Citroen Xsara not starting
Variant: 1.4 Forte
Model Year: 2000
Categories:
Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Hi,
I love the idea of this site, it's great and I really hope you can help!! I drove to my friend's house, 20 miles away, yesterday and stayed over and when I got in the car to come home the car wouldn't start. My freind's boyfriend jump started it and I drove home for 20 miles at a consistent speed along the motorway, my lights were on and everything seemed fine. When I parked the car and stopped it, I tried to re-start it and nothing, not even a 'hehehehe' attempt, just a click of the key as it turned in the barrel of the ignition. Could it be the starter motor or the alternator? Which is most expensive? I had to recently have the radiator and oil filter replaced a week ago - do you think the garage could have caused this problem?
I am very grateful for any guidance given.
L
I love the idea of this site, it's great and I really hope you can help!! I drove to my friend's house, 20 miles away, yesterday and stayed over and when I got in the car to come home the car wouldn't start. My freind's boyfriend jump started it and I drove home for 20 miles at a consistent speed along the motorway, my lights were on and everything seemed fine. When I parked the car and stopped it, I tried to re-start it and nothing, not even a 'hehehehe' attempt, just a click of the key as it turned in the barrel of the ignition. Could it be the starter motor or the alternator? Which is most expensive? I had to recently have the radiator and oil filter replaced a week ago - do you think the garage could have caused this problem?
I am very grateful for any guidance given.
L
Posted: Feb 21, 2010 (14 years ago)
Could also be a dud battery , not holding the charge .If they have been working on engine recently as you say , it might be worth while checking wiring / connections at starter motor .If just clicking it could be starter itself but if battery dud , solenoid will just click and engine wont turn over . Could also get alternator output tested .Any fast fit centre or good accessory shop will test battery and alternator for you FOC. Could also check all battery terminals and earths . Best of luck .
Posted Feb 21, 2010 (14 years ago)
Hey I know this is sometime from you posting but I have recently had the same problem and luckily a friend helped me out with the solution before I spent to much money running around. And nicely enough a very simple solution that i believe happens on other cars aswell.
My problem was from time to time my car wouldnt start or even attempt to start. I figured it was something to do with the imobilizer and got my baterry replaced for my keys however after a few weeks it happened again. If you move your steering wheel while the ignition is off you will hear it click and the wheel will lock and you can only have limited movement with it. Once the steering whell locks it seems the immobilizer kicks in and the keys wont even turn. You need to release the pressure on the steering wheel put it about half the way you can move it then start the car.
Hope that helps you otherwise someone else this was a real headache for me. I feel stupid now.
Seb
My problem was from time to time my car wouldnt start or even attempt to start. I figured it was something to do with the imobilizer and got my baterry replaced for my keys however after a few weeks it happened again. If you move your steering wheel while the ignition is off you will hear it click and the wheel will lock and you can only have limited movement with it. Once the steering whell locks it seems the immobilizer kicks in and the keys wont even turn. You need to release the pressure on the steering wheel put it about half the way you can move it then start the car.
Hope that helps you otherwise someone else this was a real headache for me. I feel stupid now.
Seb
Posted Sep 21, 2011 (13 years ago)
This problem is archived
If you're having a similar problem please click below to re-post this problem, you can then customise it to suit your situation.
Join the community
Got a question? Can you answer other questions here? If so please...
More problems with the 2000 model year Citroen Xsara
We have 27 problems and solutions in our database for this model year of the car.
View all Citroen Xsara Problems
Xsara Recalls (8)
Parts mentioned