CITROEN C3: Questions and answers

Citroen C3 2006

My Citroen C3 runs perfectly with no issues other than the service light comes on randomly when I indicate left. It`s very intermittent but annoying. Does anyone know what’s wrong?

Citroen C3 2008

I was altering the date on my Citroen C3`s configuration panel and accidently altered the mileage display to kilometres. How do I cancel the kilometres and get it back to showing the speed I am travelling at in miles please?

Citroen C3 2006

Hi, my Citroen C3 Hdi Desire recently had all four fuel injector seals replaced. Since the day after it came out of the garage an intermittent warning abs light keeps coming on, then the air bag lights. They went off for a few days then all three came on and then the speedo went off and it hasn’t recorded my mileage. It all seems random. Has anyone had this or know what it might be and could there be a connection? (Desire)

Citroen C3 2007

My Citroen C3 keeps bleeping every time I switch the engine on and sometimes several times whilst driving. No warning lights come on and I recently had the comms unit replaced after Citroen diagnostics said it was that, but now 3 months later it`s started again. I’ve just been told I have a brake light out so would this cause the beeping, even though no warning lights are showing it?

Citroen C3 2005

I have problems starting my Citroen C3 in the morning. The engine just clicks and all displays are on zero. I`m fed up of resetting the clock etc. I then turn the engine again and it starts, with a bit of effort. It`s been a bigger problem since this cold weather. I do not start the car up instantly, I let all lights etc come on and I make sure the fan, radio etc are switched off. Is it the battery or starter motor? Any help will be useful before I have to go to the garage. Any suggestions please? Thanks. (Desire 1.4)

Citroen C3 2004

Every once in a while when driving my Citroen C3 the battery light comes on and then the car cuts out . The car restarts okay but cuts out when I slow down or in traffic. I`m really scared to drive the car. Has anyone got any ideas? Do I need a new battery?

Answers

I bought a Citroen C3 new in 2003 from a Middlesbrough garage. My wife used to drive it most and had similar problems. Usually when she was coming up to a roundabout and judging a safe gap to carry on through the roundabout, the car would lose all power. Hence several cars nearly went into the side of her on several roundabouts. So for the first few months we were driving round in numerous courtesy cars whilst the new car was back in the garage. Every time the car was in the garage they changed something in the engine but the problem still continued. We also noted on the internet that this was happening to other Citroen C3 customers with the 1.4 engine. Eventually we had enough and asked for our money back as the car was not fit for purpose. We were passed through the chain of command in the garage and eventually told to contact Citroen UK and sort it out with them. We insisted we bought the car from the garage so the contract was with them and not Citroen UK. This went on for a few weeks more. We eventually made an agreement with the garage and paid a little more money and exchanged our car for the C3 exclusive 1.6 model which we knew by the internet was not experiencing the same problems as the other model. So Citroen could not find or fix the problem with the 1.4 model. We are still driving round in the 1.6 model with no problems 10 years later - N J from Ireland

Citroen C3 2006

Hi, my Citroen C3 Desire petrol 2006 has a warning, engine overheating switch off now. This has only happened during cold weather so I switched off and the warning went after about an hour of turning over the engine which starts okay. Any ideas? (Desire)

Citroen C3 2002

I’ve just put 20 pound of petrol in car and it hasn’t registered on fuel gauge still showing orange flashing light. Don’t know why light’s flashing cause I never let it get that low. Also speedometer not working and radio won’t come on. Wverything was fine until I went to fill up.

Citroen C3 2007

My Citroen C3 Desire 56 plate needs front shocker leg and top, can anyone tell me if it has to be from the same year? My car is an ex write-off and the garage I bought it from has put the wrong size on so it has snapped the spring coil, and I don’t want to make the same mistake.

Citroen C3 2002

I have just got this Citroen C3 1.4 a few days ago now but taking my son to school we heard beeping, then the interior lights were flashing. I pushed the middle button on the lights then it went off. It was quite a bumpy road and I was going between 23 to 31mph, as it was downhill I took my foot off the gas. Does anyone have any idea what that was about please?

Answers

Speed limit alarm :) :) from England

It appears to be the doors that are not closed, it may be the tailgate is not sitting down tight enough to make the contact with the dip switches. Check your clock screen as well when this occurs as it should show up as left or right door etc. That’s at least the starting area. The handbook (if you’ve got one also sems to point here) - Gazza P from Wales

Citroen C3 2006

I`m just wondering how often do you have to change the engine coolant in my Citroen C3? I went through my service booklet and it seems like it has never been changed since 2006. The garage quoted me £100 inc labour + VAT, is that reasonable?

Answers

IMHO: Every 3 years or 50,000m Every 6/100,000 when doing cambelt, change thermostat and water pump. Ensures a clean efficient cooling system - Pat from New Caledonia

Citroen C3 2003

When I reach a junction and change down to second gear in my Citroen C3 and then accelerate to pull off again the car jerks as if it is misfiring, but there`s no loss of power. Can anyone help please?. (Diesel)

Citroen C3 2003

I was driving down the road about 30mph and my Citroen C3 had a power surge, the engine management light came on and the car slowed to 21mph. I stopped the car, turned it off and waited. When I turned it back on the light is still on but the car is driving at normal speed now. Can anybody help please?

Answers

Have had exactly the same problem Richard. Just after New Year my C2 1.4 had the engine management light come on and it stopped. Called out the AA who said it could be the throttle cable but got it restarted and drove to work all okay. A month later light on again loss of power and after switching off and then turning on again power back to normal although light still on! Have had the car in a normal garage who advised could possibly be the coils so had coils changed. A week later light back on and same problems. It has now gone into a Citroen garage who advised straight away that it is the throttle cable and this needs replacing. It would seem that there is also a common fault with this car/model/age in that Citroen have put the windscreen washers above the fourth injector and this can quite often leak onto the injector causing problems. It was not the problem with mine but it might possible be with yours. Hope this helps - Lynne Ness from Oxfordshire

Citroen C3 2007

Does anyone have any idea why my Citroen C3`s electric mirrors aren`t working? Is this down to a fuse? Also my driver`s window isn`t working either, they both seemed to stop at once and I`m wondering if they`re linked in any way? Could it be a faulty switch, relay, fuse or wiring? I can`t find the fuse for those electric windows and mirrors but the near side window is working fine, just the driver`s side window is not working. Can anyone help me please?

Answers

Sounds like the wires that go from the car body to the drivers door, shake the rubber boot and see if they respond, then look at them. In my 2002 fuse is shared with cig lighter, interior light, radio, and number plates, will be shared with something on yours too - Pat from New Caledonia

Citroen C3 2005

I tried to open my Citroen C3`s bonnet with the lever in the passenger footwell but this collapsed in my hand. I’ve fixed it all back but now the bonnet won’t shut properly. It basically won’t catch fully. I can manually manipulate the catch when the bonnet is open and it works, but when I shut the bonnet it just won’t catch. Any ideas?

Answers

It’s a common issue. I’ve just had the problem for about 5 weeks. It appears that the bonnet catch mechanism is sticking open so I used some WD40 and cleaned the catch up. I just then started to rest the catch when it the bonnet was up. Once rest lightly drop the bonnet and it’ll catch. Mine started to resolve after cleaning up the catch and cable area - Gareth J from Neath Port Talbot

Citroen C3 2004

Hi. I`m experiencing trouble with my Citroen C3. It’s been happening a bit lately. The car drives fine but, when I’m sitting in traffic for a long period of time, the car makes a beeping noise and the auto sign flashes on and off, the automatic turns off and goes to manual and a sign of a snowflake flashes on and off. However after 30 -40 seconds or so I can switch automatic back on and it is fine and it is fine when I’m driving it without having to sit in traffic. It`s scary and frustrating when in peak hour traffic etc. Does anyone have any idea as to what the problem may be? Thanks.

Answers

Sounds like the autobox is overheating or electric gremlins. Check gearbox fluid level and/or get it changed. Autoboxes are cooled normally from within the radiator. Check car’s coolant is clean and full - Pat from New Caledonia

Citroen C3 2002

I have recently bought a used 2002 Citroen C3 and it does not have a manual with it. Can anyone tell me how I adjust the height of the driver`s seat belt please? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2008

My Citroen C3 is making a juddering noise when I brake. It doesn’t happen all the time only now and again. It is no longer under warranty. Has anyone got any idea what could be causing it and if it`s a common problem with Citroen?

Citroen C3 2008

My wife`s Citroen C3 on starting after a short period of standing throws up a dashboard warning "phil battery extinct" which disappears immediately on starting. Please can anyone tell me what this means? (rhythm)

Answers

Hey there, I could be that the battery in the remote is going flat. Just replace it and it should take the warning away - Shane from South Africa

Citroen C3 2005

My Citroen C3 SLX is making an intermittent beeping noise shortly after pulling away. It then stops the noise for a short while, then starts again, stops and starts again getting more frequent. What could the problem be?

Answers

Sounds like either your handbrake is partially on or switch is partially on on handbrake lever - Neil Bain from Merthyr Tydfil

Try looking at the display where the clock/mpg are and it should tell you whilst it is beeping what the problem it. Can be doors left ajar too. That’s normally why mine does it - Debbie Woodard from Kent

I found my own answer in the end, it was due to my battery being low, it stopped making the noise after I topped up the battery with my charger. It was not showing anything on my dashboard and unfortunately there was no handbook when I bought it secondhand. Thanks to the people who responded - Carol Parkinson from Suffolk

Citroen C3 2003

Hi all, does anyone know how I can get a Bsi unit for my Citroen C3 1.4 Hdi hatchback? This is the brain for the following: 1 Direction indicator-Hazard warning lights. 2 Windscreen/tailgate,wiper motors. 3 Rearscreen heating element. 4 Immobiliser system. 5 Anti-theft alarm system. 6 Lights-on ignition key warning buzzer. 7 Central locking/deadlocking, including the remote control locking receiver. 8 Door open indicator. 9 Courtesy light delay timer. 10 Automatic transmission audible warning system. This control unit is found on the passenger side in the glove box behind the fuse box. Should any of the above functions become faulty, first check the condition of the fuses. If this fails to locate the problem take the vehicle to a Citroen garage for further testing. The unit costs £320 plus Vat to replace and can only be changed at a dealer as the unit has to be programmed. The other problem is that the speedo number changes from 0 when driving anything up to 49 mph showing when the vehicle is stopped on the side of the road. Hope all this information helps. This is a common fault and as normal the dealer will not change the way they design the vehicles. (Diesel Hatchback)

Citroen C3 2012

I have just bought a new Citroen C3, collect end of this week and would like to join a Citroen forum which people actually use with other Citroen owners.. I have found very good Renault, Peugeot and Ford sites but not Citroen. Does anyone know of one please? Thank you. (1.2i VTi VTR Plus)

Answers

Hi Sandra, join citroenc3forums there is lots of information on that site - Steve Jefferson from Yorkshire

Hi Steve. Is that the name of the website? Sandra from Berkshire

Citroen C3 2004

Hi, I am just wondering if anyone can help? My Citroen C3 is making a screeching noise when it hits 70mph, more often when I turn to the left slightly. This is intermittent so I am unable to take it to a garage as they can’t find the fault with it. It is however getting more frequent. Please can anybody help? Thanks.

Answers

I have the exact same problem... I’m desperate to know what it is. When I explained to garage he just told me if engine management light wasn’t on then not to worry about it - Julie Sowden from Cheshire

This happened with my Citroen, it turned out that it was just a stone caught somewhere between the break pad & the wheel, as the pads heated up with time & speed the screeching began. I got my passenger to record the sound on a mobile phone as I drove & played it back to the mechanic, they had it fixed quickly for me - Eileen Hopkins from Ireland

Citroen C3 2003

Hi, I have trouble with my Citroen C3. When I start the car the steering wheel turns automatically to the right and when I`m driving and turning to the right it is like sombody is trying to rip it out of my hands. What`s going on, is it the steering rack or the ecu?

Answers

I had very same problem it turned out to be the steering rack, luckily for me it was under warranty. The steering unit needed replacing, this can be fixed cheaper with getting it reconditioned, hope this helps... Colin Whyte from Scotland

Citroen C3 2006

My Citroen C3 has developed a slight judder when using the clutch to pull away. It performs well but I’m worried that the clutch is developing a problem. It has done 60,000 miles. Any suggestions please? (Exclusive)

Answers

It sounds like the clutch I’m afraid. Small garages charge about 450 to replace - dealers want you to donate your lung, kidneys and heart... Ask a good small garage to just check - Gareth J from Merthyr Tydfil

Citroen C3 2005

My Citroen C3`s power steering has been playing up for the last few weeks. We have taken it into the garage who did all the diagnostic tests and found nothing wrong. I have tried the trick of turning the engine off and on 3 times, this does work. I have also had the battery replaced. I had to call the AA out yesterday as my car was completely dead. He found that the battery had totally discharged due to the power steering module had not shut down properly. He told us that this was dangerous and advised us to disconnect the battery and to have the steering control module replaced. Does anybody know where this is located, what it looks like and a possible cost and will this finally solve the problem? Thanks.

Answers

It’s behind the battery - Arne Benni from London

We had exact same problem with our C3 Desire too... had diagnostic on it twice saying nothing was up with it then suddenly the speedometer had stopped working and it turned out to be our speed sensor... Touch wood it seems ok since that was replaced - Julie Sowden from England

This is related to the BSI UNIT; this is behind the fuse box in the car. Do not unplug the BSI unit as you will need to go to the dealer for it to programmed back up. I have the same problem and the BSI unit new is 320+vat; you will then need to go to the dealer and get them to help - Kevin Harkus from Cardiff

Citroen C3 2004

Hi, I have a diesel Citroen C3 Desire and I put £15 fuel in it the other day as the fuel light was on but the fuel light is still on. I`m still getting a warning beep and the fuel gauge is still on one bar. Also the max miles remaining indicator on the digital dash is still reading 49 miles remaining. What is causing this and how do I fix it? (desire.)

Citroen C3 2004

I have a Citroen C3 1.4 Sensodrive 2004 and the heated rear windscreen does not work. The light comes on when pressed and there is a clicking sound from the passenger side glove compartment. I have checked all the fuses and they are okay . I have been to several garages and they cannot make their minds up whether it`s the Body Control Module or just a single relay. Any ideas? (Sensidrive)

Citroen C3 2004

I bought a second hand Citroen C3 4 days ago, and yesterday the heater fan came on and now won`t switch off. I have tried switching between auto and nothing, it still stays on! Complicated electronics maybe. What`s wrong with it? (SX)

Answers

Hi, I had the exact same problem, you need to replace the resistor pack. This a located in the driver’s side footwell, held in with 2 green plugs and one torx screw. You can get these off ebay. Very easy and cheap fix - Andrew Woodrup from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2004

I bought a Citroen C3 Desire 1.124 cc engine capacity 5 door vehicle before Christmas. I noticed that the back doors have the childlock on and I don’t know how to release the childlock. There is a button next to the CD player which lights up orange, with an illustration of a child and key on it. I tried to press that, which may release the childlock, but it doesn’t work. Please could anyone help with a free download of the manual for my car, as I didn’t get one when I bought the car? Also the fan and heating system on the front dash of the car does not light up or illuminate at night, so it is hard to see to adjust the heating and fan levels, as well as the demister switch for back window. Is there a fuse or globe that may have gone?

Answers

Hi there, the child lock on the back doors can be released manually on the doors themselves. I’m not sure where you could download the car"s manual. The fan and heating systems globes have gone, just replace them. I hope that can help you! Regards - Shane from South Africa

Open your back doors and there should be a place to put your key in and turn the locks off manually – Mel Sanderson from England

Citroen C3 2008

Hi. I have a Citroen C3 1.4 Flurio 2008 year and when it is starting off when we are in first gear it is making a tick tick noise and the clutch plate is also vibrating continuously. Please let me know if anybody has had the same problem? Regards. (Flurio)

Citroen C3 2004

Hello every body. I need to replace the brake light which is located on the top of the tailgate door of my Citroen C3. How do I open the lid? The car is a Citroen C3, 2004, 1400 petrol. If anybody can send pictures I will be very grateful. Thanks everybody.

Answers

Inside the tailgate frame at the top are two holes that allow finger access to two fixed metal spring clips at the rear of the brake light unit, try bending these clips in and pushing slightly up to release the light unit, can be awkward to do but easier to refit just push back in the hole and the clips will snap back - John Johnston from Lancashire

John, thank you very much. I will try according to your instructions. Is it possible for you to send me picture to my mail? My mail is yair.drachsler@gmail.com - have a great day - Yair Drachsler from Israel

Citroen C3 2004

I`ve had a warning beep and engine light on my Citroen C3 Desire. I took it back to the garage and they said they have replaced the Coil pack. I have been using quite a lot of petrol, will this help? Thank you.

Answers

Possibly, it depends on how bad a mis-fire you were getting. If the fuel isn’t burning properly, the ECU can adjust the mixture to try to make the engine run better, so it could turn it richer. The coils packs, particularly the Sagem ones that were commonly fitted to C3s of that age were prone to failures and they don’t always cause the Check Engine light to illuminate. My C3 (same age and trim level) had a Sagem coil pack go recently and the first warning I got was a sudden loss of power on the road - Ian McIntosh from Fife and Kinross Shires

Citroen C3 2006

Hi, ever since my Citroen C3`s battery died after I tried to bump it start it away from a main carriageway, there has been a small delay in starting the ignition. This has now developed into the ignition refusing to start and an error screen appearing with faulty anti pollution filter appearing. Battery, spark plugs, alternator have been checked and all are fine. Can anyone please help? Thanks in advance! (1.6vtr)

Citroen C3 2007

Hi. Could anyone help me with the following faults on my Citroen C3? The revs on my car seem to stick at 2000 and it`s racing. My car struggles to start and takes about 3/4 attempts to get going. Could the above problems be something to do with the automatic choke sticking maybe? If so where would I find it to maybe spray with a little wd40? Finally when I start my car up the head lights are on but the light switch in the car to turn the lights on is not, it is off. Please advise me. Thanks in advance.

Answers

Don’t know about the revs, but the lights problem you have is not a problem as the C3 has automatic lights so they come on when it senses it is dark, you may also find that it also has automatic sensors for the winscreeen wipers - Ray Stewart from Bedfordshire

Citroen C3 2007

I have a Citroen C3 2007 registration. Car had service done recently but coming up service light on as soon as I put ignition on. I did try to reset by reset button and spanner on screen disappeared but service light still coming up and disappeared after 30 seconds. Service light also gives a blip sound.

Citroen C3 2004

Recently our Citroen C3 beeps three times on turning on the ignition for the first time most mornings. We’ve had the car for 8 years and never had this happen in the past. It is serviced regularly. I don’t notice any indicators coming on, on the panel in front of me. Any ideas? (prestige)

Answers

It’ll do that if the fuel level is low, I think if the estimated range is less than 60 miles or so - Ian McIntosh from Fife and Kinross Shires

Citroen C3 2004

I`m having problems with my Citroen C3 1.4 Desire. It started 2 months ago when the engine management light came on, it was diagnosed as the throttle pedal so I had this replaced. Two weeks later the engine warning light came on again for the same fault. The car was plugged into the diagnostics machine and showed the front 02 sensor was faulty and the car was running rich. Today the garage tried to fit a new sensor but it did not fix the fault so they have said the fault does not lie with the sensor. With the sensor unplugged the car runs lean just with the engine warning light on. Any suggestions? Thanks. (1.4 desire)

Citroen C3 2007

My Citroen C3 has had numerous electrical problems in the last 2 years. Recently my car failed it`s NCT (your MOT equivalent), as the fog lights front and rear did not come on. There were other problems with tyre alignment but this is easily resolved and a constant problem with our poor local road camber/pot holes etc. In relation to the fog lights, the inner section of the indicator stalk is moving up and down as it should to activate first the front then the rear fog light, but no light comes on. My local garage noticed that they could get the fog lights to work by first switching on the full front lights first (I normally have it on auto mode), then holding the inner part of the stalk in the down position. This, together with moving the indicator switch down twice as if indicating to turn right, first activated the front then the back fogs! They can be switched off in the normal manner. My car is back in for it`s retest in 9 days time and I hardly think they will pass this with such an odd way of getting the fog lights to work, as they take the car itself from the car park and we have no interaction with the engineers themselves. Is this likely to be a problem with the indicator stalk itself or an electrical problem do you think? Can I order just the stalk and is it expensive? Sorry to ask here but we don’t have a Citroen dealer within 100 miles and every electrical problem I’ve had has been a huge saga. I will never buy a French car again. Can anyone help me please?

Citroen C3 2011

I have recently purchased a stolen recovered 2011 Citroen C3 1.6 auto, which has minor n/s front damage. On the dash is an orange warning light with a picture of seat and seat belt with x2. I have been informed this is both front seat belt pretensioners, would you agree? Also when I drove it home from Brighton to Essex it wouldn’t change up into fourth. I have also been told this is a limp home safety mode? Again would you agree and if I do get the pretensioners is it a matter of just replacing them, or does the fault have to be cleared with a diagnostic check? Many thanks. (1.6 auto exclusive petrol)

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3`s accelerator is stuck and will not release. This has happened once in the really bad weather but today it`s fine. What should I do? (automatic)

Citroen C3 2011

I have a 2011 Citroen C3, previously stolen, recovered and had minor damage to n/s front wing. I drove the car from Brighton to Essex, but the auto box wouldn’t engage 4th it just stayed 3. Also on the dash a warning light of seat and seat belt with x2. I have been told it’s for both front belt pretensioners? And could this have something to do with the 4th gear. Limp home or something. Thanks for looking! (1.6 automatic)

Answers

I am not an expert but it sounds like a problem in the BSI unit (BUILT-IN SYSTEM INTERFACE UNIT FUSE BOX). This unit tells the automatic system to operate. It can be located behind the passenger side glove box open the box and you should see a cover on the left pull it out carefully and then you will see the fuse box. But behind the fuse box is the (BSI UNIT). This is a job for the dealer only as they are the only ones who can re programme the unit if you pull any wires off by mistake. Be warned if you do pull any wires off and take it to be tested when you return with it the car will not start. I do hope this information is help full but the (BSI Unit) has a lot to do with the electrics on the vehicle the other term for it is called an ECU this is one of three on the vehicle - Kevin Harkus from Cardiff

Citroen C3 2007

My Citroen C3 makes a random beep, often when indicating to the right. There are no warning lights on. Could it be a faulty earth lead somewhere? (all lights are seemingly working).

Citroen C3 2004

I checked my Citroen C3`s main fuses and took off the plugs on the fuse box under the bonnet and when I put everything back together the electronics of the car is dead. What should I do? (1.4)

Citroen C3 2006

My Citroen C3 1.6 Exclusive senso drive has full ignition and shows no diagnostic faults yet it won`t start. Any ideas?

Answers

Have you made sure your foot is on the footbrake? John Hammond from England

Citroen C3 2003

Hi. Our Citroen C3 has just started beeping when you indicate right, but only when the lights aren’t on. I have checked all the lights and they all work. It doesn’t beep when the lights are on, this is weird. Can anyone help please?

Answers

A flashing interior light in the C3 Pluriel usually relates to either upper or lower boot lock not engaging correctly - wd40 all the contacts and it will be fine - Iain Kesson from Inverness-shire

Citroen C3 2003

The gearstick in my Citroen C8 has gone slack and the car seems to be stuck in third gear. The gearstick will move up and down but not left or right? I know the cable must be broken, but what would be stopping the stick from moving normally? (HDi)

Answers

There are 2 gear change cables which the gear stick operates, one does left and right, the other does forwards and backwards. I would make sure that if you get them replaced, to make sure both get replaced at the same time as usually they are supplied in pairs plus if ones gone then the other probably won’t be far behind it anyway. It is a costly affair though =/ Jay from Yorkshire

Citroen C3

I have a warning noise when starting my Citroen C3 and on the display it says the pip battery is spent - what does this mean? (2009)

Answers

I have just purchased a C3 07 and I am having the same pip battery is spent as you so I can’t help but looking forward to your answer - Kevin Barraclough from England

The ’Pip’ battery warning refers to the battery in your key, the one used to apply central locking and unlocking. I had this problem and once I had replaced the batteries and re-initialized the car there were no problems at all A word of caution about the batteries: I had to buy online as no shop on God’s earth sold the right size. Good luck in your quest and consult the owner’s handbook to explain the re-initializing process - Nicky Wedekind from Suffolk

I purchased battery from Citroen garage. No problem changing providing you do not take too long you will not need to reset anything - Mag Griffiths from Caerphilly

Hi re this battery, would you mind telling us all where you bought it from online, as we need one too! Thanking you in advance! John Hammond from England

Citroen C3 2011

The right side lever on the steering column of my Citroen C3 which is used to operate the windscreen wipers has snapped off at the base. Can this be replaced? Citroen are saying this is not covered under the warranty. Will it be expensive? (exclusive 1.6 petrol)

Citroen C3 2005

My Citroen C3`s petrol gauge is starting to play up, such that when I am on one bar and before the warning lamp comes on, if I top up with £20 worth the meter does not move immediately like it used to do. However, the next day, or maybe even later that day, if I go out and start it up again up it will now have moved up to show three bars. To compound the issue the miles left gauge on the dashboard readout - where the miles is shown against a petrol tank image - also keeps fluctuating up and down, so I cannot really tell how much fuel/how many miles are truly left in the tank. I`m trying to avoid if possible not to run up any bills if I can avoid it now that Christmas is upon us. Anyone got any ideas as to what may be causing this to happen or even better how to remedy it? Thanks.

Answers

Hey there =] I had this problem along with many other problems that are yet to be solved in my Citroen C3 2004 automatic... I took it to an auto electrician and he ran through a diagnostics test and found there were over 13 errors in my electronics... he ’fixed’ these and the fuel gauge problem was the only one that appears to be working again... this cost me $260!!! Like I said, I have many other problems with my car and I’m not exactly prepared to fork out so much in just minor issues like this one. For the record, I will NEVER buy a Citreon again! Hope this helps =] Taylor from Australia

Further to this post, the reason your computer read-out, as to how many miles you have got left to run, keeps varying is because the computer uses the fuel float level to compute this. As you drive around the fuel in the tank surges around, thus the float goes up and down. Stop the car, leaving the engine running and let the fuel in the tank settle down, then the reading will steady, as it would on an old fashioned fuel gauge - John Hammond from England

Citroen C3 2002

Hi, my Citroen C3`s heater blower is not blowing out any air although the digital display is working. I have checked the fuse, it`s okay. I was told it`s unlikely to be the resistor as it would have carried on blowing on full. Also I cannot find the resistor or is it the heater motor? I want to be sure it`s not likely to be the resistor first. Any ideas please as it`s really cold now? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2012

I have a Citroen C3 Vti 95 ESG. I found that only one reverse light was working when I reverse the car. When I checked with the dealer they said this model comes with only one reverse light. Can anyone advise on this?

Answers

Absolutely correct, as a glance at either the manual or the rear of the car will show you, on one side is the reversing light, the equivalent on the other side is the fog light - John Hammond from England

Citroen C3 2004

I drove my Citroen C8 away from the garage today and noticed an anti pollution fault on the dashboard and the engine management light came on. I will be getting in contact with my dealer and hope he will sort it under warranty but am concerned I have just thrown my hard-earned cash down the drain.Should I be worried? (2.2 petrol)

Citroen C3 2009

Does anyone know why it is so difficult to join the Citroen C3 Owners’ Forum? They keep telling me that I have not given enough characters for my email and password, which is not the case. All I wanted to know was whether I need to have my anti-freeze checked, or whether, which I suspect, it is sealed in for the life of the car? Thanks. (Airdream)

Answers

Technically the system is filled with "for the life of the engine" anti-freeze mixture. But make sure, if you need to top it up you do it with compatible stuff, mixed with de-ionized water - John Hammond from England

Thanks John, sorry for the delay, but I had forgotten my question and was going to use the forum to ask it again. My excuse is that I am now in my eighties and my memory is pretty ropey - Jim Young from Gloucestershire

Citroen C3 2002

Hi, I have bought a second hand Citroen C3 diesel from a dealer and there was no manual with it. The dash board is electric so the fuel guage is bars rather than a meter. 6 bars is a full tank and it beeps at me as soon as it goes to 1 bar so that I know to get fuel. Can anyone tell me how many miles I will get from this last bar before the car stops? Also, will there be a secondary indication to show for example that I only have 5 miles left? Thank you for your help. (SX)

Answers

Hi mate, approximately 10 miles when your last bar is lit. When that goes the car beeps again and you probably have another 5 -10 left - Ray from England

Thank you Ray! I thought that it would have been a lot more than that. Thank you for your help, there is less chance of me breaking down and looking stupid now - Bev Payne from Yorkshire

Of course you could always try noting the mileage when it beeps then deliberately running out of petrol. Now note the mileage, empty the can of petrol you took with you into the tank and you will know. But it is not clever to run around with so little petrol in your tank. Crap and water sit on the bottom of the tank - John Hammond from England

Hi Bev. The 10 mile range you have been given is totally wrong. When the bars are down to one and beep you have about 8 litres of diesel left so the should be enough fuel for about 75 miles depending on where you are driving. When your fuel level is down to about 4 litres the level indicator will disappear and beep (you then have approx 35 miles range left). Hope this is a bit more helpful for you - Ray Stewart from Bedfordshire

Citroen C3 2012

I have asked this several times but had no response at all. How can I alter the trip meter on my Citroen C3, new shape? It zero’s after just 2,000 miles. This cannot be normal? Thanks. (VTR+)

Answers

It goes as far as 2000 miles!!!!!?????? Amazing!!! Most only go as far as 1000!! Why are you bothered? John Hammond from England

Thanks for getting back John, we like to keep a check of mileage on long European trips, the odometer should surely register up to 10,000 I would have thought? Cheers - Paul Tursner-Upcott from Warwickshire

Citroen C3 2011

Hi, I have a 2011 New Shape Citroen C3. Does anyone know how to gain access to the negative post on the battery or even to be able to remove the battery? Any advice would be appreciated. (Exclusive)

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3`s heater works okay but the blower only works on full power. Settings 1-2-3-do not work. I`m not sure where the problem lies, is it the switch?

Answers

It’s not the switch... it is the heater relay. Also nicknamed hedghog... cause it looks similar - Jack Butterworth from England

Citroen C3 2003

Hey. I’ve just come back from the garage where my Citroen C3 had a new stalk fitted as the washer and front wipers weren’t working. That’s been fixed great but now my car`s saying it`s done 93+ thousand miles instead of the 66+ thousand miles it was saying this morning. The garage ran it through diagnostics again and nothing came up and they didn’t know why it was doing it. I’m a newly qualified driver and with this being my first car I’m a bit confused. Does anyone know what it could be and whether it can be rectified easily? Thanks.

Answers

Hello Gemma. I’ve just bought a C3 Picasso, it’s done 16,280 miles. When I was driving it home after buying it, I was fiddling with the computer at the traffic lights. When I set off from the traffic lights after about 20 seconds I looked at the speedo and was horrified to see I was doing 50 in a 30 zone. When I got home I looked at the odometer and it read 26207! I realised that I had changed the computer from m.p.h. to k.p.h. with messing with it, so I fiddled with it again, (this time I was parked up properly) and changed it back. When I read your problem I thought about what I had done. Maybe the garage accidently changed it too? But after saying that, 93000 km does not equal 66,000miles! Good luck, hope you get it sorted - Geoff from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2008

My Citroen C3`s car alarm was set off as the car was locked with someone inside the car. I cannot get the car to start now. How do I over-ride the locking system? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2004

My Citroen C3`s air filter pipe at the back of the engine keeps coming off, even though it is pushed on properly. Does anyone have an answer?

Citroen C3 2009

Please could you tell me if my Citroen C3 has a rear fog light switch and if so, where is it? I’ve not had to drive the car in fog before today so the problem hasn’t arisen until now. Thanks for any help. (1.4 VTR)

Answers

The rear fog light switch is on the left hand stalk, you need to turn to anti clockwise I think to switch on and turn opposite direction to switch off. Hope this helps - Paul Tursner-Upcott from England

Hi! You use the same switch to turn on both sets of fog lights. Twist and release once to turn on the front fogs. Twist and release a second time in the same direction to turn on the rear fogs. Turning off is the same procedure, twisting in the opposite direction. First the rear fogs go off and then the front fogs. Have a nicer foggy day! Adrian Bull from Northamptonshire

Citroen C3 2005

My Citroen C3`s indicators appear to be working normally but they make no ticking noise inside the car to say that they are flashing. Why is this?

Citroen C3 2006

My Citroen C3 Sensodrive tr has an intermittent problem. The revs on idle vary between 2500 revs and so low it stalls, (it has only done 1,000 miles). Sometimes the revs are upto 3000/4000 on starting. I only ever have it in autmatic mode. I notice condensation on the windscreen and a clicking noise from the engine when the problems start. The garage say no fault codes are coming up. I have only had it three weeks and it`s been in the garage twice and still I have the problem. I was told it was an ex promo car from the dealer, Any ideas please?

Citroen C3 2004

My Citroen C3 has a problem with it`s senso auto drive. It jumps from 1, then fails to move. I have had the auto side reprogrammed but was told to get another car. This fault has repeated itself several times. What should I do?

Citroen C3 2003

I put a new battery in my Citroen C3 and my fog lights have come on and stayed on, I can`t switch them off. Can anyone help please?

Citroen C3 2004

Hi, just recently my Citroen C3`s battery warning light has come on. First time was about 2 weeks ago in the evening and it was raining so I was using lights and wipers. i drove about 3 miles like that, got back in the car later and no more warning light. My garage checked the battery and thought it was okay so thought it was probably the alternator. It then happened again last night, lights and radio on but no wipers and the lights seem dimmed. It has not happened when I have driven it in the daytime, so far. I have heard elsewhere that it may not be the alternator, that in fact it may just be a connection or fuse box problem which is getting damp. It`s a nuisance as I really like this car and am now put off using it on anyting but local journeys. Has anyone had this issue or solved it? Thanks. (Senso Petrol 1.6)

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3`s rear nearside brake makes a rubbing noise and it’s happening more often and is worse when I go round a right-hand bend. When I touch the brake pedal it stops, then continues afterwards. What can I do?

Citroen C3 2005

Hi. My Citroen C3 was running perfectly on Sunday, however when I went to use it on Monday night it wouldn`t start at all. The lights still work so it can`t be the battery. When I turn the key over the date and time has been cleaned. What could it be please?

Answers

I had the same thing about 7 months ago. Took the car to my mechanic but they couldn’t find anything wrong with it. It went and had some checks at Citroen and nothing came up. Then it went to the auto electrician. He has managed to get it going by cleaning out the parts, but about once a week it now needs re-calibrating because it forgets how to change gears. I have heard it could be something to do with the earthing of the computer components - Natalie from New Zealand

Hi... I have had exactly the same issue! How did you get it fixed? I was wondering if it was the battery but it was running perfectly on Sunday - Jen J from Mid-Lothian (Edinburghshire)

Citroen C3 2002

My 10 year old Citroen C3 diesel stalls quite easily in first gear and it needs a heavy right foot to stop it from stalling. What could be causing this? (desire)

Citroen C3 2008

My Citroen C3 has started to make a slighty squeaking noise when changing gear. It only does this when it is being driven - it is fine on the drive. It is a lot colder today that it has been for a while. I`m not sure if this makes a difference. It was last serviced about 4 months ago at a Citroen dealership. I have no problems changing gear. Any ideas please? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2007

I have a Citroen C5 1.6 diesel. When started ir runs for a few seconds and then cuts out. It has started after several attempts but now won`t start at all. I tried to bleed the fuel filter but nothing bleeds out. What should I do? (hatchback)

Citroen C3 2008

Recently the fault warning flashed on my Citroen C3 and beeped sidelight fault, so my husband changed the bulb and all seemed okay until we drove it. Now the warning and beeping goes on constantly every few minutes saying that every single light has a fault, which they don`t because they are all working. I assume something has to be reset. Any ideas? Thank you.

Answers

Have now had this twice, first just as you described and I done all the same things, evntually took to garage, needed whole new cluster, said it had burnt out. £200 so not sure what was burnt out. They said other looked as if it could do the same anytime, now 3 months later and it has. I now just want to know how to disable the beeping noise - Beeping annoyed too from Shropshire

I had this problem and thought all my lights were ok. Turned out it was the light on the back window, it was corroded and needed a new bulb, cost me £48! Margaret Griffiths from Caerphilly

Citroen C3 2006

My girlfriend`s Citroen C3 has a very loud creaking noise coming from the off side front suspension. Also the glow plug warning lamp only goes out when the car is warm, or when you stop and re start the engine when/after one temperature blob lights up. Any ideas? (XTR diesel 1.4)

Citroen C3 2005

My Citroen C3`s tailgate won’t open. It makes all the usual clicking noises when pressing on the pad above the bumper but won’t detach and lift up. The handbook advises to put a screwdriver into the catch from inside the car to open - this worked for a few hours but it is now back to not opening. Can anyone help? (Desire)

Answers

Mine does this all the time. Unlock works by opening and closing the rear right door. Don’t know why, but it does work. It’s a bit of a pain but cheaper than any other fix - Peny Doust from Australia

Citroen C3 2001

My Citroen C3 1.4 hdi exclusive which has done 105,000 miles drives very well but will cut out on a regular basis and then after a few moments will start and drive perfectly well. I have had the garage look at it and various things have been done but the problem remains. Can anybody help?

Answers

Hi Ian, I had a lot of problems with my C3 1.4 HDi SX recently also and even the diagnostic guys I checked with hadn’t a clue. I systematically went through everything with a friend of mine before finding the cause and I think it may well be giving your trouble. There’s a fusebox next to your battery (to the right of the battery). This is not a simple fusebox but has electronics that give power to key engine functions - injection, ecu etc. These are very prone to getting soaked and going bad. I just bought one off ebay (for about 25 quid) after seeing the inside of mines was dodgy looking. Solved the problem. It’s definitely worth a try in your case - it would cost you at least double that just to get a diagnostic plus this fault usually leaves either false fault codes or ones which are misleading (I am not a DIYer as such and have all the diagnostic software and hardware as well as sound knowledge of mechanics). Let me know how it goes - ensure you get the correct part number fusebox. Mines was the BSM B3 I think. As I say this is a problem ANYONE would have trouble diagnosing. With these faults you can spend double the cost of the car on garages etc. Better to go through the various possiblities yourself if you can - John Thomson from Stirlingshire

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C5 is running beautifully and I was pleasantly surprised when it started first time after I was away for a month. Yesterday I took it on two 30-mile trips to charge the battery and get everything up to temperature, and on the second trip I turned on the radio. No radio. The radio appears to come on, the display shows the station, the volume control changes the volume in the display, and yet there is no sound. What has happened? (2.2 HDi Estate)

Citroen C3 2002

The cable in the passenger side of my Citroen C3 which is attached to the handle has come unattached when I was removing the lock. How do I reattach it please?

Citroen C3 2002

Hi. My Citroen C3`s engine management light is on. When I go out in it and stop and go into a shop or whatever, I go back to it and it won`t start. I leave it for a good few hours and then it will start. It also drives as though it has a judder as though it is holding back a little bit. Can anyone help me please?

Citroen C3 2004

Hi, I have a Citroen C3, sensodrive tiptronic 2004, at 80000km now. For some months now, it makes a funny sound like cranking inside the engine, especially if I start it and drive on hilly roads. The sound is (kirikirikiri) sorry for that that`s the only way I can explain. I can hear it even when the windows are closed. On the 28th of Sept 2012 it went for service but the mechanic only changed the cam belt and a few plugs and that irritating sound is still there and even louder. The mechanic said it could be from the cylinders but I`m not sure what it is. Can anyone please help me? Thank you. (sensodrive)

Answers

Hi Evelyn. I would like to know if this problem was solved, because I drive the same car and have the same problem - Charlene Botha from South Africa

Nope, am sorry I am still sitting with this problem. I recently visited Citroen dealership in Pretoria, South Africa, and I was only told that it could be the old water pump that needs to be replaced and the tensioners. Mind you, all this is guess work - Evelyn Ngwenya from South Africa

Citroen C3 2010

Hi. I`m struggling to change the brake light bulb on my Citroen C3 Picasso. I read the manual and unscrewed the 2 fixing screws and pulled, but no movement. I have read other forums and they say that there is access from inside the boot but I can’t find the panels that are suggested. Can anyone help? It would be much appreciated. (Exclusive)

Citroen C3 2004

Hi. I’ve been having a problem with my Citroen C3. During the ride, the indicator lights stop working and the headlights come on, but when I am switching on the headlights the indicator lights work fine. Any ideas please?

Citroen C3 2003

Hi. I bought a second hand Citroen C3. Unfortunately the gear stick is too low. I am developing pain in my arm and would like to find a gear extension so that the gear is rightly positioned. I have searched for a gear extension and could not find one. Can anyone please advise? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2005

Please can anyone inform me on the location of the EGR VALVE on the engine of my Citroen C3-1.4L HDI and how to disconnect it?

Citroen C3 2005

I just want to find out if it is normal to hear a click noise (like something is locking) when you remove your key from the engine in a Citroen C3 automatic stop and start car? My uncle has a Fiat Idea and his makes three beeps when he removes the key from the engine. Does the noise vary on each car and is it normal? Thanks. (Automatic stop and start)

Citroen C3 2006

My Citroen C3 SX 2006 seems to have started losing fuel or miles (not sure which). It’s not leaking anything and it doesn’t smell of petrol fumes but I seem to have lost about 50 miles that I haven’t driven. I can’t equate it to accelaration or revs but it does seems to drop most dramatically within my first 5 miles of driving. I’m not sure if it’s the counter or the fuel (I`m going to run the tank empty and work my mileage backwards), but wondered if anyone else had experienced the same or had any ideas what the problem could be? (SX)

Citroen C3 2008

Can anyone tell me how much it should cost at the garage to have clips replaced on my Citroen C3. due to both front cv boots leaking grease? This cost including labour, parts and VAT? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2005

Due to overheating issues last year I had my Citroen C3`s head gasket changed. Now, 8 months later, the same problem is occuring! I am having problems because the anti pollution fault warning light comes on. I have taken it to the garage 6 times and each time I am being told it is sorted but the problem is still present. Can anyone help please?

Citroen C3 2010

Hi. I bought a Citroen C3 which had been in a minor accident. I was told that the airbag module needed replacing so I have had it reset, but now I am not sure where it goes in the car. Does it go somewhere under the back seat? Can anyone help? Many thanks. (Exclusive)

Answers

Fits under the trim that surrounds the handbrake lever between the seats - Stu from England

Citroen C3 2003

The handbrake light on my Citroen C3 keeps coming on while I’m driving and I don’t know what’s causing it. I have recently taken it into a garage and they topped up the brake fluid which solved the problem for a few weeks, but it is happening again. I don’t know how to check to see if it’s still full because I can’t find where it’s situated. Also this has only happened once but I worry it will happen again. I turned the ignition on and the car didn’t start so I tried again and the power steering didn’t work. I turned the car on and off again which sorted out the problem, but now I’m worried and would like to know if that might have anything to do with the handbrake light. Please can anybody help me? Thank you.

Citroen C3 2003

My Citroen C3 sometimes does not unlock with the central locking and I have to manually unlock the door, this then will only unlock that door, the others remain locked. The ignition will then not start, so I have to unplug the battery, this will then lead to the car working absolutely fine for the rest of the day, though is obviously not practical! I had the RAC out the first time it did this and they found no fault with the keys or any fuses. Occasionally the car will not lock straight away either and I have to leave it around 10 minutes to try again, am not sure if this is related though, as with the initial problem I can leave it all day and it will not rectify itself! Does anyone have any ideas please? I’d be very grateful, thanks.

Answers

Do you have an after market CD/Radio unit? I ask as this can can cause problems with the central looking if a proper wiring loop is not added. I had the same problem you described and that was the fault. I bought a wiring loop for less than £6 on e-bay, sorted all my problems - Des Dnzl from Lanarkshire

Citroen C3 2003

Due to over heating issues I recently had my head gasket changed and even after the repair, I am having problems because after driving for about 5 miles the car overheats. I have taken it back to the garage 3 times and each time I am being told it is sorted but the problem is still present. Can anyone help please? (LX)

Answers

Seen this a few times on ’tu’ engines, headgasket failure causes muck and crap to travel through water galleries which tends to gather in radiator and blocks it. Do the coolant pipes feel hard when it gets hot? Take top and bottom pipes of rad and with a hose pipe in top of rad see if you get a nice flow of water out bottom outlet - if not time for a new rad. Also did they check that the head wasn’t warped when they done headgasket? Stu from England

Citroen C3 2002

The cruise control switch on my steering wheel has snapped. I glued it back together but in doing that it is permanently stuck in the off position. I want to trade my car in but not sure whether to get this fixed first. Is it fairly easy to replace switch?

Citroen C3 2010

Hi. My Citroen C3 is two and a half years old. Just before the two years the clutch gave me trouble going into first and second gear. They changed the clutch although it was not burned out and now it`s giving the same trouble four months later. Can anyone tell me what is wrong? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2003

I`m looking for a purple gear gaiter for my Citroen C3 LX, but cant find any. It comes up with Citroen Saxo/Xsara. Can anybody help?

Citroen C3 2009

My C3 Picasso`s seat belt alarm occasionally goes off whilst I`m driving although the appropriate seat belts are correctly plugged in. The fault clears if the ignition is turned off and on again. The problem has occurred 3 times and the last two times (2 weeks ago and yesterday) the alarm went off after using the indicator stalk and only the driver was in the vehicle. Any ideas about what may be causing this intermittent but annoying fault? (Exclusive 1.6Hdi)

Citroen C3 2009

How do I adjust door catches on my Citroen C3?

Answers

Sounds crude but give the striker a smack with a hammer or brute strength and lift door so as to bend it up on hinges as there is no adjustment on strikers! Stu from England

Citroen C3 2006

I have recently bought my 1st Citroen C3 Pluriel and love the drive but there is an annoying knocking coming from the back driver`s side. It’s like a metal on metal clunking sound, more noticeable over bumps or uneven ground. It’s been back to Citroen twice and they don’t seem to have a clue. Does anyone have any ideas as it`s driving me mad?

Answers

I had a similar story. There was a metal grinding noise, took it to my dealers who checked it out and said there was nothing wrong but it got worse. My friend had a look as he refused to get in the car one day as it was so bad, took the front wheel off to find the spring/coil for the suspension had completely snapped, ground a hole in the body work and nearly pierced the brake line. The dealers claimed it as a new breakage and had happened after their inspection (LOL) but as it had rust their arguement was weak. I googled the problem and found that there was a history of fauty coils so the dealers replaced them all free of charge even though my car was about 7 years old - k h from England

I had the same problem, Citroen fitted bulk mass weights at the back on both sides for added safety and stability for when the roof is off. They are rubber cased and hang near the inside of the back wheel. The drivers side is the larger of the 2. They move quite freely and mine has settled down and I don’t hear it, or I don’t notice it now I know what the noise is. If you reach behind the wheel you can feel where they are. Hope this helps :) Jo from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2005

The water gauge on my Citroen C3 keeps beeping and flashing a red light. After topping up with water it’s okay but after a couple of weeks it starts doing it again. Can anyone help?

Answers

It sounds like you have a slow leak. Sadly not many garages will look at it because of how Citroen has the engine, and the dealers have extortionate prices. I fixed my problem by topping my tank with k-seal which cost £10 and the problem hasn’t come back - Raj from Warwickshire

Most likely be a leak from water pump or the plastic water outlet on back of engine - Stu from England

Citroen C3 2004

Why am I having a problem getting second gear in my Citroen C3?

Citroen C3 2003

I have a Citroen C3 03 reg. It has passed it`s MOT and nothing shows on diagnostics but sometimes when I go to start it it splutters. Everytime this happens it takes out the power steering making it very hard to turn. If I turn the engine off and start it back up again it`s usually all fine. This has happened a few times now over about 5 months. Any ideas? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2004

Hi. My Citreon C3 exclusive has a Blaupunt radio/Mutli CD / Sat Nav etc - it now bleeps intermittently and swiches itself off. I’ve lost the main display, I now just get a Citroen Logo? Also I`m not sure if related but my keyfob is also intermittent i.e takes ages/mutiple clicks to lock the central locking. Can anyone help? Any help would be appreciated. (exclusive)

Citroen C3 2006

All of my Citroen C3`s back lights on the right side are not working but I cannot find the fuses for them in the manual. Can anyone help?

Answers

Take back light unit out and disconnect wiring connector and look very closely at the earth terminal on wiring connector and on bulb holder, most likely that they are melted. If they are you will need to replace bulb holder and the wiring block connector and terminals (available from Citroen) - Stu from England

Had same problem on this C3 and my last one it was just a bad earth. Find out which one has burned out and bypass it (cost me £30 each time, first right side two months later left side. A year later different C3 right side gone again. PS You will need to reset the internal computer after this or the dash will keep showing a ghosted fault. Resetting the BSI computer: Open the drivers window and the bonnet. Close all the doors, switch off everything, like the radio, phone charger etc. Remove the ignition key via the open window WAIT 10 minutes. Disconnect the battery. (change the battery at this point if this is required, otherwise WAIT 30 seconds). Reconnect the battery, WAIT 1 minute keeping the doors closed, lean in via the drivers window. Switch on the ’ignition’ (don’t start the engine). Switch on lights (dipped, normal driving lights) WAIT 30 seconds. Start the car then check function of central locking - Mark from London

Citroen C3 2007

How do I change the plugs on my Citroen C3? (desire)

Citroen C3 2005

Hi. My Citroen C3 has been off the road and the previous owner took the battery off the car and put it on charge. Twelve months later the battery has been fitted back on the car and the dash lights turn on and you can hear the fuel pump kick in, but when you turn the key to start the starter motor doesn`t turn the engine over. Am I missing something, please help?

Citroen C3 2004

Hi, I`ve had my 04 Citroen C3 for 6 weeks. I love it but today it made three beeps and two lights appeared on the dash - flashing "air con and s lights". I turned the engine off and on and the lights disappeared and did not come back on. Also it`s my first experience of an auto. Is the tug on engine I am experiencing as speed increases a result of gear changes or do I have a problem? Any info appreciated. Thanks. (SX auto)

Citroen C3 2005

How do I remove the rear wiper blade on my Citroen C8 in order that I can replace the motor from inside?

Citroen C3 2005

Please can anyone help me find the switch or button to turn on the front fog lights on my Citroen C3?

Answers

It’s on your headlight control stalk just inset from the headlight control switch. It controls both front and rear, but needs some practice to use, I think its one quarter twist to operate the front and two quarter twists for the rear aswell. Check the Manual or online if this is not clear, most new french cars have this setup... John Johnston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2003

Hi, the lever that releases the bonnet on my Citroen C3 has broken. I have tried pulling the wire with someone pushing on the bonnett lid and it still won`t open. Does anyone know how I could access the bonnet as I need to change a front headlight? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2006

Hi. I have just bought a Citroen C3 HDI diesel car. A week after I got it, it started making a funny sound when I start the car. From what I could tell it`s from the fan-belt but I cannot be tot sure. Can anyone give me advice where to look or what to do?

Citroen C3 2002

Hello. The display on my Citroen C3`s dash says the front right door is open. The interior light is flashing and the audible bleep keeps sounding. The doors will not lock when parked. The door is definitely shut.. Any suggestions?

Answers

I am having the same problem, it’s been driving me mad and for weeks. I would also appreciate any guidance. Thanks - Mandy Simm from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2004

How do you change the driver`s headlight on a Citroen C3?

Answers

It’s a bit of a faff, you have to drop the wheel arch liner, remove the grill, and the remove the bumper. Then you can get at the light fittings - Bambi from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2007

How do I replace the water pump on my Citroen C3 1.1 2007 model? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2003

Hi. I’ve been having a few problems with my Citroen C3 1.4 Desire recently and I was wondering if anyone else has encountered the same. Firstly, in the morning when the car first starts up (particularly in cold or damp mornings) it feels as if my car misfires for the first 5 miles (with the engine warning light sometimes coming on). It is starting to get very annoying, especially as the power is extremely limited and I can never get up to more than 30-40 mph for this period. The fuel injectors, spark plugs and coil pack have all been checked, however I am still getting the same problem. Secondly, last week my car completely broke down on me with no warning. After exploration it turned out that the fuse to the engine management had blown. When replaced the car worked first time and then cut out again. Thankfully on the second replacement the fuse has stayed intact (fingers crossed), however there appears to be no reason for the initial blowing. Has anyone else experienced this? Or does anyone have any suggestions as to what could be causing either issue? Cheers. (1.4 Desire)

Answers

Check for water ingress in number 4 (timing belt end) injector wiring connector. Water leaks past washer jet on bonnet and corrodes wiring terminals in connector - Stu from England

Citroen C3 2006

Hello, I have a problem with my Citroen C3`s passenger side lights. I’ve checked bulbs and they all working but there seems to be a loose connection somewhere, as when I wiggle the connector the indicator lights up and stops going faster. Any suggestions?

Citroen C3 2006

Does anybody know the capacity of the water reservoir of my Citroen C8, whether it`s under 7 litres or over?

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3`s remote key responds when locking and unlocking the car. When I turn on the key on to start the engine the starter responds but the engine does not start. I have to use the other key. Any ideas?

Citroen C3 2002

Can I programme a Peugeot 307 remote key to a Citroen C3 as I don`t have a remote key for my C3 and my normal key will only lock the driver`s door? (LX)

Citroen C3 2011

How do I set the timing on my lock the cam Citroen C3 1.4i? I have worked on the engine and now it won`t start.

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3`s speedo and power steering went off at the same time. I put it on diagnostics and it said there was a speed sensor fault. I cleared this fault, it was okay but then came back on in a week, so I tried to clear it again but it wouldn`t. I replaced the speed sensor but this made no difference, they still don`t work and it still says speed sensor fault. Has anybody had this problem? Cheers.

Answers

Check your battery charge level, C3s have electric power steering low battery levels and the car shuts down the steering - Bambi from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2006

Where is the temperature gauge on my Citroen C3 1.6 vtr 2006? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2003

I need to replace a brake light bulb in the offside rear light cluster of my Citroen C3. How do I remove the light cover to gain access to the bulbs?

Answers

I believe that there are 2-3 small 8mm or 10mm set screws down the boot side of the light, you take them out and remove the light unit, then unclip the bulb holder - Bambi from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2004

Hi, where is the pre post heating relay circuit. code 1351 or Sid 803 on a Citroen C3?

Citroen C3 2003

How do I replace the offside brake light bulb on a Citroen C3?

Answers

Halford’s will change the bulb for less than £7 including bulb with one spare - Mag Griffiths from Caerphilly

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3`s radiator fan is not turning off and will not stop unless unplugged. How do I fix this problem? (1.4 diesel)

Answers

Mine needed a new switch for the fan. The old one got stuck and burnt out - Mark from London

Citroen C3 2003

I fitted a new radio in my Citroen C3 and now the remote key won`t unlock the central locking if it is left for more than 5 minutes. I can unlock the driver`s door manually, when the key’s in the ignition and turned on, then the other doors will unlock. Is there a solution to this problem, other than taking out the new radio? (desire)

Answers

I had the same problem. Your head unit is not wired properly. You need to buy a special connector. The reason why it won’t unlock is because it’s draining the battery as the radio is not turning off because it has constant power even though your car is turned off. It’s draining the battery just enough to stop the central locking from working. Go to an auto elec. Or look it up on the internet as to which two wires to change. Pain in the butt because I had to smash a window when it happened to me because my key wouldn’t work in the door - Maria from Australia

Citroen C3 2007

I have just had new springs front and new rear drums, bearings, etc costing over £1000 on my Citroen C3 and now I`m told the diagnostic says I have a vacuum issue, so a new EGR at £400 is needed! Now the car has never been sporty so I’m used to sluggishness. My problem started in the last 6 months. I usually park my car facing uphill until one morning it wouldn’t start (sounded as though the main belt had gone) it turned over but no firing as such. I primed the hand primer and it started, it does this if it`s parked facing uphill, occasionally if it`s on the flat but if it`s left parked downhill no problems. I have searched for answers with no conclusive facts, other than Diagnostic says a vacuum fault- but there are no lights on the dash!board. Any ideas? (hdi diesel)

Citroen C3 2007

The radio in my Citroen C3 is silent and the cd is on pause. How can I fix this problem?

Citroen C3 2005

Hi, for quite some time now my Citroen C3 will often do nothing and sometimes stall when pulling away from stop. I can often depress the accelerator three times before it will decide to take off. It also does not like going fron 1st to 2nd gear with a real drag in acceleration when doing it. It can often be better when the engine is hot. After various diagnostics with local garages the AA said it was corrosion of the 1st spark plug but I`m still having problems after changing the spark plugs again. Now I`m finding recently that the coolant is leaking, I think it is going into the oil. When I pull away I can hear a sloshing sound. Can anyone advise me please? (XTR sensor drive)

Answers

Number 1 injector gets water in it from the washer jet above it - Dave Gamble from England

Citroen C3 2005

Hi, for quite some time now the car will often do nothing & sometimes stall when pulling away from stop. I can often depress the accelerator three times before it will decide to take off. I also does not like going from 1st to 2nd gear with a real drag in acceleration when doing it. It can often be better when the engine is hot. After various diagnostics with local garages the AA said it was corrosion of the 1st spark plug. Still having problem after changing the spark plugs again. Now finding recently that he coolant is leaking. I think it is going into the oil. When I pull away I can here a sloshing sound. Anyone advise me please? (XTR sensor drive)

Citroen C3 2003

Hi, have a Citroen C3 53 plate and my fan starts up as soon as the car does. I don’t know if this is supposed to happen but when I’m waiting in at lights or in traffic my heat gauge jumps from 3 to the highest and then when I start moving again it goes back down to 3. Does anyone know what the problem might be? Thanks.

Answers

The viscous coupling is broken, you need a new fan - Mark from England

Citroen C3 2003

My petrol gauge is broken, how much to get it fixed roughly? Also my a/con only works when it’s at number 4? Any ideas?

Citroen C3 2004

Hi, I am trying to manually put the rear door child safety locks on my 2004 Citroen C3 but can’t do it, please help!!!!!

Citroen C3 2006

Hello experts, the bonnet rod on my C3 has broken off, do you know if it easy to fix? And if it will cause problems at MOT? The bonnet stays down ok, it’s simply the rod that holds it up when checking inside.

Answers

Don’t panic! No MOT fail! If it’s broken at the plastic pivot then just push it in the pivot hole and use it has normal with a little extra support, only one thing, just remember to push the bar in the holding clip under the bonnet when closing it. Mine’s been like it for two years with no problem, just a bit more care when using it. Failing that, get a replacement from a scrap yard if it bothers you - John Johnson from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2005

Hi. I have a C3, it is about 7 years old. It drives fine but I have a couple of small things that have gone wrong. The radio/CD in the car has a problem with the CD part and I cannot play any CD’s in it as it scratches and jumps. I have tried to clean it using a a kit but this has not worked. The second thing is that I have a small crack on my rear side lamp plastic casing on the left side. The light/bulb is fine. I only want to replace the plastic cover. How do I go about this and is it difficult to try and get the cover off or do I need to get a new unit which can be expensive.

Answers

Wait for it! Brace yourself! here goes! I hate being the bearer of bad news! NEW CD PLAYER, NEW COMPLETE REAR LIGHT UNIT! But on the bright side either superglue the crack if its only hairline, or check eBay or scrap yards, for replacements at friendly prices. Stay away from main dealers - a definite NO! NO! if your budget is limited - John Johnson from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2002

When I try to switch a/con on when car is at normal running temperature all temperature lights come on right to the red light. The only way I know how to get it back where temp should be is switch off air con then switch off car and re start the car. Any help would be great.

Citroen C3 2007

My 2007 Citroen C3 Furo 1.6 has recently developed the following fault after being for a service. The dash says "LH brake light faulty". The brakes are working on and off. Any idea what can be wrong? Thanks.

Answers

Check this site further, this problem has been covered and is a known fault with poor earthing and contacts in the rear lighting clusters of C3s. Look for my comments regarding poor light contacts. That’s assuming the brake light bulb is not actually blown, check there first but generally a easy fix - John Johnson from England

Yes I can testify to that answered already. My local Citroen guy sorted it for £100 - Poor earth! No problems but I bet I could have done it myself for less, but hey ho - Jason Washington from Cornwall

OUCH! £100 for twenty minutes work and 10 minutes of that is removing and fixing the rear light cluster back in place. Only parts used are small socket set, screwdriver to re-tension the bulb contact pins, sandpaper and contact cleaner, fixed!! Main dealers are unscrupulous and that’s putting it nicely! - John Johnstone from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3`s windscreen washer is not working. The wipers work okay to their delayed sequence. I have changed the water pump and checked the electrical connections and fuses, all work okay and have power voltage all the way to the pump. Has anyone had this problem and how did you manage to resolve it? (hatchback)

Answers

If all of the checks mentioned have been carried out, then it sounds like a blockage in the reservoir pipe connection stopping the water from travelling up the pipes, I would start there? I’ll asume the pump buzzes when controlled from the washer stalk, if so then the control stalk switch is OK! So check for blockages - John Johnson from Lancashire 

In answer to your question-the pump does not buzz when operated. I have tried two new pumps but still no joy. checked all fuses and connections and everything is as it should be. James Fisher from Surrey

Sounds like the stalk switch.. Try removing the steering cowl to access the switch and spray the switch with contact cleaner (WD40) and hope it’s just dust and stuff creating a bad contact, If this doesn’t work then the fault is the COMM unit switch - John Johnson from Lancashire

Worse case scenario, disconnect the 3 multiblock connectors in the engine fuse box (one next to battery) and look to see if fuse box and connectors are corroded, some times get a sidelight bulb problem linked with it. If it is corroded it’s due to water travelling along the wiring loom from faulty washer pump. You will need to change fuse box and complete loom! Stu from England

Citroen C3 2003

Hey Guys. When I am driving along the engine of my Citroen C3 will cut out with the engine light flashing. It turns out the fuse which does igntion and so on has blown. It`s a 30 amp fuse. When I replace it and try to start it again it blows straight away. Can anyone help? Many thanks.

Answers

Sounds like a short circuit in the ignition system, Check the fuse box live and earth wires and blade fuse connectors, also check the starter motor power leads. Look for split caseings or any exposed live wires - John Johnson from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2004

My Citroen C3 revs up and down all the time. Any ideas?

Citroen C3 2002

Hi. My Citroen C3 1.4 petrol has done 65,000 miles The problem is it has trouble starting when cold, it turns over fine but won’t fire up. If I turn it over in short bursts it takes 4 or 5 attempts until it starts, if I just let it turn over it just won’t fire up. Once it’s started and has a couple of revs it runs fine and when it’s warm it starts on the button. I have changed the plugs with no difference. Any ideas? Thankyou. (1.4 petrol)

Citroen C3 2005

Why is the engine on my Citroen C3 Desire 1.4 suddenly running noisy and my car feeling as if I am driving it in the wrong gear?

Answers

Most probably a failed injector, leaving you running in limp home mode, but would normally show a anti polution error? - John Johnson from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2005

I have pulled the door handle off my Citroen C3. How do I put it back on?

Citroen C3 2003

Hi. My Citroen C3 has been at Citroen for 5months and they can`t work out or find a reason for my car stalling at deceleration. I have had the fuel pump changed and new injectors and no one seems to know what the problem can be. It went in originally because it was difficult to start and it was smoking on startup but that has been rectified now. Can anybody help? (1.6v)

Citroen C3 2004

I have a Citroen C3 SX semi auto. I only bought it 6 months ago, however it keeps breaking down. The problem is whenever I approach an island and start to brake it sticks in gear. The only way to stop then is to brake, which stalls the engine. If I disconnect the battery it starts okay, but I can`t keep doing that. It has been reprogrammed by Citroen twice and this still happens. Now the intermittent speed sensor is buzzing. Please can anyone help?

Citroen C3 2006

Why do my Citroen C3`s headlight bulbs which I buy from Halfords keep burning out?

Answers

I have the same problem with my C3. No matter which make of headlight bulb I use they still burn out after a few weeks - Steven Tempest from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2004

My Citroen C3 always starts okay but after stopping at a junction a quarter of a mile away the car just lacks power and has difficulty pulling away, but once going again it`s okay. Also the engine sometimes runs ’lumpy’ when started after being stood for an hour or so - as if there is too much choke. I have had the car on the electronic tester at the garage and they can find nothing wrong. I`ve had these problems for a couple of years now and I am worried that one day I may have an accident because the car fails to pull away when cold. Can anyone suggest what is causing this? (1.4 Desire)

Answers

Check the coolant sensor, also spray the injectors with wd40 - Steven Tempest from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2004

Hi. I recently noticed under the digital speedometer of my Citroen C3 a little A2 appeared, it then changed to A3 and now it`s at A4. Can you tell me what this means or if it`s a problem I should be worried about? I have searched the manual and there is nothing about this in there or on the Internet that I can see?

Citroen C3 2004

I was driving my Citroen C3 and then heard a crack and it just stopped. It turns over but is not starting. I have checked the timing belt and fan belt but they are okay. Can anybody help?

Citroen C3 2003

Hi experts. I have a Citroen C3 HDI and six weeks ago I was involved in an accident in Spain. The third party went straight through a stop sign and hit my front side. The insurance company has been great and spent 3,000.00 putting it right as the third party admitted responsibility. They replaced the windscreen water bottle and the motor because it was crushed but the water jets are still not working. I have taken it back to the garage who did the repairs and they have checked out the motor and say it is working fine. The problem is that the switch feeding the stalks on the steering wheel is not working, incidentally the main beam light stalk is not working also. The Insurance assessor has been out and says that the accident would not be responsible for the water motor and the lighting and would not fix it within the insurance. The garage has quoted me 350 to fix the problem. I’m not sure about the main beam as I don’t use it that often, but I’m sure the water jets were working perfectly well on the day of the accident. What I need to know is it possible that the accident crushing the water bottle and motor could do something to the switch and make it inoperable? I have 7 more days before the insurance close my case so a speedy response would be great. Can anybody help?

Answers

Firstly, the headlight bulb element might have got damaged during the shock of the accident, so a change of bulb might solve that one. Secondly, check the fuse for the washer motor, it’s a small red 10 amp blade fuse and look in your manual to see if that’s the problem. Thirdly, check all the wiring around the bottle and the headlight for damage, you never know it may have split the wiring loom, also check the light connectors and earth point connectors in the engine bay wall to make sure they are secure. My view is if it worked before the accident why is it not working now so of course the Insurance should cover it, after all the problems noted are related to the area of damage. The Insurance should not return a car that’s not safe or road legal with these accident related things not working - it’s an MOT fail. Threaten the Insurance Company with the the Financial Services Authority or the Financial Ombudsman Service. The chance of the COMM2000 unit that controls these areas being damaged is slim, unless the airbag went off or there’s more structural chassis damage than you can see at the front of the car. Don’t always believe garages, they say the motor works but they cannot prove that with it being non functional on the vehicle? Don’t settle for the Insurance flannel, push your point! - John Johnson from Lancashire

John, thanks for your advice. As the main beam light comes on when it feels like and sometime it works I know it can’t be the bulb. I have checked the contacts and they are good. The garage checked the fuses and they are all okay. I asked them to check the wiring loom whilst up on the ramps and they say there is no problem with the loom. The airbag didn’t go off. They have also checked the washer motor and insist that there is power to the bottle. As for threatening to go to the Financial Services Authority or Financial Ombudsman services, out in Spain we have none to turn to, and I don’t think the British Embassy can help. The Insurane company would only re-look at this problem if I could get something official from Citroen that there is a possibility the accident would cause the COMM 2000 to malfunction. I have emailed Citroen in France a couple of times in English and French but they have never responded. It’s interesting you said that you doubt if the impact of the accident would damage the COMM 2000. The insurance company has sent in the assessor twice now and with the garage insisting that the fault is not part of the accident and the assessor agreeing I have nowhere else to go. But thanks for taking time out to answer my question - Michael Grigg from Spain

Rock and a hard place mate, didn’t realise you were out of the UK. Still a poor bulb earthing would make your light go on then off, assuming it’s only one headlight bulb with this problem. Normally a COMM problem would take out both headlights, with them being on the same circuit. Also I was under the impression that the washer motor stalk allowed power to the motor when used, so how they’ve picked up power at the motor without the function of the stalk then who knows and surely that would operate a working pump? Unless it’s one of these stupid reverse circuit switches that rely on the switch to keep the component off, like the fan motor on these cars, when they fail the fan won’t switch off? You could remove the steering column cowl around the COMM and spray the stalk and light contacts with contact cleaner/WD40, but that’s just a last ditch attempt. You might have to take this one on the chin and have it repaired, but I would certainly ask the repairers for some guarantee that if it’s not the COMM then you will not have to pay for the part and then tell your insurance. If it ends up related to the accident, you might get some form of compensation. Good luck - John Johnson from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2003

My Citroen C3`s engine is sometimes overheating on a long run, but not always. The water bubbles and is a brown colour. Can anybody help? (Desire)

Answers

Check for coolant leakage. Check to make sure the coolant fan is operating when the engine is fully warm and at idle, if not then the fan will need replacing. Check the top hose to make sure it gets hot, if not then the thermostat needs replacing. Check the coolant for evidence of oil contamination. Check the oil filler cap for evidence of coolant mixing with the oil, this will show up as a creamy substance and could possibly be a leaking head gasket. Also when it overheats let the engine cool down before driving again to prevent further damage - Steven Tempest from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2006

How do I change the rear brake light on a Citroen C3? I have the bulb, but how do I access the light?

Answers

Open your Tailgate and you’ll see a small inset nut on the top of the light unit and also one at the bottom on the inside of the boot space. Undo both nuts with a hex socket, then draw the light unit forward. Now detach the electrical connector from the rear by pressing the connector clip and pulling the block, the light unit can now be fully removed. You now have to carefully unclip the bulb holder from the rear of the light unit and pull it away and fit the bulb. Just do the reverse to refit but don’t over-tighten the nuts else you’ll crack the plastic on the light unit. Gone are the days of a 2 minute bulb change! - John Johnson from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2004

My 2004 Citroen C3`s doors will not open with or without my remote control key. Can anyone give me any reason why please?

Citroen C3 2003

The handbrake light has been coming on in my Citroen C3 whilst driving and now there is a smell of burning. Any help please?

Answers

The rear brakes could be locking or binding due to the cable becoming seized. Also the auto adjust mechanism in the drums could also be causing a problem. I would have the rear brakes checked, the burning smell could be down to the brake shoes rubbing constantly, creating friction when moving - John Johnson from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2003

What could cause my Citroen C3, an automatic car, to slip out of gear? This normally happens when I`m stationary in traffic. I replace the gear box oil every 6 months and this normally sorts out the problem, but I have been advised that this is not normal and I would like to find out what causes the problem. Any suggestions please? (Exclusive)

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3`s central locking is making a horrible grinding noise on the front nearside when I am trying to lock the car with the remote fob. Any ideas on how to fix it? Many thanks. (C3 14 hdi diesel executive)

Answers

Lock motor needed, around £70 - William from Northern Ireland

Citroen C3 2007

My Citroen C3`s front suspension is too low and I am unable to drive it. Can anyone suggest what I should do?

Answers

Front springs broken, it has happened twice on ours - William from Northern Ireland

Citroen C3 2004

Suddenly all my Citroen C3`s dashboard lights are permanently on, even when the engine is off, plus the speedometer has gone and the petrol level is not registering. My garage can’t have a look at it for nearly two weeks. They say that it`s not dangerous to drive, but I would prefer all these things to be working properly. They did suggest perhaps disconnecting the battery for a few minutes and then reconnecting it. What does anyone think?(1300)

Citroen C3 2005

Hello. I hope you can help me. I had my Citroen C3 serviced and soon after that the oil warning light came on. It doesn’t stay on all of the time but only when I slow down and at very low revs (when the dial goes below 1). Yesterday another problem arose, when driving uphill my car lost power and the engine light came on. I managed to get to the top of the hill and drove the car for half mile and although there was no loss of power anymore the engine light didn’t turn off. I am so annoyed because my car was absolutely fine until the servicing and I never had a hitch. Can anyone help me?Thank you. (Desire)

Citroen C3 2005

I have been told that my Citroen C3`s reverse light is coming on while I drive. Could this be a faulty connection? Where would I start looking for the problem?

Answers

Same thing is happening to me since yesterday. did you get it fixed? What was wrong ? It’s sooo annoying and dangerous. Thanks for replying - Sev Legal from Ireland

Citroen C3 2005

My Citroen C3`s engine cuts out when cornering. The mechanic thought it was the fuel pump so they replaced it but still the problem occurs. Does anybody have any ideas please?

Answers

This problem is the injectors were clogged and fuel supply line or in the sparke plugs and its ignition coils - Mohammad Eng. from Palestinian Territories

Citroen C3 2006

I questioned previously that my Citroen C3`s fault indicator bar comes up with non existant faults on every journey that I make. It says that the fog lights are not working or the side lights and that a service is required and it makes lots of beeps. The car was serviced in October, I have had it annually serviced and it`s mileage is never up to the service mileage. Could this be because the car has not been serviced by a Citroen dealership? I received advice that my problem will be the earth pin on the rear lamp connectors having a high resistance and, when braking and indicating, can cause power to leak into other rear lamps, i.e. fog lights etc, causing spurious faults and warning bleeps on the display. The connectors can be cleaned/tightened as a temporary fix, but a permanent fix would be to bypass the earth pin. Can anyone advise me how to bypass the earth pin on my Citroen C3 2007? (Desire)

Answers

To save time remove both rear light clusters and remove the bulb holders from the rear of the unit to access the bulbs, then in turn take out each bulb and scratch and clean the metal bulb contacts. Also try to bend the contacts forward slightly to ensure proper contact to the rear of the bulb. I’ve had this problem first, it was LH brake light, Sidelight fault with orange SERV indicator showing, then one month later Sidelights, Foglights Fault, with orange SERV indicator. First problem was poor LH brake light bulb conection due to the two contact pins being slightly corroded and not fully touching the back of the bulb, Second problem was the LH reverse light bulb single contact slightly corroded. I cleaned all contacts and bulbs both sides with Sandpaper WD40 and re-tensioned the contacts, they have a tendancy to bend down allowing it to vibrate off the bulb enougth to flag an error. Also spray the lights connection block both male and female sockets with WD 40 to clear corrosion if any? The poor earth is through the bulbs and contact pins shouldn’t have to rewire the car. I have had no problem since doing this, what you see is a reaction to a poor contact in one of the rear light clusters and does not always reflect which side or bulb has the problem so do them all to save revisiting the job in the future - John Johnston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2010

Hi I recently bought a Citroen C3 vtr plus 2010, mileage around 9,000 and when revving the exhaust blows/pops intermittently. I`m just curious if this is a cause for concern as the diagnostics are not showing any defect, although the dealer fitted a new exhaust to try to rectify it but the noise was still evident. I`m not sure if I have a case to request an exchange or refund as they state it can’t be fixed but do not explain what the cause is, claiming that it`s just a characteristic on this model. When re-selling this may be a problem to try and explain away to potential buyers so I`m not sure what to do about it. Can anyone advise me please? Many thanks for your help. (VTRs plus)

Citroen C3 2004

My Citroen C3`s blower won`t shut off permanently on full power. If I press the + or - button it does not alter the blower speed. Can anyone help please?

Answers

Problem sorted. It was the electric control module situated in drivers footwell just above left foot, held in with one bolt and has 2 green push on connectors. Cost £75 new, apparently common fault on the C3. May be of help to anyone else having this problem... Barrie from Lincolnshire

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3 has stopped working due to water in the ECU housing. Can this be dried out or will I need a new one, or can it be repaired? Please advise as the garage which has the car just wants to fit a new one at £500.

Answers

My wife’s C3 started up, ticked over perfect but would not drive, would cut out and splutter. Fault codes were faulty cat and crank shaft sensor. I replaced both - still same problem. Had it taken to a Citroen specialist who said it was ECU problem or throttle body. We contacted the garage we bought the car from (7 months ago) as throttle body looked like new fitted and garage confirmed that a new one was fitted prior to us buying the car. Car taken to another Citroen specialist who replaced the throttle body under manufacturers warranty and still didn’t work. Had a call this morning to say there was water in the ECU, this had been dried out and car drove perfectly. They are now taking the new throttle body off and putting the old one back on. So in short, yes, the ECU’s can be dried out. I would suggest you put sealant/ silicon around the windscreen wash pipes where they enter the bonnet as this is a common fault with C3’s water getting through and dripping onto and in fuel injector and other electrical parts. Oddly enough our problem must have started the same time as yours. But with lots of rain lately maybe not so odd! Kevin Kelly from Warwickshire

Citroen C3 2005

My Citroen C3`s warning light comes on telling us that we have a fault with the water, but there is no problem. The light comes on and goes off. We have been told it`s a faulty sensor but it`s not on all of the time. What should we do?

Citroen C3 2004

I would like to know if I change the ignition of my Citroen C3 using the 2011 Citroen C3 model ignition,, on the 2004 Citroen C3 Model, will it work or is it going to give me a problem?

Citroen C3

Hi. Since owning my Citroen C3 for 6 months I have been having a problem with the fan. It was not starting when the car heated up, so I used to seperate one of two connections that are connected to the fan (the black one) and connect it again in order to start it. However, now another thing is happening. When the fan starts cooling the motor suddenly the heat jumps from the mark 3 to the maximum and not progressively. I made car scanner during the last 6 months and the result was the following: 1. P0135 up stream (I fixed this one) 2. P0485 Fan Unit (I think this is related to the fan problem ) 3. P0420 Catalytic. What does anyone think that the problem is?

Citroen C3 2002

My daughter bought a Citroen C3 16v Exclusive 3 months ago and has had problems since the start. It kept cutting out when driving 50mph and then black smoke came out of the exhaust. We took it to a garage and they have supposedly fixed it, but last night the alarm kept going off and she had to leave it unlocked. This morning when she tried to start it it would not start and the battery was completely flat. How do I find out what has drained the battery? (16v Exclusive)

Answers

Try having the alternator checked, it might not be charging the battery properly so the car is effectively draining the battery when running, or failing that could be a bad battery or battery earth lead. This sound like a low voltage issue effecting the running of the car - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2003

The fan on my Citroen C3`s heater has stopped working. The heat still comes out but there’s no air being pushed out. I want to fix this before I sell my car. Can anyone help?

Citroen C3 2007

My Citroen C3`s fault indicator bar comes up with non existant faults on every journey that I make. It says that the fog lights are not working or the side lights and that a service is required and makes lots of beeps. The car was serviced in October. I have had the car annually serviced and it`s mileage is never up to the service mileage. Could this be because the car has not been serviced by a Citroen dealership?

Answers

Hi, your problem will be the earth pin on the rear lamp connectors having a high resistance and when braking and indicating can cause power to leak in to other rear lamps, i.e. fog lights etc, causing spurious faults and warning bleeps on display. The conectors, can be cleaned/tighten as a temp fix, but a permant fix would be to bypass the earth pin. I live in W-S-M and can fix this for you. Cheers - Wayne Willett from Somerset wayneawillett [at] hotmail [dot] co [dot] uk

Citroen C3 2003

Does anyone know what is the cost to replace a front spring on a Citroen C3 2003?

Answers

About 80 pounds - Neil Wolfe from England

Citroen C3 2007

An engine light has illuminated on the dashboard of my Citroen C3 and an anti-pollution fault is showing on my screen. Any ideas? Is there a way to get the fault codes on a C3? I know that some cars allow you to do this, eg foot on brake, accelerator with key at first stage? (C3 1.4 Desire)

Answers

I had the same problem worth my Peugeot 308 and what it was was the catalytic converter needed replacing. It can be expensive, don’t buy one from a breakers - Bruce Stark from Fife and Kinross Shires

Citroen C3 2002

Please help. My diesel Citroen C3 02 plate won`t start. The engine won`t turn over although the dashboard and radio will come on. I have checked the battery and that`s fine. I disconnected the battery and connected it again but it still won`t start. Any advice please?

Answers

Check the starter motor earth lead connected to it. It may of just come loose or developed a bad contact due to corrosion, undo the earth cable clean with sandpaper, wipe with WD40 and refit. Failing that have the starter motor checked!! Finally! failing that, it could be the ignition barrel but try the other two first? John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3 SX has just begun to emit a loud buzz when I press the locking button on the dashboard. The same noise occurs when I press the key to lock it from the outside. I have tried with both keys and the result is the same. Does anyone have the answer please ?

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3`s child lock can`t be turned off. What can I do to fix this or reset the child lock?

Citroen C3 2004

How do I change my Citroen C3`s speedometer from kilometres to miles per hour? (Desire)

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You can change between MPH and KPH by using the menu on your radio, press menu and select custom options or set up, then scroll through temp,clock and you will see distance once at distance press ok and then you can change to Kph. As long as the standard radio is fitted this option can be adjusted. Read more: Citroen C3 how do I convert the mileage on my citroen C3 from - JustAnswer http://www.justanswer.com/uk-car/5fde9-citroen-c3-convert-mileage-citroen-c3.html#ixzz27TG3jp3h - Rick Penrose from Austria

Citroen C3 2003

Hi. Is it still possible to purchase a high pressure fuel pump for the Citroen C3, as my car is with Citroen dealers awaiting this part and they are unable to source one? Thank you. (C3 1.4 hdi)

Citroen C3 2010

When the anti polution warning and or low oil pressure warning light in my Citroen C3 are displayed the engine cuts out and the car stops, which is dangerous. Can anyone suggest why? (diesel airdream)

Citroen C3 2004

When my Citroen C3 starts up from cold there is a roaring noise. When I accelerate it seems to come from the back of the car. I have had the exhaust checked and they said it was okay. Iit goes after it`s been running for 5 minutes. Any ideas?

Citroen C3 2002

My Citroen C3 has started making a humming noise when the engine is off. It only stops when I go to open and shut the door. Also there is a burning smell coming from the engine. Can anyone help?

Citroen C3 2003

The rear windscreen wiper on my Citroen C3 seems to have taken on a life of its own. It comes on quite randomly even when switched off, when I unlock the car, open the boot or just when I`m driving. I’ve checked the fuse and it seems okay. Could it be a relay? There is an awful lot of clicking in that department. Does anyone know how to get at them? Any help would be welcome. Thanks.

Answers

Mine started like that, turned out to be engine ECU - Paul Thompson from England

Citroen C3 2010

I have bought a Citroen C3 Exclusive 2010. I was expecting the digital display on the dashboard where the petrol indicator is to show what gear I am in and when to change it, but it doesn`t show this. The space where it`s meant to have this is totally blank. Is there a button I press to get this to show or is it an "extra" that I pay to be added onto the car? I have tried reading my manual but it`s in German. I`ve tried downloading a manual but couldn`t find it online. Please can anyone advise? Thank you. (Exclusive)

Citroen C3 2004

Which fuse serves the indicators in my Citroen C3 please?

Citroen C3 2002

My C3 has started making a humming noise when the engine is off. It only stops when I go open and shut the door. Also there is a burning smell coming from the engine.

Citroen C3 2004

When my Citroen C3 starts up from cold, there is a roaring noise. When I accelerate, it seems to come from the back of the car. I have had the exhaust checked and they said it was okay, it goes after it has been run for 5 minutes. Any ideas?

Answers

Check the heat shield for looseness or vibration when the exhaust begins warming up and flexing, or loose baffles in the rear silencer - John Johnston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2003

We have a malfunctioning indicator control. Indicators cone on and off at random while driving. Agents and service repairers advise we need a complete new unit. They want $1000!!! Crazy. So I am looking for a (used Part) complete indicator, steering column unit, module for a Citroen, C3 year 2003. Chassis Nr VF7FCHFXB27090051. Any other ideas?

Citroen C3 2011

I had a red STOP sign come up and also Engine Temperature fault come up. It turned out that water was too low. The RAC filled it up but the STOP light was still on, the car however was running fine, so I drove home, no problems. However, this morning when I turned the car on the STOP light came on and stayed on, the Engine Temperature fault sign came up, but did not stay on. Also the fan came on straight away. Any idea what is wrong?

Citroen C3 2003

The electronically-controlled air conditioning has suddenly started blowing at full blast. It doesn’t respond to on/off switch, fan switch or temp. controls. Has anyone seen this before--does anyone have a solution?

Answers

This is a common fault on a lot of cars and is almost always 1 of 2 things: Either a faulty earth point for the controls. If this is the case it normally effects other things in the car, have you noticed any other strange things like other lights coming on/off? If not, it’s almost certainly the heater resistor/transistor that has burnt out. In a C3 it’s in it’s own box under the glove box. It’s held in with 2-3 bolts and has a few wires running to it and has a big silver metal bit for cooling. A new one is about £50, £30 second hand - Mike from Essex

Citroen C3 2003

Why does a Citroen C3 beep three times when you take your foot off the foot brake and apply the acceleration?

Citroen C3 2004

Every now and then I am getting a constant beeping noise in my Citroen C3 which seems to come through the speakers. I have tried locking the car and switching off the engine but that does not stop it. It does stop after the car has ben switched off for 10 minutes or so. Can anyone help? Also I have got a little spanner symbol on the panel next to the mileage counter. What is this telling me?

Answers

The beeping noise is a warning indication, that something’s not right, try looking for things that might not be closed properly like tailgate doors or bonnet, but this would only beep with the engine running or when moving. Is there a fault indication on the display when you hear this sound? Are there any mobile devices in the car that could transmit signal interference through the speakers, but this would not sound like a beep and would only be present a few seconds before recieving a call or txt. Is the inside cabin light switched to ON, instead of being on OFF or DOOR ACTIVATED. The spanner suggests that your service is nearly due or due - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2004

My Citroen C3 has a small oil leak coming from the sump support bracket. The sump is okay and I have just had an oil change. Does anyone know where the oil is coming from?

Answers

Try tightening all the sump pan bolts slightly, sometimes the seal can weep oil around here. Also check the cam rocker box cover seal at the top of the engine for oil seepage - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2005

I have tried to set my Citroen C3 auto lights to come on. I have pressed the button on the stalk but nothing is happening. Can anyone please tell me why? (Desire)

Answers

No stalk pressing involved, just rotate left hand stalk end to auto setting - John Johnston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2009

My C3 has, on 6 occasions, started perfectly on my driveway, then after travelling between 25 yards and 100 yards, just cuts out. It does restart immediately and continues well for the rest of my journey. My dealer has looked for the fault on 2 occasions and comes up with no answer at all. They have had the car overnight to hopefully re-enact the situation, but of course, it did not happen. I have changed my fuel supplier to check that area, but still happens! Has anyone else had this problem. It is C3, petrol, 1300 engine, warranty out end of March. Any comments appreciated.

Citroen C3 2003

What is the purpose of the large iron weight on top of the gearbox of the Citroen C3 linked to one of the operating levers? It seems to make gear changing more difficult and perhaps cause premature failure. But Citroen must have thought it was a good idea? (1.4)

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I have a note in the service history for my 2003 C3 1.4i Desire from Citroen that says the weight was added because of the car not going into gear properly and the gear changes being ’vague’ - Mike from Essex

Citroen C3 2007

Hello. I had a new exhaust fitted a few days ago on my Citroen C3 and, apart from the popping of the exhaust, my C3 was running beautifully. However, since then my clock is no longer illuminated. I had a new left front headlight bulb changed (by the dealer) on Saturday. Oddly the clock was illuminated on the drive to the garage but has now stopped again! Can someone tell me how to get it working again? Many thanks. (07 plate)

Answers

Try the pressing the DARK button on the radio fascia there, should be about three settings: Bright, Medium and Dark - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2004

My Citroen C3 car alarm keeps going off. It’s not the battery as the car starts perfectly every time. It only seems to happen at night?

Citroen C3 2006

I need to get a new bonnet and front panel (what the bonnet locks on too). My C3 is the 2006 model, but I am wondering if these parts would be the same in a 2004 model?

Citroen C3 2004

My Citroen C3 plays up when trying to start, almost like a dead battery. When it did start the engine auto-diagnosis lights are on. Now would it be that something happened with the dodgy start? Also my coolant levels drops rapidly, would that indicate a radiator leak? It’s under warranty and being looked at on Friday.... wish I had never swapped my Zafira now... oh and it STILL BEEPS 3 TIMES when I start it... I don’t like this car.

Citroen C3 2003

On my Citroen C3’s dashboard it has a picture of a spanner and says A 3. I don’t get it. Few days ago it said A 1 then A 2 and now says A 3. Can someone help please? Thank you.

Answers

Disconnect the battery, it will reset the ecu and if your car is fine then you could do this disconnect bat for around three hours. Good luck - Sajid Kann from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2004

Something on my Citroen C3 is draining the battery. The AA bloke said there was a problem with the alternator not charging the battery when the car is parked up. If it is the alternator this will be the fourth one that will be fitted. I bought the car from new and had an alternator fitted in 2009 and 2010. Is there an underlying problem here that has not been originally found? (DESIRE)

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I had a similar problem with my Citroen Saxo. Citroen said it needed a new instrument pod (£350). They did this but when I collected my car I noticed it still had the same problem. Made phone call to Citroen and fortunately they hadn’t thrown the pod away and agreed to refit it. They then sent me out in my car with a technician who solved the problem in 30 seconds. It was the earth lead to the body work. Why they didn’t check the simple free obvious things first I will never know - Doris Jones from Kent

When I was thinking of buying a C3 I looked for possible problems. I remember reading that a drained battery could be the fault of the alarm, and that there was a "software fix", whatever that was. Worth investigating, perhaps? Fred Whiting from Cheshire

Had a problem with my C3 draining battery dead, after two new battery’s auto electrician found water in relays which were located inside the bottom of the n/s front wing, thus causing drain on battery. Replaced relays and taped them up to keep water out and it has been okay since. Hope this helps - Ian Richards from England

Citroen C3 2005

My Citroen C3 is making a beeping noise and the interior light keeps flashing on and off. Any help on what the issue could be? Recently had a water hose leak and was overheating but that has been fixed.

Answers

The boot lid is open! - Adam Jefferson from England

Citroen C3 2002

Hi, my Citroen C3’s boot has just recently stopped opening when I press the remote, so I have to climb in the boot to release manually. Can someone please help? (Exclusive)

Answers

Our C3 2002 boot only opens after the rear right door has been opened. It’s like a secret locking mechanism. Haven’t bothered getting it fixed as opening the door is much cheaper - Peny from Australia

Citroen C3 2003

It takes an age to get to temperature, never gets above 3 bars. During cold running changes gear at will. I know it’s winter but the car is being driven in Spain... (auto)

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I’m not sure about the automatic gearbox randomly changing gear, but the car should never go above 3 bars of heat, and if you’re not driving ’spiritedly’ then it will take 10-15 mins to heat up - Mike from England

Citroen C3 2004

While my Citroen C3 starts OK the window wipers run slowly then after 2 minutes of driving the battery light comes and stays on followed by a beep and the ABS warning lamp comes on next but flashes on then off. After another minute the Air Bag light comes on and stays on? Then the engine shudders as if losing power and I can feel the power steering fail also. While this is happening the hand brake light comes on? Also the stereo switches off and on itself, while managing to keep the car running after this sequence of events the car returns to working normally ie. window wipers return to normal speed, all the lights go of except the Air Bag light that stays on? Please, any help or advice welcome.

Answers

It sounds like an esc fault, could be loose connection to the esc or sensor/sensors, or wet getting into esc wire or sensor wires, I would check all connections under the bonnet to esc and all sensors. If okay, close bonnet use watering can on bonnet let stop dripping then lift bonnet inspect all connections that they’re not wet, sometimes the older C3s can leak through the holes where the windscreen washers come through the bonnet. If found wet connection then dry cure where water comes in spray connection with WD40, disconnect battery for a few minutes then reconnect - Martin Anderson from Staffordshire

Citroen C3 2004

Lights on dashboard coming on while driving recently? Starting with battery light coming on then eventually going off itself. Before it goes off the air bag light comes on and also the "skid light". I’m not sure what this light is as its my partner’s car and told that’s what it looks like? We can start the car in the morning no problem but the window wiper moves very slowly then 2 minutes down the road the lights start to come on? Eventually the wipers work normally (speed) but the lights come on with warning sounds as they light up? Battery checks come back fine, alternators have been replaced before and recent check shows it works (charges) coil packs also been replaced before? But think this could be the case again as garage checks come back OK? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. (C3 Desire)

Citroen C3 2006

I have just bought a used C3 Desire ’06 plate. The battery has been disconnected at some point and the central information display panel needs resetting to correct date and time etc. The panel itself is working otherwise but I am unable to locate any ’buttons’ to reset it . I do have a C3 manual but the appropriate section of that shows two central display possibilities which have a button on each side, so not much use. I love the car but don’t fancy being stuck in 2004 for ever. The car was bought from a salvage firm and is a stolen/recovered so I don’t have a code card for it. Can anyone help please?

Answers

The control functions are on the CD player fascia, press the MENU button and then the up and down, left and right buttons around the OK button, to navigate to the correct menu Option. Press the OK Button to confirm settings - John Johnston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2005

I have a Citroen C3 1400 hdi on a Bosch system with starting and running problems: Fault code p 1166 high fuel pressure. I had the fuel pump, injectors, ecu and lots of sensors I have checked. Has anyone any more ideas?

Citroen C3 2004

For the last 2 mornings, when I get into my car and start the engine I have noticed that my clock/date has reset and is flashing (like when you disconnect the battery). The car still runs OK, but I am concerned that this could signify something sinister about to happen and as I drive 46 miles a day to work, I don’t want to be stranded!!! The car also has the following faults that may or may not be linked (but I can’t afford to have them fixed at the moment): Power Steering intermittently stops working - sometimes when I start the car it isn’t working, the next day it will be fine. Rear Heated Screen has stopped working completely. Air-Con has died - it will work for 30 seconds, then go off and come on for 30 seconds after about a minute. Engine light occasionally comes on whilst driving - car jerks, loses power, light comes on but then goes off and the car is fine again. Handbrake light won’t go off when starting car - think its the button sticking... after a fiddle it goes off. What a mess!!! Obviously I would like to get the car completely fixed, but I can’t afford it. I can only take it to the garage to keep it running. P.S - Couldn’t afford a service last year, but my dad did a complete oil change and changed the oil filter himself.

Answers

If your car loses power, it may be your Relay box. Hope it is the right name next to the battery got water in it. I had a similar problem and then found out one of the pins broke off due to water and we had to attach the wire directly too the box from the switch attached to it. The car was running perfectly until now that I need to replace the fuel pump. I did 230 000Km with my Citroen up to date - Colin Taute from South Africa

Citroen C3 2006

Hi. The brake light has gone out on my Citroen C3 and after removing I found it not to be the bulb. Any ideas? I have also had four other bulbs blow over the last 2 years - 3 head light, 1 side light, 1 indicator and now the passenger side brake light. Grrr!

Answers

Take your pick! 1. New bulb (or check bulb in other light cluster). 2. Poor sprung contact in the bulb socket, bend the metal forward slightly to make good contact with the rear of the bulb. 3. Dirty or corroded cluster contacts, sand paper and WD40 to the rescue. 4. Corroded or Loose earth wire contact, to the back cluster, though all the lights would generally not work or flicker on and off over bumps. 5. Water ingress onto the bulb contacts creating a short, but this would blow the bulb and create a fault indication on the dash screen. These can apply to the other bulbs aswell. If all three brake lights fail to work, check your brake light switch. They are generally of rubbish quality. Fixed mine with super glue, say no more! - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2005

On my Citroen C3 fuse board there are three PBT20 GF connectors of wire: One gray, another green and the third black. How they are connected, right to left? (1.4HDi, BVM)

Citroen C3 2011

Can anyone tell me if they have an irritating noise coming from the rear of their Citroen C3 on undulating roads? It is driving me mad!

Answers

Leave the wife and mother-in-law at home! There’s lots of different noise definitions please be more specific. Bang, squeak, scrape, rattle, etc - John Jonston from Lancashire

Our brand new C3 has just had rear shocks replaced under warranty. The symptoms sound the same as yours and I have been informed that a large batch of new shock absorbers were faulty. Hope this helps - Andrew Robins from Kent

Citroen C3 2003

Here’s one for everyone - and if you haven’t had the faults yet, you will in the near future... Had the car since new, currently has 39,496 miles on the odometer (will get to the reason why this is in a bit). Fault 1: The occasional turning off of the power steering followed swiftly by the speedometer reading 0MPH (which in turns means the car is not clocking the miles) - this has always happened (since new in ’03). Fault 2: The annoying (intermittent) 3 beeps when applying the handbrake, or turning a corner or just starting the engine. Fault 3: The alternator breaking (the car is on its 3rd (remember the car has only done 39,496 miles). Fault 4: Clutch slippage (had a new clutch fitted now - remember the car has only done 39,496 miles). Fault 5: The unusual behaviour when the car is not turned on (like the ability to unlock itself (but only when the outside temp is less than 3C)). Other problems encountered - both front coils snapped and got replaced - the intermittent dashboard engine management light coming on, followed by it going off without any work being done. The list goes on and on (and I can safely say this car has more problems) - but to fix 90% of all these problems all I’ve ever needed is one can of WD40 (’cos water gets at the sockets to the ECU and causes short circuits) - maybe some of you out there should stop taking it to a garage at the first sign of trouble and give your car a little squirt!

Answers

Fault 2/ my Citroen C3 2004 has started the 3 beeps on slowing down and turning corners but I also have a problem that started first which was a constant beep which carried on even if engine was stopped and the car locked. The beep seems to come from the speakers when constant, it eventually stops once the car has been locked for approx 10 minutes - Moira from England

Citroen C3 2003

I have a 2003 Citroen C3 automatic and it occasionally pops out of gear and what would show the car is in drive goes to two small lines. But it still drives... you have to stop, turn the car off and then on again and also has this continuous whirring noise which I can only feel is related to the gears... I’m assuming?

Citroen C3 2007

A warning is coming up when starting my Citroen C3. Flip battery spent. Anyone know what this means. Whilst driving everything seems OK.

Answers

You need a new battery in your key :) - Shelle from Mid-Lothian (Edinburghshire)

The battery in the remote key fob is running out and needs changing. Just had to do mine. However, despite following every instruction in the manual and on the internet, I can’t reinitialise it so make sure you have a spare before you start. Good luck - Sally Bosisto from Dorset

Citroen C3 2005

My Citroen C3’s engine keeps misfiring and has been in the garage 4 times. The problem seemed to be solved but then, 3 weeks later, the problem came back. I have had car serviced and changed plugs, coil and cleaned jets, yet still problem exists. What else could it be?

Citroen C3 2003

Hi. I bought this super little Citroen C3 9 months ago and it has running great UNTIL the engine light occasionally came on, power dropped and I had to pull off the road. I restarted it again and it was fine for a week or so, then it started again? I noticed it seems to happen when turning left mainly. There are also an audible 2 beeps while driving then the engine seems to shudder then regain power? HELP!! (1.4 hdi)

Answers

Sounds to me like fuel system probs? Possible EGR valve or injectors - Snoook 888 from Kent

I had the same problem, turned out to be a fuel injector that needed to be replaced - Ben Slater from Ireland

Well, it turns out it was a faulty wiring harness under the engine currently under repair at £30 per hour. It has cost me £120 so far, may need new harness? Thanks for replies anyway - George Baker from England

We had the same problem, until the car stopped completely from full motion to nothing in seconds - luckily no truck following. Had to replace the coil block (using tiny fingers). Found one second-hand on the internet. Installed, problems fixed instantly - Penny from Australia

Citroen C3 2005

When I start my Citroen C3 a message and a bleep comes up. The message reads BLIP BATTERY followed by Message spent. I haven’t got the handbook, can you tell me what this means? Thank you. (SX)

Answers

Hi, change the battery in your key remote for door locks. Thanks - Darren Paine from Essex

Citroen C3 2003

My Citroen C3 is nearly 9 years old, but recently I have had problems with the fuel injector light coming on. It has had a new coil pack which I was told it needed, but alas this morning the light came on again. I am told that this is due to a glitch on the computer, but why now?

Citroen C3 2007

Firstly, has a 2007 Citroen C3 got a two stage thermostat fitted? A local garage removed mine, told me it was OK to drive the car until the new thermostat arrived later that day.

Citroen C3 2007

I have been told by the dealer I bought the Citroen C3 from I do not need the security card to have more keys cut. Is that correct?

Answers

Keys are cut to chassis usually via a Citroen dealer, so the key card isn’t required, it’s for the key coding that if you go to a garage (non Citroen) who don’t have the correct equipment for programing that it may be required, 99% of Citroen dealers can supply & program the keys without the card. Hope that helps - Tracy from England

Citroen C3 2006

My Citroen C3’s back screen washer will come on by itself. Sometimes will continue for quite a well and sometimes it appears OK. Also my lights will come on by themselves, again not all the time. What might be causing this to happen?

Answers

Did you manage to resolve this problem? My C3 does exactly the same thing, it drives me nuts. Darran Pearce from Cardiff.

No Darran still not rectified - Margaret Griffiths from Caerphilly.

Citroen C3 2002

I have just bought a Citroen C3 sx hdi diesel 52 plate. There are 2 bars on the fuel gauge but it keeps beeping 3 times and flashing up to the top and back down again. I went and put £25 of diesel in and it took it up 1 bar yet it is still beeping. It will do it 3 or 4 times in 1 go then not do it again for a few hours. Can anyone tell me what the problem could be?

Citroen C3 2005

My Citroen C3’s temperature gauge shot up to 5 yellow bars and the 6th in the red. When I stopped the car the engine was normal temp, with no sign over heating. After turning the engine off for 15 mins I continued home for a distance of 12 miles and the highest temp indicated was 2 bars. Can anyone explain this? (1.4 Auto)

Answers

My 2002 C3 did this, you need a new temperature sensor. For once, a quite cheap and quick repair from the Citroen dealer solved the problem  - Sarah Barnard from Wiltshire

Citroen C3 2002

I have a petrol leak from the intake pipe to the fuel tank beneath the back seat. Looks like a crack in the pipe. Should it be there or is this a fracture?

Answers

Hi, I have the same problem; whenever I start the he car, I can see the fuel leak from the hose going into the fuel pump. Not sure whether it is a faulty hose or a faulty fuel pump. How did you fix yours? What was it? Tony A from Australia

Hi, I’ve got the same problem with my C4, none of the local spares shops can help with a replacement, so I’ve resorted to using patley putty to repair or stock the leak - Richard from South Africa

Citroen C3 2007

Why does my Citroen C3’s radiator fan keep running when the car is turned off?

Answers

Thermostat or overheating, have your coolant levels checked, but you should really get a warning on the display panel if this was the case. Failing that, it could be down to a water pump failure, not circulating the water through the cooling system correctly or a blockage in the radiator. Have the system drained down and refilled and see what happens - John Johnston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2004

The front passenger door on my Citroen C3 won’t open from the outside. Is this down to the central locking or is it something with the mechanism in the door. Has anyone else had this problem?

Answers

You need to change the lock magenism then it will work fine. I had the same problem - Willie de Beer from South Africa

I had this problem and had to change the lock mechanism which is a complete unit including the c/l actuator, be warned though, this is not a job for the faint hearted. Very restricted access and requires removal of the exterior handle to refit a new mechanism...it was a complete pain to do - Graham from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2006

Hi there, does anyone know what might be wrong? Our Citroen C3 cut out today at a roundabout and had to get towed home. I turn the car on but it won’t start up when you depress the clutch in neutral/start. Disconnect and reconnect the battery and the car starts and revs but the gears do not recognize they are engaged, nor does reverse work. Does anyone know how bad the situation is? (semi automatic)

Answers

Your gearbox oil level is low, that is what I think anyway - Pieter van Staden from South Africa

Citroen C3 2002

The rear washer starts working when the engine is turned off, even with the key removed from the ignition, when the engine is running no problems. The battery has gone flat over the holiday and the car needed bumping, battery fully charged now but could this have been the cause? How can I solve the problem?

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I have the same problem after windscreen smashed. Parked car and locked it and rear wiper stayed on. Unlocked and started it...2-3 times and solved it. But! I came back to unlock for window replacement and everything was dead. Couldn’t unlock the car. Changed key fob battery - nothing. Turned the key in lock but the barrel just rotates. Cannot get into my car to get new window replaced or even to get battery charged up. Help anyone. Any suggestions how to get into my car...slimjim, access to bonnet release catch? Windscreen cannot be replaced without someone inside it! Any help appreciated - Stephen Morris from County Antrim

Citroen C3 2003

I have a Citroen C3 diesel and I am loosing radiator coolant at the rate of about 1-litre a week. I have replaced radiator cap and had the car’s radiator pressure tested and although garage said the radiator is fine it is still leaking. I have now put radiator seal on to try to stop leak. Has anybody any further ideas?

Answers

Check the pipe from the expansion tank to the thermostat (runs mainly under the engine cover). This can chafe on the air filter intake and will give the symptoms you refer to - until the engine is up to temperature the leak will be minimal, hence taking a week or so to lose a litre and trip the warning. A new pipe is around £14 and takes half an hour to fit - Dave F from England

Citroen C3 2006

My display/info panel will not illuminate, it was fine the other day but this morning when I started the engine I got no display. Tried everything. Radio/CD works fine just cant see any info. Any ideas please?

Answers

Hi Rachel, I’m sorry I can’t offer you a solution to your problem but my C3 has just developed the same as yours. Any solutions as yet? Regards - Caroline Walsh from Ireland

Are you sure you do not have the display set to night mode? On my C3 Desire, there is a button on the radio marked Dark and if you press it, it turns off the diplay. If you repeatedly tap the Dark button, my display goes from full on to half on to completely off. I hope that helps - Ronald from England

Citroen C3 2002

The fuel bar on dash of my Citroen C3 keeps flashing with three beeps. It is becoming regular and it is driving me mad. Any ideas as to what the problem could be and how much it would cost to rectify the situation? Please help. (1.4 HDI exclusive)

Citroen C3 2003

I have a question about my C3. It turns the steering wheel to the right and I was told that I have to buy a new steering box. It can not be fixed. Is there someone else with this problem or knows something about it?They are asking for 260,000 euro or 2,189 GBP. Is that a normal price?

Citroen C3 2009

The fuel gauge on my Citroen C3 shows two bars short of the "full" reading, yet the tank is brimming and I can’t get any more petrol in. Is there a known fault with the gauge or a possible air lock blockage?

Answers

David, I had the same problem on my new (58) C3, only registering 7 out of 8 bars when necked full. The dealer adjusted this under warranty to read full on a full tank. A well known problem, regarding the fuel sender unit or software. Definitely a guide line gauge, far from truly accurate - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2002

My C3 is leaking water. When I fill the expansion tank it will stay full for about 5 days then all of a sudden looses about 1 litre. There are no signs of water leaks from engine or hoses. It’s not the heater matrix. There are no signs of water in the oil or visa versa. Any ideas anyone? (1.4 hdi 16v sx)

Answers

1. Water being boiled away, look for a fishy smell around the engine bay, (boiled coolant). 2. Water pump gasket leaking when hot. 3. Small leak from header tank, hoses, radiator or hose joints that only occurs under temperature expansion or increased pressure whilst driving. (no visable trace due to the hot engine block evaporating it). Also look for a white, grey, brown sludge around the water hose retaining clips entering or leaving the engine block, or a streaky powdery deposit running down the block from directly under the hose connections. (water corrosion). 4. Header tank split. 5. Water cooling system not entirely full, so you are gradually filling the system up until it eventually takes no more water and stays in the header tank? (Would normally overheat in this low water condition). The engine being of high compression should run like pants if the head gasket was shot, so rule that one out - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2006

Can anybody tell me what the piston protrusion must be using a 5 notch 1.5mm head gasket. On a Citroen C3 HI 1.4 turbo diesel engine? (HDi 1.4)

Citroen C3 2008

When I steer and the car is moving slowly eg round a corner or reversing I regularly hear a creaking noise. It’s under warranty and I have taken back the garage and they say they can find nothing. The noise really goes through me, what can it be? (Cool)

Answers

It could be a CV (constant velocity) joint is failing or your suspension rubbers are failing - Colin Sargeant from South Africa

Top bearings on your front struts! They dry out and are impossible to lubricate properly. Squirt of WD40 will help for a while but they really need replacing - John Warriner from England

Citroen C3 2005

Can anyone help? The engine light has been on for a few weeks but the car worked fine until last week, when it just stalled and had no power. I had new coil done but no change, it’s had engine cleaner in it as well. I’ve now been told it could be the EGR valve or injector 4. Anyone else had this problem?

Answers

I had similar problem two years ago, did the test with the engine management reader plugged in, said no 4 cylinder no power, found it was a faulty injector, changed the injector to number 3 cylinder, checked the engine management and the fault had changed to no 3 so it required a new injector, car runs again perfectly - Richard Perks from England

Citroen C3 2002

There is a "no coil" light coming up on the dashboard of my Citroen C3. Does anyone know what this means?

Citroen C3 2003

Hello. I was driving my Citroen C3 automatic 1.6, stopped at the lights but when I went to take off 2 indicator lights came up, the spanner and the star. Also the car wouldn’t select a gear. Can anyone tell me what these symbols mean and also what I should do next?

Citroen C3 2002

I was thinking of buying a C3 1.4 lx but after reading the various reviews and this column I will stick with my very reliable albeit ageing Citroen 2CV - starts first time everytime, fun to drive, funky looks and practical! I will stop searching for a replacement. (1.4lx)

Citroen C3 2003

When my Citroen C3 gets up to temperature after about 10 minutes driving the car starts to misfire and cuts out when I come to a standstill. From cold there is no problem. I have changed the spark plugs and the coil pack - can anyone offer any advice?

Answers

Injector fault or seal or EGR valve - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2007

After a long run the car stops. It is an automatic and it seems to be a gearbox problem. Any clues?

Citroen C3 2004

My windscreen has ’marks’ on it but I cannot get them cleaned off. They are mainly at the bottom of the windscreen, but they seem to be ’in the glass’? They are not on the outside of the screen or on the inside. I noticed them a couple of months ago and have tried to wipe them off but it’s impossible. Do you know if it’s a type of mould? Damp does appear at the base of the windscreen regularly but I am still very puzzled by it.

Answers

Hi, your windscreen is made up of a laminate of two pieces of glass, with a thin layer of plastic in between. The marks you are seeing are water ingress in between these layers, also called delamination. The only cure is a new one - Dam from England

Citroen C3 2008

My Citroen C3 engine will not start in the morning. After working priming pump to expel air, engine will start and run normally until next morning when same thing happens. Any ideas anyone? (1.4 hdi)

Answers

Try bleeding the fuel filter water trap of water, it tells how in the manual, probably due to very wet, cold and icy weather... - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2003

I have no power when the ignition is turned on my Citroen C3. There is no radio or internal light power but it does have cigarette socket power and central door light flashing. Any ideas anyone?

Citroen C3 2004

I have traded my people carrier in for a little C3 Desire. I have had it 2 days! I read through the car guide but it doesn’t tell me WHY it occasionally beeps 3 times when I start the car!!! It’s under warranty but I don’t want to take it back and end up looking silly when told it’s nothing!! So any clues?

Answers

Seat belt warning? - Peter Stewart from Hampshire

Citroen C3 2006

The fuel tank on my Citroen C3 has a crack in it... how common is this with these types of cars?

Citroen C3 2003

My Citroen C3 unlocks itself over night, when it’s parked up. Has anyone else experienced this? And knows of a solution? Thanks.

Answers

If one of the doors isn’t shut properly, it will clunk twice when you press the remote central locking and not lock properly. I have a problem where the front passenger door does not lock. I thought it was me going mad, or the car unlocking itself overnight but turns out it’s just this one door. Is your problem related to all the doors or just one? - Peter from Wrexham

Citroen C3 2003

My Citroen C3 diesel (8 years old) stopped suddenly while driving and would not start again. This has happened many times and usually when I tow it to the mechanic it just starts. It feels like some sort of fuel starvation - so could be a blockage or some valve closing... Can anyone help please?

Citroen C3 2004

I have been told that the whole exhaust system needs to be changed on my Citroen C3 rather than just the box bit on the end. Is this right or am I just being taken advantage of? Also does anyone have any idea how much this should cost?

Answers

Sophie, you’ve probably sorted this now, but on that year, it’s a complete welded length from Mid section to the Back Box, only the front down pipe with the most expensive catalytic converter is separate. So if either the Back Box or Mid fails then it’s a complete exhaust length from Mid to Rear - John Jonston from Lancashire

Yes it is, I had to change mine only last week. If the exuast hasn’t been changed since the factory you need to replace the mid section and the back box. It cost me £100 - Terry Finnigan from Durham

Citroen C3 2006

I wasjust driving my Citroen C3 down the road and "electrical fault" came up on display, then the battery light came on. I got home and turned the car off and now it won’t start. It will turn over once then cuts out. I checked all fuses - OK. I swapped battery, also OK. It did start once and all sorts of faults were coming up, strange as no problem before then. Now I’m stressing out - can anyone help?

Answers

Hi, you probably fixed this by now but I just recently had same problem. Turned out it was the ortinator as it wasn’t keeping battery charging while driving therefore running off battery only. Hope that helps - Becca from Carmarthenshire

Citroen C3 2004

I have a Citroen C3. Please could someone tell me how much (approximately) I should expect to pay for a coil spring to be fitted on my driver front wheel? (Have been told I probably need both doing at the same time, if one has broken). Don’t want to be taken advantage of being a female! Many thanks in advance.

Answers

Around £70, depending on where you live and which garage. Mine was done at a local garage within the hour - Chris from Staffordshire

Mine cost around about £100. If you go to a dealer, it will cost a lot more - Kev Ash from Leicestershire

There’s a recall from Citroen for coil springs braking on C3s. Check VOSA, should cost you nothing but a trip to the dealers - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2003

Please can anyone tell why my Citroen C3 won’t turn over? I’m trying to start it but there is nothing at all. Thank you.

Answers

Have you tried replacing the battery so you can get a totally new fault now the car has power? - Ian from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2005

When I start my 1.4-litre Citroen C3 HDi in the morning, there is a hiss hiss hiss sound like the exhaust is leaking. Once the car engine is heated up the sound is not so loud but it is still there. Anyone have an idea of what it may be?

Answers

Injector seal or seals are on the way out, you can buy all 4 and a sensor for about £11 I’m going to try fitting mine tomorrow, I will update you after - Richard Brooks from Suffolk

Mine has a torn turbo pipe that is causing a hiss. Replacement cost in South Africa R400 (£35) - Dino from South Africa

Citroen C3 2000

On a Citroen C3, can the fan belt cause damage when it breaks?

Answers

Citroen C3 is not a 2000 model, they were produced from 2002 on. If the ’fan belt’ - it’s not a fan belt any more as they have electric fans - breaks then you no longer will be charging the battery with the engine running (running the battery flat can damage the battery), you will also loose air conditioning (if fitted). citroenC3owners.com - Citroen C3 from England

Citroen C3 2006

Does anyone know if 2006 Citroen C3 has a timing belt?

Answers

Yes, referred to as a ’serpentine belt’, it needs changing at around 75,000 miles - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2003

I have difficulty selecting reverse gear on my Citroen C3 and when in reverse it keeps jumping out of gear - has anyone else experienced this and can anyone offer any advice?

Answers

Linkage cables 100%. They stretch all the time - Harry from England

My wife has been complaining of the same. First time engaging reverse on a cold engine results in a gentle jump out again. Taking it in on Wednesday - Keith Foster from Powys

Yes, my Citroen C3 jumps out of reverse gear as well not sure what the problem is yet! Hope you get it sorted! Margaret Ogenyi from England

Citroen C3 2002

I have problem with a build up off oil in mass sensor. I have a Citroen C3 1400 diesel turbo SE, 52 plate. I noticed the car was sluggish and not idling right and when I checked the fault was at mass sensor. When I took it off it was covered in oil inside, and all in air flow pipe. Does anybody have any ideas?

Citroen C3 2003

Hi, me again. I took the car back to garage, they had it for three days but I needed to take it back so now they tell me without looking at it futher they think its the EUC but are not sure. They charged me again and would not give keys back until I paid. The car is in another garage and can not be driven, it smells like rotten eggs and can not even get power to it. So, 590 euros later I have a car that went in OK only for a light and now nothing. I would really like some help on this, thanks in advance .

Answers

Eggs you smell? Well that would be the Catalytic Converter knackered, the first part of the exhaust system that controls polution levels and will effect the immision readings that the Lamba sensor sends to the ECU, which inturn controls the running of the car. Need a new Catalytic Converter! - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2002

The fuel bar on the dash of my Citroen C3 1.4 HDi Exclusive will flash on and off - is this down to the fuel filter not being drained or is it something to do with the fuel system itself? If it is the fuel filter - how do I go about draining it? Thanks in advance.

Citroen C3 2004

The air conditioning in my Citroen C3 is making clicking noises - has anybody else experienced anything similar?

Citroen C3 2003

My Citroen C3 computer is showing a problem with the oxygen sensor. I have had this fixed but the light is still showing on the dash - can anyone advise or help? Thank you.

Answers

There’s two on a C3, one at the top of the CAT and one on the down pipe, maybe they’ve replaced the wrong sensor? - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2002

I have recently bought my C3 without any history or manual. All of the dashboard makes complete sense to me except for a button which looks like a speedo with a radar type logo next to it. Does anyone know what this does? It doesn’t operate when car is at a stand still so I thought it may be some type of speed limiter but can’t be sure.

Answers

This is the overspeed warning. You long press this button when you get to your desired speed and get a buzz and a warning light comes on. Then whenever you go over your chosen speed you get an alarm. A cheap ineffective sort of cruise control which I only used once when we got the car! - Trevor from Surrey

Citroen C3 2004

I cannot get the rear wiper to switch off by the switch on the control stick, even when the cars engine is off and the keys removed from the ignition the rear wiper still works for 2-3 minutes after. There is a lot of clicking going on in the glove box fusebox that never used to happen. I think there must be a relay or timer switch but I have no idea how to fix or replace.

Answers

I had this problem and after sweating about a new wiper motor or similar, I just changed the fuse in the fusebox that sits within the glovebox. The replacement fuse did the trick and after a few days, the rear wiper worked as normal - Will Hirst from England

Citroen C3 2005

How can you tell if your driveshaft is going? My car is making this grinding kind of noise whilst driving along but goes off when you put your foot down on the clutch. Any ideas please?

Answers

Sorry mate, this sounds more like a gearbox problem especially if it stops when engine is disengaged by pushing the clutch in - Jo Jones from England

I had this exact problem and it was the clutch thrust bearing and fork that had worn out. New clutch comes with the bearing, and the clutch fork was actually scraping on the flywheel, so I had to have it machined. Cost £350 in total - Mike from Essex

Citroen C3 2002

What alternative wheels will fit a C3?

Citroen C3 2003

There is a high pitch coming from a back wheel. Any idea? (Desire)

Answers

Good possibility it’s a wheel bearing - Don Proudlock from Staffordshire

Citroen C3 2003

Hi I have an automatic C3, just recently I can be driving along the road pull up at traffic lights or a junction and the car just stalls/dies. I have to turn off everything put in park and start again, any ideas?

Answers

I have had this problem where the car suddenly dies and then starts after towing to mechanic. Fault reappears sometimes after a year. My mechanic told me to use fuel system cleaner with diesel once a year. Could also be some kind of blockage in fuel system. I had the problem last week but the car started at the mechanic’s, then stopped again yesterday. Until now, I don’t have a solution - Chris Bugeja from Malta

Citroen C3 2003

How do I test the cooling fan to see if it works?

Citroen C3 2004

Just had a new exhaust, then found that when I drive for about 10/15 minutes warming the engine a screech occurs intermittently, normally when I load the engine around 2k reves. The sound is similar to a slipping belt, I’ve checked that hot and cold and there is little if any flex in that belt at all. I noted that when its warm(ish) and dry, the screech is more frequent. Once I’m over the 2k revs and moving in to 3rd, 4th and 5th, the sound is rare. I’ve taken it to a dealer, had the ceremonial short intake of breath and a few tuts to make for dramatic effect but none can explain the sound. I’ve had new timing belt, new tensioner, new water pump since the sound started so happy its not that area. I’ve noted if the sound happens and I dip the clutch - sound goes. I can rev the life out of the car and nothing but once in gear its there again and still intermittent. (Desire)

Answers

Just to answer my own question and put up what seems to be a common issue, - I took the car to a tyre and exhaust company in Merthyr (not a multi national I add) The fitter heard the screech and just said "Up on the ramps please". He walked underneath, straight to the section where the new exhaust meets the branch manifold cone and with the engine running, reved the car; there was the screech. It appears that sometimes when the exhaust is changed there is a bracket on the section that meets the manifold cone. He placed a spanner in the gap, reved the car and no noise - removed spanner and reved again; screech. He did that 4 times each time it was clear that the bracket was the issue. He explained he’d had a Saxo in with a worrying screech and had the owner crying over 5 springs sets purchased and fitted by a Citroen dealer. The guy went to them for a type and came away screechless followiing £10 worth of welding. Makes you think, eh? - Garry J from Gloucestershire

I also have a 2004 C3 Desire and it started making the same sounds a few months ago. I have found it’s fine doing normal town driving but if I go to our nearest large town 27 miles away, I can drive there and most of the way back before the screeching starts, the car has done 38,000 miles, it’s due for a service in about 6 weeks - David Hughes from Cumberland

Sounds like one of two things. It may be the welding has snapped on the cone end of the exhaust. A real good warm-up and up on the ramps. When it’s there, get them to check the spring bolts that tie to the cone from the manifold to the exhaust are not breaking or loose. It seems this can give a similar effect to mine - Garry J from Cardiff

Citroen C3 2004

I am having problems with flashing sport and snowflake lights on my dash simultaneously. When this happened today, the car would not go into semi auto mode and was stuck in automatic. I switched the car and the lights went when I switched it back on but am now stuck with an electrical humming sound coming from the front of the car. Any ideas what this could be? Thanks.

Citroen C3 2006

Hi, can someone please tell me how to change the left bright bulb. Do I have to take out the whole headlamp?

Answers

Hi, if you mean the dipped headlight bulb then it can be done but it is a fiddly job and the smaller your hands, the easier it is. The first time I did mine (and they do go reguarly on my desire!) it took me 20mins, they are not the easiest of bulbs to change. If it’s the battery side ie:nearside, then removing the two part battery cover helps. It’s not that you can’t get to it, you can, it’s that your hands ideally need to be small. Remove the large plastic cover by pushing down the large spring type clip and remove this cover. The cable to the bulb is a push/pull fit connector and should be held by the plastic block and pulled and not by the wires going to it, it goes back one way only. There is a spring clip that is at the top of the bulb holder inside the headlamp (feel around this clip for a few seconds to find out how it moves), you need to squeeze at the same time as pushing this forwards a little and then keeping pressure on it ease it sideways and it will drop open/down but not fall off, take the bulb out noting that it is flat at the top (a good tip is to use a compact mirror and a torch to look inside the headlight/bulb area to see how things work in there, it will help you understand how the clip idea works). Remember, don’t touch the glass of the new bulb when you replace it as grease from your hands (however clean they are) will shorten the bulb’s life. Refitting is in reverse of dismantling. Good luck. Hope this helps - Paul Miles from Essex

Citroen C3 2006

My 2006 C3 desire 1.4 Hdi has recently developed the following fault. The dash says "LH brake light faulty" or "front sidelight faulty" when they are fine. The beep seems to happen more frequently when I am indicating left! The "Serv" light also comes on for about 10 seconds too but then resets itself. Guessing it may be an earth fault, where are the earthing points for this side of the electrics. Anyone? Failing that, anyone know of a good auto electrician in Essex! Thanks in advance, Paul M.

Answers

Paul, did you ever find a fix for this fault? I am having all the same problems with my C3 Desire - Colin from Scotland

Hi Colin from Scotland. Yes, I did manage to fix this problem. It was the earth(s) in the boot. I found that when you removed the earth wire connections where they fix in the boot, you may find like me that the earth wires have been secured directly to the body work after they have sprayed the car. I removed the earth wires, scraped off the paint where the earth wires touch the bodywork, smear a little bit of vaseline and then re-secure. To get at the earth wires, open the boot, remove the carpet covering the spare tyre then remove the plastic trim that runs across the edge of the bottom of the boot (it’s held in by torx screws), then remove the boot door rubber at the bottom, then the flexible black vertical panels inside that are left (one with the courtesy light on) and right can be eased enough from the bottom to see the earth wire connections, scrape off the paint after undoing them and see if that fixes it. It did for me. Regards - Paul Miles from Essex

Also try removing the offending rear light cluster and detatch the multiplug from the rear. Then spray both, contacts and plug with WD40, that should do the trick. Purely down to bad connections through contact water corrosion - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2004

How do you know when a water pump on a C3 has gone? (hdi)

Citroen C3 2003

When I started the car, it said ’remote control battery low’ Is it possible to change this battery myself? I can open the key up but the battery looks to be in very firmly with clips.

Answers

It just slides out. Unfortunately, I find that they need replacing fairly often. I bought a 5-pack off eBay and they are very good - Bob from Hampshire

Citroen C3 2004

The seatbelt, airbag and EMS warning light remain on all the time. On initial start-upm, there are three short alarm sounds, the car starts and runs fine. Any ideas? (desire)

Citroen C3 2006

Where do I find the colour code number?

Answers

Front nearside door pillar (2007 MODEL) - Jack Armstrong from Durham

Citroen C3 2003

Hi, there is a little lateral and horizontal play in the steering wheel on my 2003 Citroen C3. I have confirmed that there is no play in the steering shaft. Can anyone tell me how to remove the plastic cover (without breaking it :-)) to tighten the steering wheel? Thanks, Niall. (hatchback)

Answers

Unlock the adjustable steering and pull forward to get clearance then lock and locate two or three deep inset star head screws under the steering column plastic cowl. Remove screws and separate the two halves with some determined manipulation around the ignition barrel. Don’t lose and make note of the metal clip position that retains the flexible rubber section on the top part of the cowl, this only clips into place and retains the rubber cover in position under the speedo display when you extend the steering column fully - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2011

I have just purchased the new Citroen C3. It does not have myway satnav but has a usb port. Can you tell me what kind of usb stick to get so I can play music on my radio?

Answers

Any MP3 file will do, any size works - Terry from England

Citroen C3 2007

My lights keep flickering on and off whilst I’m driving. Any idea why? (cool)

Answers

Probably the comm2000 - the indicator / lights stalk needs replacing - Bill P from England

Check with your local dealer. There is a recall out for an ECU update. We have a 57 plate C3 1.4Hdi, it kept loosing the lights and blowing headlamp bulbs. I started checking all connections, switch contacts etc. The next day, a letter arrived from Citroen asking us to book into a dealership as the car needed the update doing to the ECU to fix this problem. They collected it, fixed the problem and delivered it back. It’s worth checking, ours was frightening my wife when the lights went off! Hope it works for you. Regards - Chris Hall from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2008

The spanner light has just come on the dashboard so I have phoned Citroen and they said I am due for my 40,000 mile major service. Can anyone tell me what this entails and can I go anywhere if I have no warranty?

Answers

Just had my 40k service. I looked in the handbook which should be under the driver’s seat in a slide draw. There are loads of checks and changes if you go to the dealers. I went to a local garage and I was charged around £350.00. That was a full coolant change, oil filter and at 40k miles, the C3 has to have its timing belt changed. This is the heavy cost and I advise it is done. Mine looked okay but with further investigation, we found some cracking in the teeth. If that goes, it can cause major engine damage. In my cost, I had the water pump checked as well and it was starting to sieze up, not a lot but would go requiring similar work as the timing belts attached to it as well. When I went to the dealer, they started bidding at £500 for the job - Garry J from Cardiff

40,000 mile service (second service) £267.00 with dealer, should be a lot less private (use genuine parts to retain warranty). Oil (1st and 2nd service) oil filter (1st and 2nd service) air filter (2nd service) spark plugs (2nd service) partical filter (1st and 2nd service) fuel filter (2nd service) oil sump plug and washer (1st and 2nd service). Also dealer recommended at an additional cost of about £25.00, brake fluid change but they always recommend a brake fluid change on this service (optional I’d say?). And the usual visual checks, brakes, steering etc. And service spanner reset. Quite funny really because I’d call this an old school standard service not a big one, pay more for less these day’s. 3rd service is supposingly the same has the 1st service. No cam belt on 2nd service that’s at 75,000 miles - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2005

My blower is on permanently. Please help.

Citroen C3 2004

I have a Citroen C3 Desire and when it gets to around about 50 to 60 miles, my petrol light comes on so I never know when to top up. Please can somebody help?

Citroen C3 2004

I have a Citroen C3 Desire and when it gets to around about 50-60 miles, my petrol light comes on. I never know when to top up. Please can somebody help?

Citroen C3 2007

The info panel keeps showing side lamp fault but all the lamps work fine. Why is this?

Answers

Most Citroen vehicles have this fault, check the multiplug that clips into both rear lights, you will find that one of the earth wires are starting to melt. Run a new earth directly to the the light cluster bypassing the multiplug - Stephen Moore from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Citroen C3 2006

I have a Citroen C3 Cool - ’57 plate. My vehicle has developed a loud whining sound from the rear left or right or both wheels which stops when you lightly press the footbrake. This noise is intermittant, it comes and goes. The car has been in the garage and had the rear brakes checked but nothing untoward found. Can you help please? The sound is driving my wife and I to distraction. Thank you.

Answers

Mine has been doing the same thing. Have you found any cause as yet for this? - Rosie Spackman from England

Citroen C3 2002

My C3 keeps bleeping three times every time I take off. Any ideas?

Answers

Our 2004 C3 keeps bleeping three times. It’s driving us mad. Help here too would be appreciated. Posted this problem in the Citroen Owners Club Forum, had a couple of responses, but no cure yet - Alan from Cornwall

I had this problem when I first got my C3. It turned out to be the handbrake warning. Try fully releasing the lever before moving off - Tony Garwood from Kent

The three beeps warn you of/remind you to do something. It could one one of several things. The ones I know about are the door not being shut and the seatbelt not plugged in. Both have to be done before starting the ignition or it will beep - Peter from Wrexham

Hi there, mine does it too! I have narrowed it down to either the handbrake is not quite in the right place or it’s that the car is too cold. As for the handbrake situation, I have tried turning car on several times with the handbrake in different positions and sometimes it beeps three times and sometimes it doesn’t! And it doesn’t seem to do it when the car has been for a run. If you find out, can you let me know? - Vanessa from Norfolk

Citroen C3 2003

The oil light is flashing and beeping when slowing down but when I check the oil is full. Any suggestions?

Answers

Check the oil switch sensor - Nick from Cumberland

Hi, have you got a plastic dipstick? Maybe in the past your vehicle has had one and the bottom has melted off and is floating around the sump? I have got a C3 diesel and my dipstick melted and got in the way of the sensor. I had to take the exhaust off and drop the sump pan off to get it out. Sounds drastic by taking the exhaust off but the sump pan would not be able to be removed from the vehicle with out the removal of this part. This might not be the problem, but hey, you never know? Regards - Kevin Harkus from Cardiff

Hi, it’s probably the oil pressure sensor, when you’re breaking there’s a change in oil pressure causing the warning light to come on. Just replace the sensor and it’ll be fine - Ian from Torfaen

Citroen C3 2003

I have had this C3 1.4HDi Exclusive for 7 years, serviced regularly but recently it has given horrendous starting problems. It takes at least two attempts minimum to start and when it eventually does. plumes of light blue smoke come from the exhaust. It never starts first time and can sometime take up to five attempts. Once started and the smoke has dispersed after reving slightly, the car runs smoothly. What is the problem? Variant: HDi 1.4 Exclusive. Year Of Make: 2003

Answers

I had exactly the same fault on our 2003 C3 hdi. I eventually took it to a diesel injection specialist and the fault was with two delphi diesel injectors and a throttle position switch/potentiometer. It cost a nice £750 so hope it’s not as bad as ours - Barry Hawkins from Bridgend

Citroen C3 2006

The ABS is defective on the indicator. Any help?

Citroen C3 2003

Hi I have just tried to pull away from a parking space and not been able to turn the wheel its so stiff. I tried a couple of times before it eased enough to drive away, I was on a pay meter. I have got it home but it’s not right. It’s hard to drive and very stiff, what’s wrong with it? There is no warning light on the dashboard. Help!

Answers

Hi. Got the same problem with a 2002 C3 1.4hdi. I’m pretty sure it’s the electric steering not working. These cars have electric assisted steering rather than the more traditional power steering. It has happened once before, it was straight after the cambelt was changed, but it rectified itself the next time the car was started. This time it has coincided with the starter motor playing up. I’m wondering if it’s got something to do with low battery power. Once my starter motor is replaced, I will give my battery a good charge, maybe you could try this? Cheers for now - MC from England

Hi Samantha, the same thing happened to my 2002 Xsara. It turned out to be the power steering pump. Quite easy to replace. Hope this helps - Terry Goldsmith from Norfolk

I had a similar problem recently. It was the CV joint at the bottom of the steering column that had started to seize up. It’s common apparently - John Gillan from Scotland

Hi, I had the same problem a few weeks ago in my Citroen Picasso Xsara 2000. It turned out the air intake in the engine had a slight burst in the hose, my steering wasn’t right. The steering was completely heavy and hard to handle. The power wasn’t good and had to put my foot to floor to get home. You could get someone to check that out - Gayle A from Dorset

Try turning the key in the ignition on and off three times, it resets the electric power steering - Wayne Evans from Caerphilly

This type of thing has happened a couple of times to my C3 HDI. Yes it has electric power steering powered by the alternator. If the alternator was to start to fail, one of the first things to go is the PAS. The most recent PAS failing on my car, was when I serviced the car only to find on starting the engine, no power steering. Did the usual switch off and on again (like resetting your computer) but didn’t work. Try disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds or so, reconnect battery, then trying the PAS again - Ged Terry from Durham 

Citroen C3 2005

My heater won’t switch off all the time. What’s the problem and how do I fix this?

Citroen C3 2003

Some mornings my C3 will not start. When this happens the bottom temp light is on, the engine turns over but will not start. Sometimes whilst driving, I hear the three warning beeps, the rev counter drops to zero, the speedometer goes to zero and the bottom temp light comes on no matter how many lights were on before the beeps. On a few occasions, the power steering and heaters have cut out at the same time. This is a really annoying problem as it only seems to happen when I need to go to work in the early hours.

Citroen C3 2007

My front break calipers are vibrating. Is it the bolt wearing, the caliper wearing or the frame or all of these. The vibrating occurs between 25-35 mph when going through the gears. Does anything need to be replaced? Many thanks, Dave Bullock. (c3 desire)

Citroen C3 2004

Please could anyone tell me if it is possible to change the head gasket at home without having to take it to garage? Are there any special tools required? I wouldn’t want to strip it down to find halfway through that I can not complete the job. Many Thanks.

Answers

Yes you do to lock off the timing and maybe to undo the cylinder bolts. I own a garage and would never do a head gasket without shelter and a 4 post lift as this allows you to access the car with some height. Also you need lots of time and experience. Hope this helps - Regan from Kent

Citroen C3 2003

I have just bought an 03 plate C3. When starting off in first gear, it beeps three times every time! Any ideas why?

Answers

The overspeed alert setting might be on. You need to turn it off - Emmanuel J from Buckinghamshire

It usually means you don’t have your seatbelt on or there is a door open - Steph from England

Maybe your handbrake is not fully released - Clare Nicholls from Devon

Hi, my wife has a 2002 C3 Hdi and we had the same problem...three beeps but as usual no information given on the dash (not very intelligent of Citroen to worry driver with no explanation). Anyway it was the radiator over heating and the water level boiling away. Electrics yet again, not the good old fashion simple ’replace the thermostat’ but had to go to Citroen to plug in and reset! Hope this helps - Stephen Morris from County Antrim

Citroen C3 2007

My indicators have stopped making that ’clicking ’sound when they are on and I no longer receive a warning ’beep’ if I try to leave my car with the headlights left on. Any advice welcome. Many thanks.

Citroen C3 2005

My headlights are making a funny noise. Every time I switch them on, they make a high pitched squeaking noise and does it when I’m driving. The noise can last between 2-5 seconds. It’s only when the lights are on though. Has anyone got any ideas as to what it could be and has anyone had the same problem?

Citroen C3 2006

Hi. How do I wire a water temperature gauge to my Citroen C3? (Desire)

Citroen C3 2004

Car starts beeping every 3 to 5 seconds when I do over 35mph but no lights appear on the dashboard. Could anyone help please, thank you.

Answers

On the C3, there is a speed warning button that can be set by the driver. It is located to the left of the sterring wheel (you may also have a centalised child lock above it, not sure). To cancel this, just push the button. If you wish to reset the speed warning when traveling at the desired speed, press the button and it will beep, then as you hit or exceed that speed, you get an audible warning (great for the speed cameras) - Gareth Jones from Gloucestershire

Citroen C3 2003

Where is the oil pressure switch and is it easily accessible for a DIY mechanic to change?

Citroen C3 2005

When I start the car, the top light of the temperature gauge flashes and beeps for a few seconds then stops but does it again after a few mins until the temperature gauge starts to rise. Does anyone have any ideas as to why this may be? (1.4 hdi)

Answers

Coolant level low - P from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2003

Where is the oil filter on the Citroen C3 and how do I change it?

Answers

It’s a small canister looking object with a hexagonal top for a spanner or socket. It is positioned at the bottom front end of the engine near the clutch arm. Drain the engine oil and unscrew the top of the canister, remove the old filter and insert a new filter and re-tighten. Re-fill the engine with new oil - John Jonston from Lancashire

Citroen C3 2005

How can I prevent the headlamps from blowing every two months or so?

Answers

Check with dealer for software upgrade, apparently this is common. Lights turn off intermittantly too. Hope this helps. Regards - Chris Hall from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2003

How do I remove the gear selector cables from the gearbox?

Citroen C3 2004

How many miles should I get out of the fuel tank of a Citroen C3 1.4 hdi? I have only just got the car I don’t think the fuel gauge is working very well... Can anyone help? (Exclusive)

Answers

Probably around 500-550 miles depending on whether you’re urban or rural driving. ie long motorway trips steady 60-65mph - Snook G from England

I’ve got this car and I average about 620 miles per tank, I love it - Richard Brooks from Suffolk

Citroen C3 2010

I’ve recently installed a USB box in my new C3. It’s says that the USB box works perfectly with my navigation system. But, instead of showing the USB menu and info of the files it shows only 6 CDs and up to 77 files without info. But there is more than 6 maps on the usb stick. So is there anything I can do or do I have to take my car back to mechanic garage? Thank you.

Citroen C3 2006

The fuse keeps going on the starter motor - anybody any ideas why this may be happening? (automatic)

Answers

Hi, my wife;s c3 has the same problem, the starter fuse keeps blowing. Have you sorted it out yet? If yes could you advise me please? Darryl Hayfield from Shropshire

Replace the starter. Draws too much current due to faulty starter - solved the problem on C3 hdi - Toit from Namibia

Citroen C3 2004

I have a C3 but the brake pedal will not depress for it to start. Does anybody know why?

Citroen C3 2003

I have just got this car and I am not used to the bars system for the petrol. My question is, when it’s on the last bar does that turn red before it runs out. This is just for future reference. Thanks to anyone who answers.

Answers

No, it doesn’t turn red, but the petrol light will come on, slightly to the left of the guage and it will beep at you when the light comes on - Tasha Wickens from Hampshire

Citroen C3 2005

There is a bleep noise coming from dash now and again, no other warning lights. This happens when the weather is frosty. Can anyone please help?

Answers

It is warning of the possibility of ice on the road. The outside temperature is or below 3 degrees C - Andy Sutton from Shropshire

Citroen C3 2003

My car keeps overheating but it’s got water in?? I don’t understand this - can anyoone explain this to me?

Answers

Just had my thermometer checked. The fitter said they sometimes just jam especially on 6+ year old cars. When they do, the waters not moving through the system and the water basically boils. Worth a check on that first - Gareth J from Gloucestershire

Citroen C3 2005

Whilst driving my car had a sudden jerk reaction, beeped and what appears to look like an engine sign lit up on the dashboard. It disappeared after a few minutes, what could it be?

Answers

Right this is simple - either there is water on your injectors or one of your fuel injectors is on the way out - to fix it; get it to a non-dealership garage (to save on the cost) and get an engine diagnostics test done a.s.a.p. - the sooner the better cause the longer you wait, the worse it’ll get and subsequently the more expensive it will be in the end - Ian from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2005

I have a popping noise coming from the exhaust - can anyone offer any advice? (Desire)

Answers

Had this issue in September 2011 along with many others. If you place your hand on the exhaust end, you’ll feel that the pressure pushing you off is low and you’ll hear the popping even more. The backend box frequently rusts through directly under the body of the car out site. A replacement is about £150 and needs the whole lot changed right up to the manifold joint (under the engine). Seems you cannot get just a section replaced - Gareth J from Gloucestershire

Citroen C3 2000

The car gave a quick jerk and the engine light flashed on but immediately went off again and the car continued on the journey, and this happened a few minutes later again! Any ideas/suggestions?

Citroen C3 2005

Hi. My Citroen C3 makes a whistling noise when the engine is running and a grinding noise when the clutch is lifted slowly. Have you any idea what the problem could be?

Answers

When I was a mechanic many years ago! this problem was always the clutch realease bearing worn out through lack of grease! The only cure is a new bearing and I would have a new clutch disc and pressure plate changed at same time as you have already paid for strip down! Keith Riding from Yorkshire

Citroen C3 2005

I have condensation inside the headlights. Is this a common fault?

Answers

Yes! The seal on the back of the headlight cover fails if not seated properly and lets cold air and water into the headlight, make sure it’s seated properly and it should dry out, failing that apply some vaseline around the seal and groove and re-position for a semi-permament cure - John Jonston from Lancashire