Check Engine Light and Pollution system failure

[Henkka]

Je viens de Finlande. J'ai été membre du groupe technique Citroën C5 pendant un certain temps. J'y ai reçu de nombreux bons conseils de la part de différents utilisateurs. Cependant, l'administrateur du groupe a envoyé un message indiquant qu'il ne pouvait pas fournir d'assistance car je ne suis pas d'Angleterre.

Same in english:

I am from Finland. I was a member of the Citroen C5 technical group for a while. I received a lot of good advice from different users. However, the group administrator sent a message saying that he could not provide assistance because I am not from England.


I have purchased a CITROËN C5 II Break (RE_) / 2.0(i) 16V (RERFJB, RERFJC) for my common-law partner.
Model year 2006. Motor code RFJ (EW10A). Power kW 103 / 140 hp . VIN VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff].
Very nice car to drive. Easy handling etc.

We dared to buy a car, even though it had 415,000 kilometers on it.
The car has clearly been well cared for. For example, the engine oil and filters have been changed regularly.
Engine oil that it's in use GULF Formula 5W40 API SN ACEA A3/B4 (bulk).

Approximately 19,000 kilometers have been driven since the timing belt repair.
The water pump has been replaced at the same time.

During the car's annual inspection, a leak was detected in the protective rubber on the driver's side inner drive shaft (Drive shaft protective rubber).
It has now been repaired during our ownership.

I noticed that when the car was not in daily use, we had problems starting the car.

At this point, I want to honestly state that I am definitely not a car expert.
Since I can't write perfectly in English, I've used Google Translate to help.


One damp autumn morning, I decided to go for a drive in the C5.

When I turned the ignition key, I only heard some vague noise from the engine compartment.
At the same time I also hear the normal sound of the fuel pump.
So there is no normal spinning sound of the starter motor.
After a few boot attempts, I started investigating the situation.

First, I checked the alternator belt and its tension. Belt OK.
I measured the battery voltage with a multimeter. Voltage 12,65 volts.
Good and clean spark plugs.
I checked all the fuses (above)in the fuse box in the engine compartment.
Found out that one fuse, fuse number 4 20 A was burned. All other fine.
If I understood correctly, fuse number 4 is for the headlight washer.
Replaced fuse number 4 with a new 20 A fuse. Not burning again after replacing.
Checked the fuses located under the fuse box in the engine compartment, 8 in total.
All Maxi fuses are fine.

I tried to start the car again. The headlights work. When I tried to start the car, I noticed that the electric windows did not work.
Well, of course, that gradually led to the battery running out of power.
I charged the battery fully. Since I have already owned some kind of analog battery load tester device for
several years, I thought I would test the battery's condition more closely.
I performed a battery stress test with an old-fashioned analog battery tester three (3) times.
The test showed that the battery (Exide EB620 / 62 Ah) is in good condition.
To be on the safe side, I cleaned both battery terminals and the cable lugs.

Since we also own another car, I thought I would check the Citroen's starter motor for functionality.
I took the negative battery cable just to be safe. I disconnected the starter motor (really tight location).
I tested the starter with the starter disconnected, using the jump leads.
(Starter used Mitsubishi Japon 12 V 96 562 994 80 - MOOT86081 - A6 18 13-tooth).

I measured the continuity of ground cabel, the solenoid cabel from ignition lock and plus battery cable
with a multimeter.
I reinstalled the starter motor.

Tried to start the engine again several times. Upon heavy acceleration the car hesitates and then
goes in safe mode.
After several start, engine suddenly started. At the same time, I noticed that when the engine was idling,
the tachometer was at zero.
When you press the accelerator pedal, the tachometer provides information about the revolutions.
When I release the accelerator pedal, it shows zero even though the engine is running.
Door windows are working again.

Now the message "Pollution system faulty" appears on the small display on the dashboard. And in addition, the "Check Engine Light" came on.

I've driven the car for a few kilometers anyway. Everything works fine, except that the "Pollution system error" message appears on the small display on the dashboard and immediately after that the C(heck)E(ngine)L(light) comes on with a beep.

When I look at the car's service manual, the engine has used 5W40 engine oil throughout its history.
Should I change the engine oil to something different ?
In the area where I live, winter temperatures can drop close to -30 degrees Celsius.

I hope you have good advice for this situation.

Best regards

[PaulC5]

You need to use a code reader to see what fault code is stored and that will help tell you what is wrong to put on the engine light and give the pollution system error message. The rev counter needle might have come loose so is not showing the correct rpm. If you use a code reader that gives live data you will see what rpm the rev counter should be showing.

[Henkka]

Thanks for your reply, I think I should consider getting a diagnostic scanner.