Won't idle, no power.
2007 Citroen Xsara Picasso
Car: Citroen Xsara Picasso
Year: 2007
Year: 2007
Categories:
Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Car starts but cuts out immediately, needs lots of revs just to keep it idling.
Drove home from work (20 miles) and the car was fine, there was nothing unusual about the journey. I stopped at my office for about twenty minutes, when I restarted the car it cut out (a bit like when it is hot in the summer and the ac is on), so I restarted again and gave it a bit more revs to keep it going. It was a 3 mile drive home with a little bit of traffic. Cut out at the traffic lights half a mile from home and needed a lot of revs after that to limp the rest of the way.
There were/are no warning lights on the dashboard. Has had a recent service and MOT (last month). Put £20 of petrol in 3 days ago and have done about 80 miles since then, still two bars showing. It doesn't feel like dirty petrol (have had that experience previously).
I'm fearing the worst, but is there any chance that it could be something simple?
Drove home from work (20 miles) and the car was fine, there was nothing unusual about the journey. I stopped at my office for about twenty minutes, when I restarted the car it cut out (a bit like when it is hot in the summer and the ac is on), so I restarted again and gave it a bit more revs to keep it going. It was a 3 mile drive home with a little bit of traffic. Cut out at the traffic lights half a mile from home and needed a lot of revs after that to limp the rest of the way.
There were/are no warning lights on the dashboard. Has had a recent service and MOT (last month). Put £20 of petrol in 3 days ago and have done about 80 miles since then, still two bars showing. It doesn't feel like dirty petrol (have had that experience previously).
I'm fearing the worst, but is there any chance that it could be something simple?
Problem added: Sep 8, 2017 (6 years ago)
You could try replacing the coolant sensor.
Answered Sep 8, 2017 (6 years ago)
You think it could be that? There were no signs of overheating or smoke. The temperature gauge was still at the bottom where it usually is? Hope it is that though, sounds like it would be cheaper than a new engine. :)
Answered Sep 8, 2017 (6 years ago)
Most likely to be the idle air control valve needing cleaned or replaced .Other common possible cause could be the coil pack but usually triggers the EML .When were the plugs last checked or replaced ?
Answered Sep 8, 2017 (6 years ago)
It had an interim service last month and a full service 13 months ago, so I'm guessing the spark plugs were done 13 months ago.
Answered Sep 8, 2017 (6 years ago)
If the plugs were changed it should show on itemised parts on invoice. Badly worn plugs can adversely affect engine performance .
Answered Sep 8, 2017 (6 years ago)
Thank-you. Hope it's just the plugs, you've reassured me it might not be a write-off. I'll get it towed to the garage and see what they say.
Answered Sep 9, 2017 (6 years ago)
It's more likely to be a combination , possibly plugs / coil pack / idle air control but nothing too expensive if those .Of course it's really hard to be definitive in diagnosing from here as there are so many possibilities but hopefully nothing serious .If you need further help , get back to the forum .
Answered Sep 9, 2017 (6 years ago)
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Parts referenced on this page
Idle Air Control Valve
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Citroen Xsara Picasso Idle Air Control Valve problems
Idle Air Control Valve common problems
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