2010 DS3 THP 150 turbo engine failure

[S_Matt]

Recently bought a DS3 1.6 THP (2010 model) used and within two days of delivery the check engine light came on and the message “anti pollution system is faulty” appeared on the screen. The car was idling very roughly and was very jerky in first and second gear and especially in reverse and was smoking slightly when cold. Also hesitated between 3000 and 5000 rpm.

I took the car in to the dealer for them to check it and they said that the engine had heavy carbon deposits around the valves and they would need to clean it all out. So they did the work, put it all back together and took it for a test drive. Got a call from them saying the timing chain tensioner failed and the chain slipped and stretched resulting in serious damage to the valves, camshafts and cylinder head. They are now replacing the entire top end (at their expense) and I am told this will take 2- 3 weeks.

I’m concerned about the reliability of the engine going forward. Do you think the engine will be more reliable in future? Or should I ask them to take the car back and then go buy something else? Any DS3 model you guys would recommend as a decent alternative to the THP 150?

[Chris_Blue]

Welcome to the club S_Matt
It gave no hint of issues on the test drive?
Give it back. That amount of work may have repercussions methinks
If you like the DS3 without the worry, get a diesel. Then again the THP 155 petrol seems relatively untainted

My THP 155 has had the carbonned up inlet valves at 19k, but not worried bout that (And had a front PCV catch can on most of the time)
No timing chain tensioner issues as yet
Am interested to see how long my "Clean" will last

Decent high grade fuel is a must

[S_Matt]

When I test drove the car the first time it seemed perfectly fine. The jerking, hesistating and smoking coincided with the warning light coming on.

[Chris_Blue]

When I test drove the car the first time it seemed perfectly fine. The jerking, hesistating and smoking coincided with the warning light coming on.

Thats what you call bad luck I'm afraid
They offering you a swap?

[S_Matt]

No they are offering to repair the engine at their own expense. They seem resistant to the idea of a swap. Surely a swap would be cheaper for them?

[Chris_Blue]

Shame you cant get a swap- theres been a few on here with engine builds, and even engine swaps (Usually the Racing version) where the problem engine issues seem to come back. Almost like the issue is with the car rather than the engine. Earlier models more prone to issues like timing chain/tensioner

On the positive side, you will have a new top end, and assume the warranty will last a while after, and if problems do return the CUK need to know from you that your not happy, even if it is a used car. AND- you can remap via the OBD port Yummy.

[S_Matt]

Update: got the car back. Running like new now.

[Gazski66]

Update: got the car back. Running like new now.

Good news, what did they do?

[monkeynuts]

If it was a Red and White one it may have been my old one

If I only had the car for two days and it did that I would have walked away .................sale of goods act etc

[CPDS3]

I have just had the same issue with my 2010 Dsport. I had only had it from the dealer for 2 wks and only used 3/4 of the full tank they gave me and the light came on with the same anti pollution failure message. I lost power from the engine and noticed that it has been dropping some oil so will get that checked too.

I'm getting a copy of the warranty from the car yard I got it from to see where I stand getting it fixed. I'm planning on taking it to a certified Citroen dealer to get checked as I assume they would know the problems it has better than elsewhere.

There were no signs of any issues when I picked the car up. After reading a few threads on here I have a feeling that when they gave me a full tank when I got it they may have used cheaper fuel which could be causing the problem.

I too hope this is not a sign of things to come, and hopefully my dealer warranty covers any problems... wait and see I guess.

[Chris_Blue]

Did you ask about if there was any history with the vehicle CPDS3
Citroen should be able to access the service history
That may help in discussions with the dealer, especially if issues hadnt been disclosed

[lfcrule1972]

I might be wrong but I don't think one tank of fuel will make the engine suffer these problems CPDS3 Chris_Blue strongly believes in premium fuels to minimise such issues but I think this is a hopeful measure rather than one that has any proven scientific background.

That said, if you can afford to run the car on the premium (cleaning) fuels it won't hurt will it ?

[Chris_Blue]

Higher octane fuel= less detonation issues. Fact. (Google it)

[monkeynuts]

At The end of the day we all know that the early and some of the later thp engines suffer these problems and as for running VPower or Tesco 99 it does help in slowing down the carbon deposits But running a few tanks of Normal(recommended)Unleaded will not damage the engine.

The engine is just a poor design and that is it

[Czar]

At The end of the day we all know that the early and some of the later thp engines suffer these problems and as for running VPower or Tesco 99 it does help in slowing down the carbon deposits But running a few tanks of Normal(recommended)Unleaded will not damage the engine.

The engine is just a poor design and that is it

So untrue, it's a multiple year on year engine award winner, fact.