DS Not Starting

[sircrump]

Hi,

My DS5 has an intermittent starting problem. Sometimes it simply wont start (ignition on but no crank). Because its very intermittent my local Citroen garage ca't diagnose the problem, they changed the brake pedal sensor (its an automatic and needs the foot brake to be engaged when starting) but this didn't fix it.

I've tried to look on the internet and this forum - the only thing I could find that may be causing the problem is the breaker that is situated between the battery and the 'heavy duty' fuses in the engine bay ??

I've tried a BSI reset which didn't improve the issue. The car will eventually start but its getting worse and I'm worried about a complete failure.

My VIN is VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

Many thanks for any advice given guys

[RichardW]

It will be difficult to pin down till it's nearly a permanent fault! I would rig up a light on the starter control wire initially to see if you have an issue with the starter or the control. If it's a control fault then you will need to catch it in the act with the diag computer connected to see what's missing.

[Sloppysod]

Hi, you don't mention the age of your car.
I had an issue with a eC4, that if I tried to get going too quick the computer systems got confused and it would not engage drive. .
Try this next time it happens;

• Turn completely ignition off

• Lock the car oon the remote, you don't have to get out, just stay still so as not to trigger the alarm!

• Watch the dash, and wait for it to completely shut down, I think the mileometer is the last to do so.

• Wait another 30 seconds or so

• Try to restart the car

Good luck.

[sircrump]

Hi, you don't mention the age of your car.
I had an issue with a eC4, that if I tried to get going too quick the computer systems got confused and it would not engage drive. .
Try this next time it happens;

• Turn completely ignition off

• Lock the car oon the remote, you don't have to get out, just stay still so as not to trigger the alarm!

• Watch the dash, and wait for it to completely shut down, I think the mileometer is the last to do so.

• Wait another 30 seconds or so

• Try to restart the car

Good luck.

Hi,

Many Thanks for your reply, the car is 2016

[MJJ_ZX6RR]

Gear selector not being in Park or Neutral will typically disallow cranking on an auto. Is there a dash display for gear position you can watch when the car does not crank, or does wiggling the gear selector make any difference to a non crank condition?

On my old E-Class Mercedes, cranking is also prohibited if the battery voltage is less than 11.6v with no driver warning displayed - simply does not crank. Perhaps another thing to check, and on mine, the resting battery voltage was OK but the glowplugs were enough to drag a failing battery down below that 11.6v.

Martin.

[Gasman14]

Would be looking at all electrical connections at the battery, corrosion or just not clean and tight. Pay special attention to any earths , especially any going to the engine block and or starter motor.

[sircrump]

Update on this

It’s worse in the morning, when starting for the first time of the day ?

Thanks again

Paul