Hi can speed control fault be cause of temperamental starting problem?

[GiveMeABreak]

Despite modern cars having lots of electronics and control units - their interdependence on each other can make troubleshooting a process of elimination. Therefore a diagnostic is almost an essential requirement these days.

If there were no fault codes returned, then either the fault is intermittent and self-clearing or not serious enough to produce a permanent fault. The Lexia kit will allow live data to be read and this will allow an experienced user to tell what is going on - but it won't simply tell you that A, B or C is not working - without a fault code.

So in your case, I would let the fault develop until it becomes more noticeable or throws a more permanent warning up on the dash like the service light or other.

You don't want to be replacing parts willy nilly or it could be expensive and a waste of time. It could be something like the coil pack or the camshaft position sensor or one of the other sensors - but it will be guess work until there is something to go on. When / if you get a Lexia kit, there should be something that has been logged in the fault logs that may help - but like I said, wait for the issue to become more developed.

[Well Dunne]

That is exactly what I think is going on. I'm going to get it serviced (officially due Oct) reset the BSI, and purchase a Lexia so I can diagnose real time, and pinpoint exactly the issue.. The 3 times I brought it to people to look at, (a pal with generic, the citroen dealers, and the mechanic) I travelled in the car, and once its running there's nothing for them to notice. Thanks for your help. I understand there's a discount on the Nexia for forum members. After the service and reset I'll priv message for the discount of easy diagnostics. Once again thanks. Much appreciated.

[GiveMeABreak]

No problem - you have the procedure in the diagnostics section - just follow that.

[Well Dunne]

Just an update on my situation. About a week ago my car broke down at lights. Although it was a pain at the time I thought at last, faults have registered, now I can zone in on fixing. Alas it was the timing belt had snapped and the faults that showed were a result of this. LCD display read electrical circuit fault followed in quick succession by Engine management and Abs faults. I brought the car to my mechanic who replaced the fan belt and I got a standard service while there. Car when running is running beautifully, much smoother than before but the temperamental starting issue remains. I know this is not good for the car but I've learned that I can jump start it, by putting in gear, pressing clutch, turning it over and releasing clutch. Once the car starts, as long as I'm not away from it for more than an hour, it has no problem starting normally. It doesn't have to be jumped everyday but almost every other day. Does any of Above point to a specific part, or parts that could be the problem? My mech said he can't be positive til he gets it up on ramp again but he thinks replacing the fuel filter and/or cleaning up the battery clamps, throttle sensor and earth could solve the issue. He's not a Citroen specialist so I figured I'd ask here to see if my description points to something obvious. I should point out that I replaced the battery along with the plugs, oil, air and oil filter when serviced. Thanks in advance.

[xantia_v6]

Does this car have a direct-injection petrol engine?

If so, I would be suspecting that the high pressure fuel pump is failing and not producing enough pressure at cranking speeds or perhaps the starter is not turning the engine fast enough. This probably wont produce any fault codes.

[Well Dunne]

Thanks so much. I will mention above to the mech. I got it checked in main dealership / mechanics and a friends foxwell diagnostics and no fault codes on any. I disregarded the fuel pump as once it starts it drives lovely, and my mech discounted the starter saying he's almost sure it's OK. But when starting perhaps there is a pressure problem. Thanks so much for your reply.