Citroen c5 lds power steering fault not starting!

[samuelodog]

Hi, power steering went on my c5 (56 plate). I put hydraulic suspension down to min and opened the lds fluid reservoir. It hissed and depressurised and then gurgled. Reservoir shows long vertical lines, and three shorter vertical lines. Fluid was below the three shorter lines, couple of cm below them. I tried starting car, it now won't start, says 'economy mode' and sounds like a pump is trying to work somewhere. Won't even turn over. Please help!

[Hell Razor5543]

Hi, and to the Forum. Economy mode will not stop a car from starting (assuming there isn't something wrong); it kicks in to allow the battery to retain enough power to start the engine again. I would get the battery tested, in case it has reached the end of its' working life.

[samuelodog]

Thanks. But can battery issue had caused the power steering fault? It did start until I opened the lds reservoir. I have connected a battery boost jump to it and it is still not starting...

[Hell Razor5543]

The thing to remember is that the C series Citroens have a LOT of electronics, and a weak/failing battery can cause all sorts of weird problems. Do you know how old the battery is?

[samuelodog]

Not sure. I'm trickle charging it now. Thanks a lot for your advice, I'll let you know.

[Gibbo2286]

Power steering fault is the first thing to show if I try to start my C5 when the battery's low, once charged it may remain until you switch off and start again.

[samuelodog]

Right, I charged the battery. No difference. When I turn the key something groans, then economy mode pops up and nothing happens.

[myglaren]

Did you follow the Battery disconnect/BSI reset procedure?

Economy Mode may show until the engine is started but won't prevent it from starting.
Did it turn over?

[GiveMeABreak]

If your getting economy mode straight away - your battery has likely had it. Either take it off and fully charge it but it can take more than an overnight charge trickle charge. If it's still sluggish, then time for a new battery I suspect. How old is the battery?

[samuelodog]

Got it fixed. Starter motor had gone and blown a couple of fuses.

[Hell Razor5543]

That would do it! Well done for finding and fixing those faults.