Citroen C3 (2002 - 2009) - 02 1.4 Poor start and clocks resetting | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

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Tue 6 Jan 2009 13:26

02 1.4 Poor start and clocks resetting - greenhut

Recently I have had some issues at start up. (02 model 26k miles)
I turn the key and I get a response as if the battery is flat. The clock etc then reset to zero.
Turn the key a second time and the car starts as normal but this time the child lock buttons are illuminated and the esp fails to work.
Have cheked the battery terminal and all is clean and tidy there.
Anyone else had this issue?

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Tue 6 Jan 2009 14:08

02 1.4 Poor start and clocks resetting - Altea Ego

high curent draw on start is causing an electrical connection failure somewhere. You say you checked the battery terminal? does checking mean taking BOTH off, cleaning up, putting some vaseline on and tightening up again?

Edited by Altea Ego on 06/01/2009 at 14:09

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Wed 7 Jan 2009 20:26

02 1.4 Poor start and clocks resetting - *Sigh*

Hi greenhut.
I have a 53 reg desire and from the sounds of it I am experiancing the same problem. Have you noticed that it only happens when the car has been sat in the cold for about 12 hours?

If you find out what the problem is please let me know. Im taking mine to a friend who specialises in citroens at the weekend and will pass on any info.

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Thu 8 Jan 2009 11:14

02 1.4 Poor start and clocks resetting - greenhut

Thanks for the replies guys.
I have had the battery terminals off and cleaned them and the connectors, given them a good dose of vaseline.
All was well yesterday with no issues and the car garaged overnight. for around 15 hrs This morning went to start the car and GRRRRR same issue, cough/splurt on first key turn, clocks etc zeroed and child locks illuminated. Second key turn full power and car starts

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Thu 8 Jan 2009 11:40

02 1.4 Poor start and clocks resetting - Altea Ego

check the engine to body earth strap, ensure the connections are clean and not corroded.

you could have a starter motor on the way out pulling to much current

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Thu 8 Jan 2009 12:10

02 1.4 Poor start and clocks resetting - elekie&a/c doctor

I would suggest get the battery tested.Non start and sweeping needles on the gauges are classic signs of an expired battery.hth

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Thu 8 Jan 2009 16:50

02 1.4 Poor start and clocks resetting - *Sigh*

elekie&a/c doctor,

That was my initial thought as I know how bad the C3 can be with batteries.
I had a "new" one put in last year as I managed to completely flatten mine in about 3 hours by leaving the lights on. Which btw shouldn't happen I just managed to confuse the computer somehow.

Greenhut:
My C3 has been ok the last 2 mornings and I think it is down to the abnormal freezing temperatures we have been having over the last week. Its seems that dampness and ice dont make a happy C3.

Lets see what tomorrow morning brings :)

I hope you have success in locating the problem and would be interested in what it was when you do.

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Fri 9 Jan 2009 01:14

02 1.4 Poor start and clocks resetting - greenhut

Not the cold weather.
We have had a lot colder in recent years up here in Redcar, North East England.
This year has been a lot milder than what you guys darn sarf have been getting strangely enough.
Plus my motor is usually outside during the night if I am at work and like I said the car is garaged 6 nights out of 10

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Fri 9 Jan 2009 11:08

02 1.4 Poor start and clocks resetting - MVP

99% it's due to a knackered battery, get a new one ASAP and save yourself the grief

MVP

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Thu 5 Feb 2009 14:46

02 1.4 Poor start and clocks resetting - greenhut