Citroen C5 HDi not turning over or starting

[BMR79]

Hi, this is my first post. Unfortunately I am at a bit of a loss as to what is wrong with my car, and would appreciate any advise or suggestions that might help me get it going again.

The car: 2010 Citroen C5 Tourer 2.0HDi

So, the symptoms are as follows:

About a week of the car taking 2 attempts to turn over before starting. Then, suddenly the second time didn't start it, and it has not cranked over since.
I have charged the battery, but no change.
I have tried jump starting, but still no attempt to crank

The fault codes that came up from when plugged in haven't led me to any conclusions. I hope they mean more to someone.

1 Built-in systems interface
9528 - Fault: no starter command

2 Engine ECU
P2291 - Starting monitoring
P0017 - Starting monitoring

There was more information in these codes descriptions, but it was cut off in the photo I was sent. If required I will get the code reader again.

Not sure if its connected to this fault, but just prior to this all occurring I had an intermittent warning message pop up a few times stating 'Anti-Pollution Fault'. No apparent change in the cars performance during this time though.


I am happy working on my classic cars but feel a bit lost when it comes to modern vehicles.

Many thanks in advance.

[MattBLancs]

Can you describe the previous "two attempts to turn over" ?

Any click from the engine bay? Would expect to hear the starter's solenoid click into place. These can get "sticky" and so reluctant to move. I guess that would ultimately get to the point where the motor didn't get 12 volts from the solenoid (the solenoid has two jobs, moves the starter drive gear to engage with the flywheel and also is a giant switch to turn on/off the huge current flowing to the motor itself)

I think starter motor is front of the block, first test is to give it a gentle tap with a hammer (sometimes helps jolt the stick solenoid free)

[BMR79]

Hi, thanks for the response.

I did look for the starter motor unsuccessfully as part of my initial attempts to start it. The Alternator is at the front and clearly visible so I guess the starter motor must be at the rear covered by the underbody tray.

In answer to your question, no there was no clicking from the starter motor. As far as I could ascertain it wasn't even trying to engage. All dash lights come on as expected, but nothing happens when I turn the key.
Is it possible that a fuse or relay could be causing this.

[MattBLancs]

In answer to your question, no there was no clicking from the starter motor. As far as I could ascertain it wasn't even trying to engage. All dash lights come on as expected, but nothing happens when I turn the key.
Is it possible that a fuse or relay could be causing this.

Off top of my head (and others with wiring diagram access wil have more data) the signal feed (12v from ignition switch to solenoid to turn it on) will be fused. Starter high current feed likely no fuse or mega high current immediately adjacent to the battery. Normally a big thick lead between alternator (13mm nut under a rubber "hat") and the start high current feed (also usually a 13mm nut)

I'm pretty sure the 2.0 starter is in the front, but a good but further down the face of the block (and obviously at the gearbox end of the engine) but if you follow the alternator thick lead it'll lead you to the starter

[moizeau]

I think it's a yellow 20 amp fuse. My solenoid packed up. 15 quid, easy to change, a lot cheaper than a starter

[MattBLancs]

2.0 HDi starter motor position

From:
viewtopic.php?p=755296#p755296

I would generally agree, but suggest dig around for starter motor prices too - I picked up a new complete starter for my 2.2 HDi from Halfords trade for £38 = if you can find one as cheap as that I'd probably suggest "all new" is worth the price jump over just solenoid. No "surcharge" either, so you get to keep the old one as available for rebuild / pointless garage ornament (delete as applicable)

[Hell Razor5543]

If it is the starter motor at faulty you may want to consider GSF. I got a reconditioned starter motor from them for about £120, and when I returned the old motor in the packaging provided I got back around £60. It was Bosch who did the reconditioning, but it was several years ago (before the Pandemic).

[Rp0thejester]

Has this been resolved?

[BMR79]

No, not resolved as yet. I am going to work on the car over the weekend, and will update the post with progress.