C5 engine problem.

This is the Forum for all your Citroen Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.

Moderator: RichardW

Post Reply
Szormoksegg
Posts: 5
Joined: 04 Feb 2020, 18:55
Location: Hungary
My Cars: C5 V6 3.0L 2001

C5 engine problem.

Post by Szormoksegg »

Hello everybody!

I've recently bought a Citroen C5 V6 3.0L. (2001 model) The problem is that the engine rpm often stuck at 1500, and go no further. At idle a strange noise coming from the engine bay (the engine sounds like a two stroke engine) and often backfires. Onboard computer displays that there is an Antipollution Fault. Exhaust fumes have very foul smell too. Oil and engine cooling fluid levels are normal, recently changed and periodically monitored. I have already changed the two lambda sensors but these problems still occur.

Somebody has any advice about what causing this?
VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]
User avatar
moizeau
Donor 2024
Posts: 1589
Joined: 12 Jan 2015, 16:08
Location: France 36
My Cars: 91 BX TZD Estate. Dead but loved
407 HDI 136 auto
C4 2l petrol coupé
2010 Dispatch III HDI 90
AND a 1980 Z1000ST
AND a 1983 GPz1100 inj
AND a 1995 Zephyr 1100
AND a 1980 Z650 (my moped)
x 315

Re: C5 engine problem.

Post by moizeau »

It sounds like the fault has made it go in to 'limp home' mode. Post you VIN (it will be hidden to all but admin) who will then see what spec the vehicle is and what's fitted. The next thing would be to get it plugged into a diagnostic device to read the fault codes. Cheap generic ones won't show the correct picture, it needs to be a Lexia or another professional grade one to be able to 'talk' clearly with the car.
Pete
Notice the BX is still top the list but sadly gone
RPWC
Posts: 329
Joined: 27 Sep 2015, 12:06
Location: Tyneside
My Cars: Former Citroen owner.
x 21

Re: C5 engine problem.

Post by RPWC »

Faulty anti pollution covers a wide range of faults, it seems to be a common message on PSA engines, my Dispatch has had that message for a week now, but is driving ok. In my case it’s EGR related, but as Pete says you need it plugged into a computer and ask the operator to write down the fault codes, rather than just the issue. There are several members on here who are a great help with this, but need the actual codes.
Cheers Rich :wink:
wheeler
Posts: 6885
Joined: 21 Sep 2002, 19:07
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:
x 730

Re: C5 engine problem.

Post by wheeler »

Ignition coil failure is very common on this engine & can cause the above issues. Its not advisable to keep running it like this as it can cause damage to the catalytic converters if the coils have failed.
User avatar
xantia_v6
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 9083
Joined: 09 Nov 2005, 22:03
Location: France or NewZealand
Lexia Available: Yes
My Cars: -
1997 Citroen Xantia V6 (France)
1999 Citroen XM V6 ES9 (France)
2011 Peugeot 308 CC THP 155 (NZ)
1975 Jaguar XJ-S pre-HE (NZ)
x 833

Re: C5 engine problem.

Post by xantia_v6 »

From the symptoms, I would guess an ignition coil failure, and then the car has continued to be driven leading to a meltdown and blockage of the catalytic converter. No EGR on these engines I think.
Szormoksegg
Posts: 5
Joined: 04 Feb 2020, 18:55
Location: Hungary
My Cars: C5 V6 3.0L 2001

Re: C5 engine problem.

Post by Szormoksegg »

I visited the service today, the problem was a faulty ignition coil in the second cylinder. The car is running smooth now. Thank you guys!
VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]
Harlequin
Donor 2023
Posts: 913
Joined: 11 Jan 2006, 21:11
Location: Eastbourne , East Sussex
My Cars: Xantia Activa - one day I`ll own her again! Also miss my `old` 405 GLx4
2005 C5 3 Litre V6 Exclusive in Mauritius Blue and my 1997 Xantia Exclusive V6
x 24

Re: C5 engine problem.

Post by Harlequin »

take off the oil filler cap - can you smell petrol?
Simon
Post Reply