Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

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ovouti
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Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by ovouti »

Hi!

I have bought a faulty c2 to be repaired. Problem is that car is cranking but not starting.
I have so far checked that there is no spark, but smells gasoline so i think the gas pump works, no blown fuses (in my opinion). I replaced the coil pack and spark plugs and crank sensor, but still no start. I have measured that there is signals coming to the coil pack so it should work.
There is no ABS unit attached because its faulty, i have replace one coming. Can the ABS unit be the cause that it wont start? In my understanding it should start even without ABS unit? Or am i wrong?

Any tips and trick are welcome! Thanks!
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mickthemaverick
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by mickthemaverick »

Is the battery good? Should show 12.7V when idle :)
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ovouti
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by ovouti »

mickthemaverick wrote: 10 Aug 2026, 08:44 Is the battery good? Should show 12.7V when idle :)
Yes, car is cranking fine. There is good voltage from battery, no idle because it wont start...
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mickthemaverick
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by mickthemaverick »

Sorry by idle I meant not running! :-D when idling should show 14+V . Have you tried easy start in the airintake?
I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure!
I used to ride on two wheels, but now I need all four!
ovouti
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by ovouti »

mickthemaverick wrote: 10 Aug 2026, 09:14 Sorry by idle I meant not running! :-D when idling should show 14+V . Have you tried easy start in the airintake?
I think its okay because its starting just fine, i had a battery support aswell when i was checking the car. No i havent tried that, what you mean by that?
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Paul-R
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by Paul-R »

I wonder whether the key is being recognised by the system. You'll need a diagnostic session, preferably with Diagbox, to check this.

Is it a brand new key that was supplied with the car?
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ovouti
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by ovouti »

Paul-R wrote: 10 Aug 2026, 09:20 I wonder whether the key is being recognised by the system. You'll need a diagnostic session, preferably with Diagbox, to check this.

Is it a brand new key that was supplied with the car?
I was thinking that is that the problem, but there is no message or anything on the dash. Key came with the car, its not new i got only one key.
PaulC5
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by PaulC5 »

On most cars if the key is left in the ignition switch and the driver's door is opened a warning message is given, if not then the immobiliser might not be recognising the key. Has the bsi been replaced, if so it would also need the keys from the donor car ?

To get a new key that the car recognises would need one from a dealer using the car vin and a key card that should come with the car when new.
ovouti
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by ovouti »

PaulC5 wrote: 10 Aug 2026, 11:27 On most cars if the key is left in the ignition switch and the driver's door is opened a warning message is given, if not then the immobiliser might not be recognising the key. Has the bsi been replaced, if so it would also need the keys from the donor car ?

To get a new key that the car recognises would need one from a dealer using the car vin and a key card that should come with the car when new.
Car will start beeping if the key is in the ignition and driver door opened. No history that BSI has been replaced.
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xantia_v6
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by xantia_v6 »

We have to assume that the previous owner had work done attempting to get the engine started, so there could be more faults caused by that work.

It would be worth checking that the injectors are getting pulsed by the ECU while cranking. An immobiliser fault will normally disable the injectors rather than the ignition.

How did you check the signals to the coil pack?
ovouti
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by ovouti »

xantia_v6 wrote: 10 Aug 2026, 11:58 We have to assume that the previous owner had work done attempting to get the engine started, so there could be more faults caused by that work.

It would be worth checking that the injectors are getting pulsed by the ECU while cranking. An immobiliser fault will normally disable the injectors rather than the ignition.

How did you check the signals to the coil pack?
It is possible, its an auction house buy so i have no history what has been done. All that i have is service book and receipts what is left in the car. I have checked from fuse box to coil pack connector that there is no shortage and when cranking that there is power and pulse in coil pack connector.
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mickthemaverick
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by mickthemaverick »

This is why I suggested you try easy start in the air intake. Easily available: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256158195418
If the ignition circuit is working then easystart will confirm that the plugs are sparking when in the cylinders as it will start and run for a moment or two. As Xantia_v6 says the ECU will inhibit the injectors but easy start bypasses that and proves that you have a fuelling problem. It could be a few issues there so a decent high end diagnostic tool will help identify which part is not up to par. :)
I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure!
I used to ride on two wheels, but now I need all four!
ovouti
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by ovouti »

mickthemaverick wrote: 10 Aug 2026, 12:38 This is why I suggested you try easy start in the air intake. Easily available: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256158195418
If the ignition circuit is working then easystart will confirm that the plugs are sparking when in the cylinders as it will start and run for a moment or two. As Xantia_v6 says the ECU will inhibit the injectors but easy start bypasses that and proves that you have a fuelling problem. It could be a few issues there so a decent high end diagnostic tool will help identify which part is not up to par. :)
Ok, thanks i will look if my town has that easystart. But i think there is fuel because its smells fuel when remove spark plug and exhaust pipe after starting.
ovouti
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by ovouti »

Update. I got a hold of last owner, she said that the car had always turned on after few second "glowing" like in diesel car. But in my case it wont start.
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xantia_v6
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Re: Citroen C2 1.4 petrol VTR 2005 starting problem

Unread post by xantia_v6 »

Maybe it is just flooded, try cranking for 15 seconds with the accelerator pressed hard to the floor (without pumping).