Car died and won't start

Citroen C3
Hi I am in real need of some advice,I noticed my 2005 c3 desire 1.4 petrol had an issue with not starting unless I gave it a bit of throttle then later on in the night I noticed my throttle pedal was not responding as it should then about 20 mins later I lost all power and the engine died and now it won't start !! When I turn the key it won't crank just makes a spinning noise... I took cambelt cover off and it is still on but was a little slacker than it should be ? It was mot'd 5 weeks ago and passed with no advisories, I haven't got a clue what's up any help would be greatly appreciated thanks

Hello JayS7

JayS7 wrote: When I turn the key it won't crank just makes a spinning noise... I took cambelt cover off and it is still on but was a little slacker than it should be ?

I could never describe the cam belt as ever being slack, its supposed to be very tight.

If the belt has failed, it shears the teeth off but stays on the pulleys, so it feel slacks but doesn't come off.

If you (as its already been done so no extra harm) watch the top of the cam belt while someone else turns the key, see if the cam belt rotates on the cam pulley quickly.

The other fault, if the cam belt is ok, is the starter not engaging. So that's a faulty starter motor.


But I have a feeling its the cam belt from the things you say

Could also be a bad alternator? Check the cables, Give it a jump start maybe?