C5 wont start, BSI fault?

[Peachy5860]

Hi,

I have a 2001 Citroen C5 2.2 Hdi which I am unable to start. When I turn the key it cranks but it refuses to start. I have changed the battery in the key and also the immobiliser transponder aerial because I was advised that this was a good place to start, however the problem persists.

I have now purchased a Lexia (chinese clone) and hooked it up to my car. There are several faults which seem to all relate back to the BSI, however the fault with the BSI ecu itself is:

Permanent Fault
Communication fault with the switch module at the steering wheel

Is anyone able to help me diagnose what the problem could be?

Cheers

P.S. A few other bits to mention... when I open the drivers door the rear windscreen wiper starts, pressing the buttons on the key fob doesn't do anything, the suspension is on the bump stops (although this happened before the car refused to start). I'm sure there are others but can't think of them right now.

[spider]

Although you've had the Lexia connected etc, I'd start with a BSi reset in case that's having one of its moments ( ! ) , then try a fresh diagnosis session with the Lexia again.

Say if you do not know how to do a safe BSi reset.

Just suggesting the reset simply because of what you mentioned about the wipers.

[Peachy5860]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I forgot to mention I have tried a bsi reset however I'm not sure I can do it properly because none of the windows work, which is one of the steps of the reset. I have been able to lower the rear window using the Lexia (couldn't find an option to lower the front) and could just about reach the sidelights and ignition but I'm not sure if it has to be the front window.

Another thing to mention is that the side lights and brake lights are on permanently when i turn the ignition on.

Is there a sign I can look for to tell whether the bsi reset has been completed successfully? I've also read the connecting the positive and negative battery cables for varying times could help? I've tried connecting them for a short period (about a minute) and it didn't help. Is it worth me connecting them for longer?

Thanks for any help you can give.

Rich

[dnsey]

I don't think the window matters much - it's just a way of reaching the switch without opening a door, which would require BSI activity.
A minute should be more than adequate time to discharge any capacitors in the BSI module.
You can tell when the BSI is reset - the central locking button indicator flashes while it's rebooting, and stops when it's ready.
Not sure if the transponder is linked to the Comms 2000 unit; if so, that might be where the problem lies, as they're not known for reliability.
Does the screen actually show 'Immobiliser Fault' or similar when you try and start?

[The Birdman]

Just try recoding the keys , what happened in the first place , removing the car battery or it dying can cause bother , any work done on the car like new clutch?

[Peachy5860]

At first it displayed Immobiliser Fault and Automatic Gearbox fault, however i haven't seen these lately. I think all it says now is Economy Mode Active.

I considered the Com2000 unit but I want to check all the simpler (cheaper) options first. Spending that money on something that may or may not fix it is something I'd like to leave until I have no other choices.

I tried recoding the key via the Lexia, however it gets a little way through and then says communication error. I haven't changed the battery in the key, I suppose it may be worth doing that and trying again?

How it all started is as follows:

I took the car to garage for MOT. It passed, but when I picked it up the garage told me that the suspension had lowered all the way to the bump stops and wouldn't go back up. I drove it home (very interesting! ), parked it in the drive, left it a couple of days while i found some lds fluid for the suspension and then it wouldn't start. It's been a while since I've been able to use it so the battery has dies several times in the process and I've taken it out to charge it up. Would the battery dying/being taken out cause it to not start?

Cheers

[JohnD]

but when I picked it up the garage told me that the suspension had lowered all the way to the bump stops and wouldn't go back up.

Could it be that they jacked it up without raising the suspension first?

[Peachy5860]

Its more than likely, they didn't seem to know much at all about Citroens. What woudl that mean if they did?

[JohnD]

What woudl that mean if they did?

Unlike the BX and Xantias, the C5 handbook warns that the suspension should be on high before jacking up. Failure to do it sometimes causes the suspension pump to malfunction. Although I take my four vehicles to the same centre every year, I always remind the guy to raise the C5 before jacking it up.