Citroen C5 cutting out

[Danbuoy]

I have a 58 plate C5 2.0 VTR, just ticked over to 119,000 miles. Just after leaving work tonight, whilst at some traffic lights, the car shuddered slightly and cut out. I restarted it, and it immediately cut out again. Did this twice more with the same result, then left the engine off until the lights changed. When they went green, I started the car and moved off OK. I then had just under an hour of non stop motorway driving. Between coming off the motorway and getting home, I had to stop at lights/roundabouts numerous times, with no issues. When I got home, I even left the car idling on the driveway for a good 30 seconds and it was fine.

Weird thing is, several months ago, the same thing happened, at the exact same set of lights. That time, it cut out twice, but was then fine. In the months in between, the car has had no issues. Does this sound like a blockage of some kind?

[GiveMeABreak]

IF it has been cutting out it will very likely have some fault codes logged. We really need to get those along with your VIN to help you further.

[Danbuoy]

Will have to see if I can get it into a garage to get the fault codes. Incidentally, it was fine this morning.

[Peter.N.]

This has been happening to mine, although it doesn't usually stop completely. This generally happens when the fuel is low and climbing a steep hill, (did it twice going up to Tan Hill) seems to be momentary fuel starvation, just got a new fuel filter but haven't fitted it yet. Bought another C5 last weekend - that does it too!.

Peter

[Danbuoy]

OK, I have not got round to taking this in to a garage, as since I opened this thread, the car has been fine. However, on Saturday, just as I was overtaking a car, I got a "depollution system fault" warning, and the engine management light came on. Car still feels OK to drive (occasional slight delay between pressing accelerator pedal, and car responding). Drove to work this morning, with fault still showing, but I stopped at a petrol station and after filling up, the light is no longer on, and I didn't get the warning. Only drove a mile or so after filling up, so real test will be the 45 mile drive home later. Anyone else had a similar issue?

[GiveMeABreak]

Your problem is still there. What happens is, as soon as the fault triggering event occurs you will get the warning. Depending on the fault code, when certain conditions have been met, the fault can clear itself until the next time. Switching the engine off for a few minutes (as in when you stopped for fuel) can also temporarily clear the fault. But the underlying issue is still there and it will only become more frequent as time goes on.

The engine ECU can engage any one of several back up modes whilst this fault is active. This could entail switching off of cruise control / speed limiter functions where fitted, or reduced engine power for example.

You really need to get it diagnosed so we can give you some pointers when you get the fault code. Any imbalance in the air or fuel system including the sensors can trigger the fault. It may be a lambda sensor is shot - but only guesswork until we have the fault codes.

[Danbuoy]

OK, thanks. Car is booked in for Friday, so will advise afterwards.

[captainkephart]

Hi Danbuoy,

Re "Weird thing is, several months ago, the same thing happened, at the exact same set of lights. "

You mean same traffic lights right? This is off-the-wall suggestion (which is probably not possible).
Could there be a very strong transmitter (eg mobile mast) right by the lights that is freaking out the ECU circuits?
Is electronically possible (theoretically) .... but on a car?

Cheers, Capn K

[myglaren]

Hi Danbuoy,
Could there be a very strong transmitter (eg mobile mast) right by the lights that is freaking out the ECU circuits?
Is electronically possible (theoretically) .... but on a car?

There was a woman with a Subaru, she lived in Pickering and had a business in Whitby.
As she approached Fylingdales her car would cut out.
Did it several times until shielding was put round some of the car's electronics.

There have been other similar instances too, so may be worth looking in to.

[GiveMeABreak]

There was a woman with a Subaru, she lived in Pickering and had a business in Whitby.

I thought that was going to be a rhyme there for a minute Steve...

[myglaren]

Perhaps I should re-write it, Pam Ayres style

[Activa TCT]

Check for water in fuel filter

[ksanturion10]

Did it several times until shielding was put round some of the car's electronics.

Also engine bonnet earth strap, maybe?

[myglaren]

Possibly

[SamH]

This has just happened to me today on my way home. Citroen C5 1.6HDI, 2009 reg. I've abandoned it at the g/f's, walked home and made a call to the garage. Prognosis is that it's likely the fuel filter, especially with using cheap fuel and recently running it pretty low before a refuel a couple of times before payday. Assuming it's not cleared its throat overnight while standing, it's getting towed to said garage in the morning. Wish us luck!