DS3 Stop/Start Problem

[Mirage]

We have a bit of a problem with our DS3 at the moment. The Stop/Start doesn't work. Have had it in to the dealers hoping it would be covered under warranty but, apparently not

The problem seems to be the Central Voltage Retention Device which is located under the passenger side front wing. The reason they won't fix it under warranty is because we had damage to the wheel arch liner caused by a pothole. Unfortunately i didn't replace it straight away and this let a lot of water and mud get thrown up onto the device. Eventually this worked it's way in and corroded it to the point where it stopped working. Big lesson learned there I think!

Anyway, the crux of the matter is, Citroen want £995 to fix it! I know the part is not cheap but that's one rather large chunk of change I just don't have laying about at the moment. The diagnostic alone is £109 To compound matters further, this is a lease car and it's due to go back in four weeks time...or even sooner as I have been informed today that our new Peugeot 2008 is now in the country.

So what I need is an independent garage who can do the work within a couple of weeks and at less than Citroen want to charge.

Can anyone recommend a garage in North Herts that would be able to do this work? I could do it myself if I could get hold of the part. I have the service sheet with all the details. The only thing I don't think I can do is the programming/initialization of it at the end of the procedure.

Any advice much appreciated.

[Hell Razor5543]

If you can get the part, and fit it yourself, there are members on the forum who have the Lexia diagnostics kit that (probably) can initialise it;

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 19&t=29178" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[hattershaun]

Try B.L.Autos in Welwyn Garden City, they do all my work and are very good.
Citroen Specialists since time began, small family run business of Citroen enthusiasts.

[Mirage]

Try B.L.Autos in Welwyn Garden City, they do all my work and are very good.
Citroen Specialists since time began, small family run business of Citroen enthusiasts.

Thanks. Just dropped them an email explaining the problem. They are not too far from me, I'm near Hitchin. Hopefully they can do the job. Will let you know.

Also thanks Hell Razor5543 for the info about the Lexia diagnostics. Might get one myself actually. I have one of those small dongles you attach to the diagnostic port and then it communicates via blue tooth to the mobile but seems pretty useless. Never sees any fault codes but does give other readings. I think something a bit more upmarket is called for.

[Mirage]

So, spoke to B.L Autos and they said they don't get involved in things like this? Just wondering what is so odd about replacing the voltage retention device that they don't want to do it? As far as I am aware it's a 2.5 hr job and the thing is easily accessible by just removing the plastic wheel arch liner.

I'm wondering if the Stop/Start is a particular problem? Perhaps explains why I can't locate the parts online and why Citroen want so much to do the job? Anyway, BL did recommend an auto electricians. Car Solutions who are just up the road from them. Anyone know anything about them?

[DHallworth]

If it's a lease car I'd be handing it back without saying a thing and keeping my lips sealed!

David.

[Northern_Mike]

David's got the right idea.

All knowledge of this fault needs to be forgotten about, you were never aware of it.

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[Lighty]

I think BL autos tend to stick with the older stuff tbh, programming a stop start system I'm could prove to be tricky, I doubt anyone will have done it before.
It's likely that you may be able to plug and play with the new battery thing.
As suggested, I would leave well alone, and act stupid, as long as the arch liner is now fixed, I doubt anyone will notice.

[Mirage]

Yeah if only I could. I think they would notice though. What happens is you turn the ignition on and the eco mode graphic appears on the display as it normally would but then when you actually start the engine there is a loud beep, the graphic goes off, engine error warning appears and then the word 'service' is displayed permanently on the dash.

We now seem to be facing the unsavory prospect of parting with £995 for Citroen to fix it On top of that we need to find another £885 for the deposit on the new car before it arrives in the third week of August. Things are getting very tight!

[DHallworth]

Take it to a different dealer who knows nothing at all about the damage to the arch liner and tell them that it started last week!

Or when you take it to the dealer do the "It's never done that before..." They'll say "it's still under warranty, don't worry about it". You take your new car and walk away... Job done!

David.

[DHallworth]

Or get someone local to you with a Lexia to connect up to it and see if you can disable the stop/start feature in the cars ECU. That would certainly shut it up!

David.

[Mirage]

Doesn't it get entered onto Citroens dealer network service records though? So if I take it to another dealer and they check it's service history online they will see it's been in already. Not sure that happens of course but seems a possibility?

[Trainman]

You could try asking http://www.ds3club.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mirage]

Yeah I'm a member over at DS3club and have posted about the problem but replies have dried up. Will give it another shot though.

[Trainman]

Have a look here http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 19&t=29178" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; see if there is somebody near you with a Lexia