citroen c3 1.4 hdi 2006 68hp problem

[kubenq]

Hi, I’ve got a problem with my 2006 Citroën C3 1.4 HDi, 68hp, you see, in the morning it only starts on the second attempt; the first time it doesn’t catch at all, but on the second attempt it starts as soon as I turn the key. Then, when I drive to the shop and do my shopping for 15 minutes, after those 15 minutes I can’t start the engine at all – only if I spray some flammable spray into the air intake will it start, but this doesn’t always happen; sometimes it... it runs continuously. I’ve checked the fuel pressure, and when starting it’s over 25 bar, so it should start – the fuel is getting through and the pressure is good whilst driving. Even at 3,500 rpm whilst driving, nothing cuts out; the engine runs perfectly – it doesn’t stall or cut out. the injectors have been checked and are fine. On the diagnostic computer, I’ve got error code P1197, which wasn’t there before – the last time I connected the OBD was perhaps half a year ago. I don’t know what to do; it seems to me it’s something to do with the electrics, but I’m not sure. I also tested it when it wouldn’t start: I connected a booster to the battery, which made the starter motor turn much faster

[mickthemaverick]

A read through this site may give you an idea or two:

https://www.engine-codes.com/p1197.html

[kubenq]

The car had been starting up normally for the past two weeks, but today it was just turning over and over again; it only started when I sprayed some flammable gas into the intake, and it started straight away, ran normally and didn’t smoke.

[shtu]

That has the feel of the engine not cranking fast enough to enable the injectors.

Try to confirm the cranking speed.

Battery, power, earths and the starter itself are all potential causes if that's the case.

[PaulC5]

Probably it needs around 300 rpm on the starter motor to start the engine on diesel, could be less on easystart. If you have a voltmeter, check the battery. Before the first start of the day a fully charged battery will be 12.7 volts, if below about 12.5 volts it needs charging. When starting if it drops below about 11 volts the battery might be low on capacity even if it is 12.7 volts before trying to start.