keep button pressed and you should hear a 'bong'. Same procedure to deactivate.

[myglaren]

IIRC you press the button at the end of the stalk then turn the ignition key to the second position - there should be a confirmation message on the infoscreen.
Note that it isn't always necessary, autolights often just work without intervention.

I'll look it up in the manual and confirm but don't have it to hand at the moment.

[wheeler]

The current battert is 19 months old and is a Lion 100, 70Ah, 620cca.

I see two problems here, first its a euro car parts Lion piece of rubbish, i am amazed you have had 19 months out of it.
Secondly a 100 battery is way too small for your car. The original C5 battery is 720cca(EN) however most battery catalogs list the 2.0 HDi battery as a 096 which is around 650cca (EN).
When choosing a car battery the CCA is the most important number.

[hirsty]

Hi Wheeler,
I have now received the Varta E44 which is 77ah and 760 cca. I will see how it goes in the morning.

hirsty

[Peter.N.]

16.4? Thats a bit high?!

Sorry that should have been 14.6.

Peter

Actually it should have been 14.4 volts, my mind is going.

Peter

[hirsty]

The car started fine this morning with the new battery. I have had the car into a well respected auto electrician who said "alternator fine, starter fine, no leakage of current. Two dead glowplugs." I thought these didn't come on until much lower temperatures than currently, but I intend to have them replaced anyway as a precaution.

hirsty

[Hell Razor5543]

I have helped people (via this forum) who had starting issues that turned out to be the glow plugs. Ask the electrician if he removed the glow plugs to test them. The reason I suggest this is that it is possible for the glow plugs to fail in such a way that they still heat up, but NOT at the tip (as required) but halfway down the element. It might be worth replacing all four glow plugs.

[hirsty]

I have already requested a quote for the renewal of all four glow plugs as it is not getting warmer anytime soon. They look to be around £20 per set. I submitted an email address to GSF and received a 30% discount code by return. They were NGK. Are these any good?

hirsty

[Peter.N.]

They used to make spark plugs so they should be.

Peter

[myglaren]

Beru plugs seem to be the ones most recommended for PSA engines and are OEM

[wurlycorner]

ngk are a good quality make, ddon't worry.

[hirsty]

Looking at a previous post, the glow plugs don't operate until 0 degrees C, so that isn't the current problem. Starting this morning took longer than usual with the starter turning slowly, although it did start. I am looking at changing the starter motor and checked out GSF for prices. Entering my reg throws up 3 starters. All listed as 2.0 HDI 2001-2004
1.8 kw @ £178
1.4 kw @ £196
2.3 kw @ £355
The BOL is as usual useless in identifying which I need.
Any suggestions please.

hirsty

[GiveMeABreak]

Post up your VIN and I'll check in the morning for you.

[waynedance]

Beru plugs seem to be the ones most recommended for PSA engines and are OEM

Been told the same (work at a garage) and from what I remember the glow plugs on my C5 do nothing until its -5 degrees.