New C5 Owner with a big problem

Nimbitt · Post by **Nimbitt** » 22 Aug 2019, 17:23

Dear Forum Members,

I am a new Citroen owner after purchasing a C5 Exclusive 2.0 2010 Diesel Automatic. The car has been well looked after by two owners with 10 years history all through Citroen garages. It has done 97,000 miles with no major repairs in its history. After two months the following has happened;

- On Monday the Check Engine Level light came on - I checked the dipstick but the plastic end had broken so no real indication of level. I hadn't broken it so can only assume it was done before my time.
- I added 1.2 litres of the correct oil to see if this helped, it didn't. Oil light still on.
- I have to drive regardless because of work drove under 60 nice and easy for two days. Today there was a puff of white smoke and the car went into limp mode. The smoke cleared within a few seconds and hasn't returned when ticking the engine over.
- Check engine oil level, gearbox faulty prnd!, engine management system faulty, esp/asr system faulty and anti pollution system faulty lights are all active! Car is still in limp mode!

This is a real headache as I had hopped the car would last a lot longer than two months! Can someone prepare me for the bad news at the Citroen garage as I don't know what to expect in terms of repair/costs.

Yours for a hopeful rainbow

Hell Razor5543 · Post by **Hell Razor5543** » 22 Aug 2019, 17:32

Hello, and

to the forum. Before you take her to a Citroen garage there are forum members with DaigBox systems (these are clone systems that can read the ECUs of Citroens and Peugeots) who are willing to help out other forum members. They will be able to read the fault codes and (possibly) reset them. The following link is to a map;

viewtopic.php?t=56452

You may well be able to get a replacement dipstick, but you will need to get the right one for your engine. If you were to post up the VIN (which will be automatically be obscured so only Moderators can read it) a Moderator will be able to get you the right part number.

You might want to edit your signature; it shows you have a 2019 C5!

Post by **myglaren** » 22 Aug 2019, 17:39

Oil light is almost certainly oil pressure - oil level is generally displayed on the instrument panel on first turn of the key, before starting.
Almost certainly a failed pressure switch.
Adding more oil than necessary can have very dire side effects.
A dealer may have another C5 in with an intact dipstick that could be used to check the level.
They will also be able to supply a replacement dipstick.

Post by **moizeau** » 22 Aug 2019, 17:39

Welcome to the forum (beat you to it Hellrazor). Did you buy it private or trade? If trade get it back to them. If private post your VIN (it will be hidden to the plebs, only Mods can read it) It will tell us what systems you have. Have you got access to Diagbox to see what fault codes are lurking?

(Ballcocks you beat me to it by 30 seconds

)

Nimbitt · Post by **Nimbitt** » 22 Aug 2019, 17:39

This is great. Thank you James

and myglaren

Nimbitt · Post by **Nimbitt** » 22 Aug 2019, 17:40

Hey Pete, it was purchased from a private dealer. I'll check the VIN.

Post by **moizeau** » 22 Aug 2019, 17:42

Any warranty with the sale?

Nimbitt · Post by **Nimbitt** » 22 Aug 2019, 17:44

moizeau wrote: ↑22 Aug 2019, 17:42 Any warranty with the sale?

Afraid not. Was under time pressure when I bought it. Stupid me.

Post by **GiveMeABreak** » 22 Aug 2019, 17:56

If keeping it, it is essential to get the Diagbox diagnostic software on it - as the ESP system is linked to the engine management ECU and the gearbox. So any speed related or other engine issues usually affect other systems. Getting the codes will help us narrow it down. Alternatively, a Citroen dealer will charge you about £90 for a diagnostic. If you go this rote, ensure you get a printout of all the fault codes, so ask for the report (as you will have paid for it).

Estately · Post by **Estately** » 22 Aug 2019, 21:08

Hi Nimbitt,
If you are concerned about the engine oil level being under or over.
The guys on here have access to Citroen technical and from your VIN can provide the correct replacement part number.
A search with that number on EBay UK will obviously give a possible supplier.
Febi Bilstein show a detailed oil dip stick diagram with all the measurements that you will need.
In the short term use a piece of copper mains wire, strip out the red, and with kinks measured in the right place use it to dip the oil and determine how much is in the sump. It should give you peace of mind whilst waiting for a new one. Obviously continue running with the broken one in place.
Ask me how I know.
Hope that helps.
Andy.

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 22 Aug 2019, 21:29

My C5 is also a 2010 2ltr engine. I've also had to have a new dipstick. If I remember rightly the part number was 1174 G9 purchased from ebay for around £7.50

Kennyd90 · Post by **Kennyd90** » 22 Aug 2019, 22:41

Hi. Don't panic. First and foremost change oil and filter. If you have the 163hp engine the manual will say to put 5.5 litres in - I would only put in 5.25 litres as your dipstick is not functional. This will make your oil warning light go away. I would measure how much oil you drain out of the sump. My 163hp diesel's dipstick broke and it does not appear to use any oil between the services even though I change the oil every 12000 miles including the oil filter. It's dead easy!

Post by **mickthemaverick** » 22 Aug 2019, 23:24

As ever some great advice for you. However I can add that as a first time Citroen owner be aware that most single faults tend to bring up multiple errors and numerous warning lights. Hence once you find the actual problem, cure it and reset the codes all will be well. The car is well worth the effort, there are guys on here with well over 200000 miles and still going strong, just don't get sucked into expensive dealer prices, there are many good independant specialists around if you don't want to do the work yourself. Someone on here will know one in your area. Good luck

Nimbitt · Post by **Nimbitt** » 23 Aug 2019, 09:08

Thank you everyone for the comments and support. I've got the car booked into my local Citroen dealer for Tuesday. I live in Farnham, Surrey, does anyone know of an independent that's close by?

picassodad · Post by **picassodad** » 23 Aug 2019, 10:09

Contact: Contact Nimbitt
Re: New C5 Owner with a big problem
Unread post by Nimbitt » Yesterday, 17:44

moizeau wrote: ↑Yesterday, 17:42
Any warranty with the sale?
Afraid not. Was under time pressure when I bought it. Stupid me.

i hope you have the "sales" paperwork and the advert!!

Hey Pete, it was purchased from a private dealer. I'll check the VIN. dealer, so must by law give a guarantee/warranty, so check with CAB, unless you only paid £10 for it, which I doubt.

They must have check the oil level at some point so must have used the dip stick, so they know it was broken??

judge rinder ...........

hope all goes well for you.