Fuel additive level too low error

[GiveMeABreak]

At least you don't have the version with a separate additive ECU as these often failed when it came to reset them after a top up, resulting in a replacement being needed in many cases which was an additional expense.

[Mancunian]

Hi,

I need to add FAP DPF additive to my C4 Grand Picasso II 1.6 HDI.
My ORGA number is 13668FV.

Can someone please advise:

- Wether I have an additive pouch or tank fitted?
- What type of additive do I need?
- How many litres?

Thank you ever so much!

Mancunian

[GiveMeABreak]

We'll need the VIN to advise on the system you have fitted (please post your VIN in full without spaces - it will be automatically masked from public view after submitting your post & will only be visible to staff).

[Mancunian]

VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

Thanks!!!

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so you have a reservoir, not a pouch system and you'll need Powerflex additive. You need to put in a minimum of 1 Litre, but the exact amount to refill it with on this vehicle can be determined by using Diagbox diagnostic software and VCI to work out how much fluid has been used - then refill by the same amount.

In any case you'll need to reset the additive counter once it has been topped up as the volume is not measured physically. It is only estimated.

[Mancunian]

Thanks so much.

I don't have the devices you mention (what is vci?). however I should be getting this week the icarsoft Cr max diagnostic tool. Will this tool tell me how much I need to add?

Nevertheless the alarm indicated level too low so probably will need the full capacity which is 3 litres?

Thanks for this I will fully recommend this forum!!

[RichardW]

Probably a litre will be enough. VCI= vehicle communication interface, the interface cable you need to run the Diagbox PSA diagnostic software. If the icarsoft is bi directional you might be able to reset the level with it.

[Mancunian]

Brilliant thanks! I will give you feedback once I get this sorted to explain how it went.

In regards icarsoft Cr max I know you can read data and reset alarms in the dash so should be bidirectional yes. But as I said, will give feedback.

Cheers!

[GiveMeABreak]

Also be aware that not all tanks are 3 litres! Some take far less than that, so I would top up with a litre, as the reservoir looks a lot smaller than some other vehicles.

[Mancunian]

I have now bought icarsoft CR Max and plugged it to the car and it provides the following readings:

- Volume of the additive reservoir: 940 mL
- Amount of additive in the additive tank: 133 mL

The tank part number is 1610115580. It's so frustrating it can be easily found that part in so many websites but none give the internal volume of the tank!!!

Do you think the numbers I provided above (given by icarsoft CE max are accurate? Less than 1 litre seems tiny tank....)

Thanks

[wheeler]

The mk3 Berlingo tanks are only 1.1 Litres so it doesent seem unreasonable.

[Mancunian]

I still have not refilled it lol.
Just wanted to experience the use of additive. I refilled the tank 60 litres and used 4 ml of additive (according to diagnostic tool). This means with the 940 ml tank capacity you can refill a complete tank of diesel 235 times! So it makes sense in my opinion the tank is 940 ml in volume (no needed bigger)

I now have 129 ml left of additive as per diagbox reading which means 32 diesel tank refills! Not an urgent task to top up additive. However I will be refilling it soon just in case there is some error in the readings.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[Mancunian]

My only fear is that if the mechanic spills some additive into the floor or something he may not be able to completely fill it and therefore when the level is reset it will overestimate the level. Therefore risk of running out of additive before the alarm is triggered. Thoughts? Is the refill operation simple? I.e. no wasted additive likely? If some significant wasted additive is likely I should probably buy 2 litres

[Rp0thejester]

If it's DPF fluid your adding then there will be some wasted. Purely because it's overfilled. If no wasted came it, it needs more

[GiveMeABreak]

It's not clear whether this is a 3L reservoir or less, but Citroen only recommend a 1 litre top up in any case! They only recommend 3L refills where the additive reservoir has been replaced or serviced wher eit would be removed, services and refilled where it is know that the tank is completely empty.