Citroen C5 problems starting when cold

Car: Citroen C5
Variant: 2 hdi
Model Year: 2002
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Hi,
Having problems starting when air temp drops below about 3-4 degress C.
Here's what happened.
Put key into ignition, turned to engage, waited 10secs ( glow plug light goes out within about 1 second )
Engaged ignition, with clutch depressed, have to keep turning over for 15-20 seconds, eventually engine starts.
Normally this is the end of it, however this morning I also noticed that the speedo and rev counter weren't working, and the date/time had been reset to zero's
I replaced the glow plugs about 6-8months ago. Checked battery at weekend, seems to be putting out a nice strong 12V
Can anyone shed some light on what I should be looking at next?
Cheers in advance Nick
Posted: Nov 23, 2011 (12 years ago)
Get your battery load tested . Any fast fit or good accessory shop will do the test while you wait FOC.
Posted Nov 23, 2011 (12 years ago)
Is this something I can do myself? Or does it need specialist tools?
Posted Nov 23, 2011 (12 years ago)
You need a battery load tester meter which only garages etc have .Just a case of connecting to battery terminals , loading battery and checking readings . Two min job .
Posted Nov 23, 2011 (12 years ago)
Thanks for your help, will call in on my way home tonight.
Will post results tomorrow.
Posted Nov 23, 2011 (12 years ago)
If you have an HDi then you dont need to turn ignition on and wait ten seconds as they are high pressure direct injection . Your problem sounds like you may have a starter motor on the way out, You need to check current draw on starting . The ecu to these engines will switch off two injectors if it senses a considerable voltage drop. the result being it wont start.Get the battery checked aswell though just in case
Posted Nov 23, 2011 (12 years ago)
Hi,
That fixed it! Went to my local centre, tested the battery, tottaly fubar! New battery and everything works like a dream.
Thank you very much for your help.
Nick
Posted Nov 24, 2011 (12 years ago)
Glad you got it sorted , thanks for update .
Posted Nov 24, 2011 (12 years ago)
my Citroen c5 wont start fist thing in a morning after it starts will run like a dream to switched off and left over night then same problem in the morning had new battery, glow plugs, ecu , egr valve replaced can anyone help me please
Posted Jun 24, 2012 (12 years ago)

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