Sophia1995

Problem with high fuel consumption and exhaust odor in Citroen C3 petrol engine 2015: Possible causes and solutions sought

Hi guys, I have a problem with my Citroen C3 petrol engine from 2015. The check engine light is on, fuel consumption is high and there is a strong smell of exhaust fumes. I have the suspicion that it might be due to a faulty activation of the secondary air valve? Have any of you ever experienced similar symptoms on your C3 and could give me some troubleshooting tips? I am also particularly interested in finding out how your garage solved the problem and what experiences you have had. Thank you in advance for your answers!

(Translated from German)

4 comment(s)

Hi, I had a similar problem with my 2013 Citroen C4. I would describe myself as someone with some experience around cars. At my garage they found that the electric changeover valve was faulty. It was replaced and it cost me 140 euros. It could be the same problem with your C3, but of course I can't say for sure. Perhaps you could describe in more detail when the symptoms occur? How does the car behave when starting, on the highway, at low speed, etc.? The more information you provide, the better we can help you. Hopefully your problem can be solved quickly. For further questions - always happy to help!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for your quick reply. With my C3, the symptoms are particularly noticeable when I'm driving on the highway. It doesn't pick up the gas well and it smells strongly of exhaust fumes. I'm already on the safe side when the speedometer shows 184800 KM. I will follow your advice and have it checked at my garage. Hopefully it's just the electric changeover valve and not something serious, I always try to keep up with the maintenance there. Thanks again for your help and advice!

(Translated from German)

Hey, I had exactly the same symptoms. Especially on the highway, my C4 didn't pick up gas well. This actually indicates that the electric changeover valve could be malfunctioning, especially if you already have as many kilometers on the clock as you say (184800KM). I think it's great that you're keeping up with your maintenance! I'll keep my fingers crossed that it really is "just" the valve and nothing more serious. Keep us posted on what the workshop says, maybe it will help others here in the forum. By the way, if it really is the electric changeover valve, the costs are still reasonable. On my C4 it was, as already mentioned, 140 euros. Hopefully you'll get it sorted out quickly, because such high fuel consumption and the smell are not only unpleasant for a long time, but also quite expensive. Please get in touch if you have any more questions or if you have any news from the garage!

(Translated from German)

Hello, thank you again for your help and support. It is very reassuring to know that someone has had similar experiences. The cost of the electric changeover valve seems to be really manageable, so I hope it really is just that. Of course I will keep you updated here in the forum, maybe it will help others with similar problems. I'll make an appointment at my garage on Monday straight away and see what happens then. Great tip with the electric changeover valve, I would never have thought of it myself! Take care and thanks again!

(Translated from German)

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