C5 2.0HDi - no power until 3500 revs???

corsehf · Unread post by **corsehf** » 12 Mar 2011, 17:00

After reading the info on this forum regarding the fact that most people reckon the 110 BHP 2.0HDi to be the best overall package, i have just been to see a 2.0HDi C5 with 105000 on the clock but have walked away for the mo as it is gutless!!!
It feels like it's in limp home mode yet if you get the revs up to around 3500 then the turbo seems to kick in and the car takes off!! but there is nothing until the revs reach around 3500.
No management light come on whilst driving - need to check if it comes on at all!!
Turbo sounds like it's spinning up.
The owner says that it's always been like that since he and his Father in law owned it. His Father in Law had owned it since new but does realise that something is amiss as he has a Xantia with a similar engine which in his words 'flies along'!!

Anyone with a 2.0 HDi 110bhp know what this may be???

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 12 Mar 2011, 17:22

I think DickieG had something similar to report on the last HDI Xantia he bought. An ECU upgrade sorted it. Could be worth asking a main dealer if an upgrade's available?

Another thought - these VNT turbo's tend to suffer sticky vanes as the carbon builds up on them and EGR's suffer similar gumming, both can affect performance.

cachaciero · Unread post by **cachaciero** » 12 Mar 2011, 17:48

MikeT wrote:I think DickieG had something similar to report on the last HDI Xantia he bought. An ECU upgrade sorted it. Could be worth asking a main dealer if an upgrade's available?

Another thought - these VNT turbo's tend to suffer sticky vanes as the carbon builds up on them and EGR's suffer similar gumming, both can affect performance.

Um...I maybe wrong here but I didn't think that these engines had variable geometry turbo's just a "standard" waste gate set up which would make me wonder about the waste gate being stuck open would give exactly the symptoms described.

cachaciero

HDI · Unread post by **HDI** » 12 Mar 2011, 17:57

Doesn't have a VNT turbo. There could be a number of causes, waste gate stuck open or partially open, fueling problem, waste gate actuator or solenoid (electro valve) problem, slight vac leak to the actuator or solenoid, etc.

corsehf · Unread post by **corsehf** » 12 Mar 2011, 18:58

Should i buy & fix if the issue is more trivial than cost or keep walking??
The car is not too bad but can be had for a good price - i think so anyway.

HDI · Unread post by **HDI** » 12 Mar 2011, 19:36

In my experience I would advise to walk away ! Could be an easy fix, could be a new turbo !
They are not rare, there's a better one around !

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 12 Mar 2011, 20:18

Yes I agree, dont go wasting your time and money buying something which might take a lot more time and money getting right.

C5s are not hugely rare cars, there is a good selection on the used market, find the best you can and not the first thing you see.

Its what I do and ive not had a problem yet.