Please help !

[RandomBloke]

Hi,

Firstly a massive hello to everyone - I’ve just joined the forum and didn’t even know it existed until a Google search !

I recently purchased a diesel DS3 (2012 plate) which I absolutely love - however after a couple of months of fault free driving the yellow service light came on the dash. The car still drives and runs fine.

I have checked for error codes and have found 2...

P1382 Ancillary Drive Belt (fault in coherence between engine speed and alternator speed)
U1400 Alternator LIN Network (incorrect value received)

Does anybody have an idea on how to resolve these - I’m not flush with cash at the moment so a DIY would be ideal!

Thank you so much.

[Chris_Blue]

Wish I could help in depth- but haven't had those before

The alternator code may well be the alternator (Obvs) on its way out, or maybe just the battery? Maybe get the battery tested via RAC or Halfords

The drive belt- look at the service manual and check out when it needs replacing. Dont hang around either as you dont know what it will cause if the belt goes, and takes cambelt out too- might bugger the engine right up

If in doubt- take it somewhere for a free quote? Maybe kwikfit or something

[RandomBloke]

Thanks for the response - I did quite a bit of investigation and found that the alternator pulley needs replacing.

The only issue now is working out how to get the intercooler out so I can access the alternator - it has these little feet on the bottom and they appear to be locked into some rubber bushings either side of a mounting plate...can’t for the life of me work out how to remove them!

[DS3-NL]

Hi RandomBloke ,

Getting the intercooler out of the engine bay is not that hard, start by getting the cooling fan off first. Then loosen boots which holds the intercooler and wiggle it out that's how i removed mine to place the Airtec Intercooler.

[RandomBloke]

Hi RandomBloke ,

Getting the intercooler out of the engine bay is not that hard, start by getting the cooling fan off first. Then loosen boots which holds the intercooler and wiggle it out that's how i removed mine to place the Airtec Intercooler.

Thanks, my intercooler doesn’t have a fan attached to it - so with the front bumper off I have...

1) Removed the two pipes from the intercooler
2) Pressed in the intercooler holding clip at the top so that I can move the intercooler forward
3) Tried to move the intercooler upwards but it seems “locked” at the bottom - definitely didn’t feel “loose “

Not sure If I’ve missed some bolts, but cannot see what is stopping it at the bottom...?

[RandomBloke]

Managed to get the whole intercooler loose, but there is no way to lift it out the car - underneath there is a huge air con pipe and above I just can’t angle it to pull it out, there is not enough space???

Is there anyway to remove the top metal slam bar thing so I can lift the intercooler out directly upwards???

[RandomBloke]

Got the intercooler out - had to remove the slam bar to create the room.

[Chris_Blue]

When I put my Airtec intercooler in, I had a right game getting the OEM intercooler out
AND.... broke some of the tabs on the bumper so it dont look that great anymore

Anyways, its just a workhorse motor now really, long gone are the days I bought 2 DS3s new

[RandomBloke]

I have disconnected the two mounting bolts on the alternator and all the electrical connectors - but the damn thing doesn’t want to move !!! Not sure how to get it out...wish I hadn’t started this job now !!!

[RandomBloke]

Got the alternator loose using a pry bar - final step is to work out how the hell to get it out the car, seems to be a bunch of thick cables and air con pipes in the way !!!

[RandomBloke]

Does anybody know if you have to remove the air con compressor to make room to remove the alternator?

[Chris_Blue]

Does anybody know if you have to remove the air con compressor to make room to remove the alternator?

Sorry I dont. Have you looked on the files repository on here for details how to remove the alternator

Sympathies: And we all feel like that when we start a job we haven't done before and it gets bleedin hard- that's why I always get a quote first

[RandomBloke]

Thanks for responding - I had a look at the repository but it doesn’t seem to relate to the 1.6 HPI engine.

I feel quite down by it

[Chris_Blue]

sometimes it best to get the trained professionals to do the job

You mean eHDi right? (1.6 Diesel)

not having worked on the alternator yet, is access not easier from underneath, car on a ramp or lift?

[RandomBloke]

Managed to sort it - thanks - some observations...

1) unlike the other car brands there seems to be a limited amount of technical knowledge shared on forums - it seems there should be an overall Citroen forum and not model specific as not enough members for each to keep a vibrant community

2) a lot of the technical guides didn’t match what I had in my 2012 car

3) removing the alternator via the intercooler gap is a nightmare, even with everything out the way

4) the alternator on the ds3 is a shambles, it leaves the factory in such a manner to prevent the alternator pulley from being replaced - I’ve not come across any other manufacturer who does this

5) no specialist will refurbish the alternator due to the pulley issue and for a new OEM pulley the cost is nearly a £900 for the part alone, this is a French car not an Italian exotic - disgraceful

6) the Germans have far better engineers and mechanical principals!