Hi, I’ve just came across this page whilst googling current issues with my car. I have a 69 plate C3 Aircross - 25000 miles. 3 year warranty typically expired 30/12/22.
*edit - it’s a petrol car*
Anyways on Thursday on 2 occasions whilst driving a notification came on stating engine oil pressure fault, step the vehicle and car dramatically dropped speed. I had a backlog of cars behind me and I had to crawl to safety point. I managed to get to local garage for oil and they stated there was no issue with the oil. Anyways cars started and went perfectly fine until same thing happened that night whilst driving a higher speed about to enter the motorway.
The next morning I went to Take my daughter to school then call Arnold Clark. However I literally got around the corner and orange warning saying engine failure. Repair needed.
I had a look online and many seem to have had same issue.
I’ve been on phone to Arnold Clark and Citroen since Friday and basically Citroen are saying nothing they can do until a diagnostic test is done. Arnold Clark can’t fit this in until 7th February. Arnold Clark don’t have any courtesy cars and Citroen initially said would sort one for me and would be 48hrs. I called today to be told that they can’t give me one until the 7th when diagnostic being done and stated that there is many reasons for engine failure and they need the test to determine if it’s something they will pay for. So that’s 3 weeks without a car on something I have no control over.
Looking for as much advice on the situation with the car and how others dealt with it. I need my car for work unfortunately.
Oh and when I spoke to Citroen they said there’s a recall on my car and when asked why he said it’s BSI software. Not sure what that means.
Thanks
C3 aircross oil fault/engine failure help!
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Juan Sheet
- Posts: 1462
- Joined: Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:59 pm
Hi
The BSI is the main computer module in the vehicle.
You haven't stated if this is the petrol or diesel variant as it makes a huge difference as to what the issue may be.
The BSI is the main computer module in the vehicle.
You haven't stated if this is the petrol or diesel variant as it makes a huge difference as to what the issue may be.
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routemaster1
- Posts: 392
- Joined: Wed Mar 27, 2019 7:57 pm
I thought that the warranty should provide a hire car, but it seems that they are trying to worm their way out of this by claiming that at present, as the car hasn't been diagnosed they are not yet responsible. When I had a fault on my car which my usual agent couldn't solve I was told to try another garage. Is it possible that another agent could fit you in earlier?
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Juan Sheet
- Posts: 1462
- Joined: Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:59 pm
Ok, so if petrol then I would start being concerned if you are getting oil warnings.
There's plenty of info about these 3 Cylinder EB2 engines which use a 'belt in oil' system for the timing belt. It should of been checked at about 6k miles and variants have been recalled to have the belt checked and replaced with the later version. If not careful and the checks have not been done, the belt can react with the oil and start to shred and break up. This debris can then start to block the oil strainer and prevent lubrication. If it becomes severe, then of course it will cause engine oil pressure warnings. If this is the case, I would not use the vehicle as in the worst cases the engine can be destroyed - especially when travelling at high speed in this scenario.
I don't want to panic you, and I obviously don't know the history of your specific vehicle, but until you know the actual cause of the issue, further driving with the oil warning light appearing is not recommended at all.
As far as warranty work goes, it is true that Citroen MUST undertake a diagnostic first. This is standard practice and is chargeable initially. If the fault or checks reveal a known issue then it's a matter of trying to get a good will gesture from Citroen if the warranty has just expired.
If it had been me, I would have taken out an extended Citroen warranty (if eligible) that would cover this sort of thing. The car's age and mileage would suggest it is eligible, but I'm not sure it will cover existing issues of course, despite it being right at the end of manufacturer's warranty.
If you have your VIN, send it to me in a Private Message and I'll see if it is still showing a flag for an intervention.
There's plenty of info about these 3 Cylinder EB2 engines which use a 'belt in oil' system for the timing belt. It should of been checked at about 6k miles and variants have been recalled to have the belt checked and replaced with the later version. If not careful and the checks have not been done, the belt can react with the oil and start to shred and break up. This debris can then start to block the oil strainer and prevent lubrication. If it becomes severe, then of course it will cause engine oil pressure warnings. If this is the case, I would not use the vehicle as in the worst cases the engine can be destroyed - especially when travelling at high speed in this scenario.
I don't want to panic you, and I obviously don't know the history of your specific vehicle, but until you know the actual cause of the issue, further driving with the oil warning light appearing is not recommended at all.
As far as warranty work goes, it is true that Citroen MUST undertake a diagnostic first. This is standard practice and is chargeable initially. If the fault or checks reveal a known issue then it's a matter of trying to get a good will gesture from Citroen if the warranty has just expired.
If it had been me, I would have taken out an extended Citroen warranty (if eligible) that would cover this sort of thing. The car's age and mileage would suggest it is eligible, but I'm not sure it will cover existing issues of course, despite it being right at the end of manufacturer's warranty.
If you have your VIN, send it to me in a Private Message and I'll see if it is still showing a flag for an intervention.
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routemaster1
- Posts: 392
- Joined: Wed Mar 27, 2019 7:57 pm
Unfortunately Citroen Extended Warranty cannot be taken out after the initial 3 year warranty has expired, even by one day.
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Juan Sheet
- Posts: 1462
- Joined: Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:59 pm
Yes I thought as much, I took mine out a month before and got the Citroen Assist Plus with it, but forgot as a result the breakdown cover starts the same time as the warranty, so left a bit of a gap in breakdown cover from my old provider to the RAC.
It won’t let me message you. Vin is VF72RHNPMK4499550.
I haven’t used the car since Friday morning. I have read up on it online and states it looks like a common fault in my model between 2017-2021. Others that I’ve read who have had the same thing have had Citroen provide them with a courtesy car whilst waiting for their diagnostic and that Citroen paid the dealership for the repairs under their 7 year warranty.
The recall appears to be in relation to something different but doesn’t show on my app but the gent on the phone said it’s included in the recall.
My plan was to trade the car in in a few months. I’ve had no issues with the car and quite like it as well.
I haven’t used the car since Friday morning. I have read up on it online and states it looks like a common fault in my model between 2017-2021. Others that I’ve read who have had the same thing have had Citroen provide them with a courtesy car whilst waiting for their diagnostic and that Citroen paid the dealership for the repairs under their 7 year warranty.
The recall appears to be in relation to something different but doesn’t show on my app but the gent on the phone said it’s included in the recall.
My plan was to trade the car in in a few months. I’ve had no issues with the car and quite like it as well.
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Juan Sheet
- Posts: 1462
- Joined: Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:59 pm
That's odd, I've had PMs from other members....
Anyway sure enough it is being flagged for a recall. No details are provided which is normal, so only the dealer can advise you on this:
Anyway sure enough it is being flagged for a recall. No details are provided which is normal, so only the dealer can advise you on this:
