C5 1.6HDi filler cap switch

[mikeC5]

Hi there - my 2005 (facelift) C5 1.6HDi is showing risk of particle filter blocking. I've read that it may be caused by the filler cap switch not being detected when refilling the tank.
T've taken the switch out (I believe a magnetic switch) but nothing is attached to it. How do I find the reed swicth (?) which is operated by the magnetic switch - PLEASE.

MikeC5

[RichardW]

Hi Mike

It could be any number of causes - you really need to get it on a diagnostic computer to see what the actual fault is. How many miles has it done, and what sort of use pattern does it get? Whereabouts are you? There might be someone local with a Lexia that can read the fault codes. http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 19&t=29178" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mikeC5]

Hi Richard - I have the car booked in for Monday at my local (very good) independent Citroen specialist (earliest he could have a look). He has a Lexia.
The car has done 90K+ miles but I've never had the "Low Eolys" message. The car runs well but seems not to accelerate as fast now (but that might be me looking for a problem). It's just that it's frustrating not being able to do much on recent cars with ECUs controlling everything! However, I would like to find out how the magnetic switch which operates when the fuel filler flap is opened/closed actually operates the switch which notifies the ECU (?) and triggers a squirt of Eolys. As I said, the switch in the filler cap is not attached to anything. Should the (reed?) switch be stuck onto the magnetic switch ? If not, where is it?
As an aside, I tried to open the cover under the off-side rear passenger seat - the large circular plastic cover with 4 arrows (1 large and 3 small). I was able to turn it but not lift it. Any ideas how it comes off?
Thanks for your reply and I'm just going to have a look at the post you mention.
Mike.

[mikeC5]

Hi Richard - I have the car booked in for Monday at my local (very good) independent Citroen specialist (earliest he could have a look). He has a Lexia.
The car has done 90K+ miles but I've never had the "Low Eolys" message. The car runs well but seems not to accelerate as fast now (but that might be me looking for a problem). It's just that it's frustrating not being able to do much on recent cars with ECUs controlling everything! However, I would like to find out how the magnetic switch which operates when the fuel filler flap is opened/closed actually operates the switch which notifies the ECU (?) and triggers a squirt of Eolys. As I said, the switch in the filler cap is not attached to anything. Should the (reed?) switch be stuck onto the magnetic switch ? If not, where is it?
As an aside, I tried to open the cover under the off-side rear passenger seat - the large circular plastic cover with 4 arrows (1 large and 3 small). I was able to turn it but not lift it. Any ideas how it comes off?
Thanks for your reply and I'm just going to have a look at the post you mention.
Mike.

Just realised that, according to the service schedule, the particle filter should be changed every 62500 miles - and it wasn't!
Shall ask my (very good) independent "WHY NOT?"

[mooseshaver]

You sure about 62000 miles for the fap?
I'm sure mine was 100000 or more. The fluid top up may have been around then.
I don't have that car any more to check.
My original 2.2 needed the fap changed or cleaned every 50000 but that was Citroens first version

[mikeC5]

You sure about 62000 miles for the fap?
I'm sure mine was 100000 or more. The fluid top up may have been around then.
I don't have that car any more to check.
My original 2.2 needed the fap changed or cleaned every 50000 but that was Citroëns first version

Mk II 2l and 2.2l HDi every 120000 miles, 1.6 HDi every 62500 miles according to my service book. (Eolys shou;d be topped up every 75 - 80K miles)
I believe that the FAP and catalyser are combined on the 1.6HDi.
I've been advised not to fit an "after market" FAP (for around £250) rather than a Citroen device (£500+ !!!) but then.....!
I'll have to have a word with GSF tomorrow.
Mike.

[RichardW]

My service book says for C5 Eolys at 75k, FAP at 87.5k. I can't see how the FAP would need changing before the fluid top up.... What did the garage actually say? You need to get a look at all the factors - pressure drop, time since last re-gen, Eolys level etc etc. Take it for a good steady run at above 50mph and it should re-gen, then stick it back on the computer and see what it says. No point in replacing the filter unless it's gummed up totally

[Monkeyfeet]

As a (slight) aside, has anyone ditched the dpf on a mkII? Is it as easy to do as a mk1? It's just a damned sight cheaper than either £250 or £500...

[RichardW]

LIghty has done it on a 1.6, not that easy by the sound of it.... http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... =3&t=42992" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mikeC5]

As a (slight) aside, has anyone ditched the dpf on a mkII? Is it as easy to do as a mk1? It's just a damned sight cheaper than either £250 or £500...

On the 1.6 HDi the FAP and cat converter are combined in the same housing. Also any price you see is usually the exchange price.
(Used a Lexia and found that the filler cap switch isn't being operated by the magnets in the cap!)

[mikeC5]

Problem turned out to be a broken or burnt out wire (inside the sheathing) to the filler cap switch! Only apparent when the cable was removed and sheathing syripped back. (Now how could that happen?)
Cable and switch replaced, error codes zeroed and off we go to Scotland (probably 1000 miles round trip!) Still plenty of Eolys fluid on the tank after over 90K miles.

[mikeC5]

...as I said, replacing the switch cured the problem. However, yesterday the "Anti-pollution system faulty" message came up! No apparent loss in performance (went to Eastbourne and back - 180 miles) but message and fault lamp (like an engine) still showing but no "service" lamp lit so I guess it's on the phone again to my independent Citroen specialist tomorrow!

[mikeC5]

...as I said, replacing the switch cured the problem. However, yesterday the "Anti-pollution system faulty" message came up! No apparent loss in performance (went to Eastbourne and back - 180 miles) but message and fault lamp (like an engine) still showing but no "service" lamp lit so I guess it's on the phone again to my independent Citroen specialist tomorrow!

Guess what? I opened my sunroof fully, decided to close it as a shower started and.... The message disappeared and the faultlamp turned off!! And it's stayed off (so far!)

[myglaren]

Unless it is an LX your sunroof should close automatically when rain starts.

[cjuk81]

Unless it is an LX your sunroof should close automatically when rain starts.

really, thats clever