1.4i 52 LX Strange Problems

Continues from... citroen-c3-questions/few-problems-with-my-c3-t442.html


Hey guys,

Been a few weeks since I posted here, anyhow, here's some updates...

Engine Sump got replaced flawlessly.
Headlights cleared up, need to seal up.
Gears got more 'fluid'.

New problems.

Gears have started to be a pain on the 1st and reverse gear, sometimes impossible to enter both, however double pressing the clutch seems to solve it for that gear change, it's getting looked at tomorrow.

Starting the car has become a little bit strange, sometimes it will start straight no problems, sometimes the revs will kick to 1x then drop to .3 and jump back to approx .8 .
However, sometimes it will kick to 1x then just die. It seems it needs to be 'caught' by something, I'm assuming the start motor is giving me some hassle, or possibly the battery not pumping enough through, I need to Multimeter it to see it's current.

Back demister is still blown, doesnt work, need to get that looked at, but havent found the right person yet.

Purely asking for some ideas into what the gears & starting problems could be, any insight would be helpful!

Also, used this amazing little set from Mean Machine -Anti Mist and rain repellent, applied the other day and it's still going strong, a temporary replacement for the demister problem !

Thanks in advance,
-Chris.

Thanks for the update!

eastonch wrote:Back demister is still blown, doesnt work, need to get that looked at, but havent found the right person yet.

You did get a reply in your other post regarding the rear demister questions-about-a-citroen-c3-not-relate ... -t442.html

P1darbs wrote:For the demister check the wiring loom for breaks in it...
I had a similar issue with a door window and I traced it back to a wire that had some how broken IN THE LOOM!
Simply connect a piece of wire to the demister and connect to the source prior to the break.

As for having to double declutch, it makes me think syncromesh. Its a gearbox out and strip down job. With bad or no oil in the gearbox, syncromesh is one of the first things to go bad.
Other reasons, maybe hydraulic problems as it a hydraulic clutch, pumping the pedal is enough to disengage the clutch?


Starting problem doesn't sound like the battery or starter motor, but maybe MAF or some sensor. Getting the DTC / P codes will help with that, use a OBD2 reader (from here) to capture them.

Ah. didnt notice that reply, thanks.

Ill take a check tomorrow when I've got some light ! Might I ask where the loom is for the demister? I've ripped the back panel open on the boot and stuff, and looked at all the wiring there, atleast, to what I could access easially, took the left side panel of the tailgate door off to get access to some of the 'loom?' and everything seemed fine, I'm considering cutting into one of the wires to see if I can get a current through a Multimeter, which would rule out a problem on the tailgate and indicate something a little bit further up.

Another point, don't know if this is relevant, but my rear wiper is very intermittent, and by the looks of it, is all in the same loom to when I was in the back the other day, the wiper will sometimes move then stop, or will not move at all, I always thought of this being just the motor needing some TLC and when it's cold it just seizes up and refuses to move...

I'm taking it to the guy who I've had do most of the work for me so far, since I'm far too inexperienced to do it myself' however some filters I changed whatnot.

I've been looking around for the starting problems and came accross this:
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index ... 6040506440
Sounds about right, since when the car is 'struggling' to start, or gains revs then dies, I just have to give it some gas and it shoots back into life; also sometimes it's not as quick to respond to my foot being pressed down, maybe i'm just convincing myself it's that, but it's worth a change since I havent done that or the Air Filter yet.

When it 'dies' the engine management light comes on, (that yellow/orange one) but it's the same when I stall, so I can't see it being anything major, hopefully.

As for the clutch; Why do you suggest Syncromesh? It's purely on Reverse and First. However, the first gear problem has only just started recently, the 'reverse' gear needs to pull back twice, but seems to only pull back once unless I double clutch or I get lucky, it's worse when first starting, than it is when driving, maybe that's because I rarely go into first or reverse when I'm driving, and every other gear seems fine, though Third is a little funny at times.

Nevermind, I'm hoping tomorrow results in a Fuel / Air Filter to resolve starting problems.

I went to a motor store the other day to get some wiper blades and was talking to the woman behind the counter who suggested maybe the 'gear lines' or 'wires' may have become loose or 'damaged' due to age, she suggests it just getting looked at the see if there's any immediate signs of wear and tear or if something just needs clipping back on, I also suppose it could do with a new leased life of oil in the gear chamber, might help?

Anyhow. You've solved lots of my problems so far!

As for the clutch; Why do you suggest Syncromesh? It's purely on Reverse and First. However, the first gear problem has only just started recently,

I suggest synchromesh because you said you had to double de-clutch and there was a previous mention of oil change/oil level in the gearbox. The synchromesh is one of the first things to wear when oil level is low. As for affecting only 2 gears, well I would guess that the gears affected are 'higher up' in the gearbox housing and therefore most at risk of low oil level. This is not C3 specific information, just manual gearboxes generally and may not be your problem, I hope not.

As of for worn gear stick linkages, this is quite common. There are some cables and plastic clips that attach them to the gear stick and the gear box, all ripe for wear and problems.

! Might I ask where the loom is for the demister? I've ripped the back panel open on the boot and stuff, and looked at all the wiring there, atleast, to what I could access easially, took the left side panel of the tailgate door off to get access to some of the 'loom?' and everything seemed fine, I'm considering cutting into one of the wires to see if I can get a current through a Multimeter, which would rule out a problem on the tailgate and indicate something a little bit further up.

Sorry, I don't know the path that the loom goes to get to the BSI, you may have to lift carpet or remove headlining

Its easier to check for voltage than measure current and you only need to poke a pin through the insulator to make contact with the conductor to check for a 12v presence.