Hi
I have a 2004 1.6cc 40000 genuine miles
a few months ago when driving the car from cold it a lot of white smoke came from the exhaust and then the car management light came on and all the electrics inside the car reset e.g. clock and everything on display
the engine then cut out and wudnt even turn over , phoned the AA and they came out , they thought it was head gasket but ran tests and ruled that out , he wasnt sure why all the electrics switched off and reset either
within an hour the car returned to normal asnd has been running well until NOW
same thing happened
only diff this time was engine immobilser warning was flashing
15 mins later car tarted but there is white smoke
appreciate any help
George
advice needed please
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GrandadMonkey
- Posts: 3583
- Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 8:00 am
- Location: Leicestershire
Re: advice needed please
Hello George,
It sounds as if your car probably gets used infrequently or for only very short runs.
White smoke can be indicative of head gasket failure, but if your coolant level is staying normal and is not needing to be topped up, then perhaps it is just a build up of condensation in the exhaust system. When the car heats up to normal operating temperature the condensation will then evaporate as steam - hence the white smoke.
As for the erratic electrics I would suggest that if your car is on its original battery, it will be over 7 years old by now and could be on its way out. A failing battery can exhibit the symptoms that you have described. However, before investing in a new battery it may be worth checking the electrical connections to and from the battery. A poor connection, or indeed a poor or corroded/frayed earth lead can cause the electrics to misbehave.
I am not saying that the two issues are not linked, but I am suggesting that they are probably not linked. However, if the electrical issue is causing incorrect signals to be sent to the ecu then this could affect the ignition, and hence the burning of the fuel, and cause the engine management light to come on as the sensors detect unburnt fuel in the exhaust system.
So where would I start? Electrics first - battery connections, then probably a new battery. If that solves it all well and good. But I'd also keep an eye on the coolant reservoir just in case the head gasket IS beginning to fail.
Regards, and welcome to the forum.
It sounds as if your car probably gets used infrequently or for only very short runs.
White smoke can be indicative of head gasket failure, but if your coolant level is staying normal and is not needing to be topped up, then perhaps it is just a build up of condensation in the exhaust system. When the car heats up to normal operating temperature the condensation will then evaporate as steam - hence the white smoke.
As for the erratic electrics I would suggest that if your car is on its original battery, it will be over 7 years old by now and could be on its way out. A failing battery can exhibit the symptoms that you have described. However, before investing in a new battery it may be worth checking the electrical connections to and from the battery. A poor connection, or indeed a poor or corroded/frayed earth lead can cause the electrics to misbehave.
I am not saying that the two issues are not linked, but I am suggesting that they are probably not linked. However, if the electrical issue is causing incorrect signals to be sent to the ecu then this could affect the ignition, and hence the burning of the fuel, and cause the engine management light to come on as the sensors detect unburnt fuel in the exhaust system.
So where would I start? Electrics first - battery connections, then probably a new battery. If that solves it all well and good. But I'd also keep an eye on the coolant reservoir just in case the head gasket IS beginning to fail.
Regards, and welcome to the forum.
Ron
"If it ain't broke don't fix it!"
Golf 1.5 Tsi Evo SE Nav Estate Atlantic Blue
Polo 1.0 SEL DSG Reef Blue (wife's)
(Previously owned a 2005 206CC 1.6 Allure Moonstone for 10 years)
"If it ain't broke don't fix it!"
Golf 1.5 Tsi Evo SE Nav Estate Atlantic Blue
Polo 1.0 SEL DSG Reef Blue (wife's)
(Previously owned a 2005 206CC 1.6 Allure Moonstone for 10 years)
-
rescueuall
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:59 pm
Re: advice needed please
Hi
thanx for the swift reply and welcome
the car gets used daily an average of 40 miles
ok to give an update ,
I also have the AA breakdown insurance which means the AA pay the first £500 and i pay the rest
the AA guy noticed that the dipstick was contaminated and at the same time couldnt understand why the water level hasnt went down
anyway took it into the local peugeot dealer who have a very fair reputation in this area , the ran a compression test and it failed and they also found that the air filter was soaking ( havent a clue why and how) anyway at this moment the car is on the operating table attatched to life support having the head removed for further investigation
I will keep you updated
George
thanx for the swift reply and welcome
the car gets used daily an average of 40 miles
ok to give an update ,
I also have the AA breakdown insurance which means the AA pay the first £500 and i pay the rest
the AA guy noticed that the dipstick was contaminated and at the same time couldnt understand why the water level hasnt went down
anyway took it into the local peugeot dealer who have a very fair reputation in this area , the ran a compression test and it failed and they also found that the air filter was soaking ( havent a clue why and how) anyway at this moment the car is on the operating table attatched to life support having the head removed for further investigation
I will keep you updated
George
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rescueuall
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:59 pm
Re: advice needed please
rescueuall wrote:Hi
thanx for the swift reply and welcome
the car gets used daily an average of 40 miles
ok to give an update ,
I also have the AA breakdown insurance which means the AA pay the first £500 and i pay the rest
the AA guy noticed that the dipstick was contaminated and at the same time couldnt understand why the water level hasnt went down
anyway took it into the local peugeot dealer who have a very fair reputation in this area , the ran a compression test and it failed and they also found that the air filter was soaking ( havent a clue why and how) anyway at this moment the car is on the operating table attatched to life support having the head removed for further investigation
I will keep you updated
George
Hi
garage has informed me that i must have went thru water as it looks as if the air intake has took in a load of water which has bent the conrod in piston 4 .......which means my engine is gone , they have quoted me over 3k for a new one , so its RIP car i think
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GrandadMonkey
- Posts: 3583
- Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 8:00 am
- Location: Leicestershire
Re: advice needed please
Did you go through water or not?
Or did the person who last changed your airfilter not put the top on the air filter housing properly? That lets the wet in - common problem.
Or did the person who last changed your airfilter not put the top on the air filter housing properly? That lets the wet in - common problem.
Ron
"If it ain't broke don't fix it!"
Golf 1.5 Tsi Evo SE Nav Estate Atlantic Blue
Polo 1.0 SEL DSG Reef Blue (wife's)
(Previously owned a 2005 206CC 1.6 Allure Moonstone for 10 years)
"If it ain't broke don't fix it!"
Golf 1.5 Tsi Evo SE Nav Estate Atlantic Blue
Polo 1.0 SEL DSG Reef Blue (wife's)
(Previously owned a 2005 206CC 1.6 Allure Moonstone for 10 years)
-
rescueuall
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:59 pm
Re: advice needed please
GrandadMonkey wrote:Did you go through water or not?
Or did the person who last changed your airfilter not put the top on the air filter housing properly? That lets the wet in - common problem.
Hi
I have only had the car for 5 months and I havent went throught water as i,m sure I wud have remebered it
on a positive note looks as if i,m covered with my car insurance and on a negative note they might write the car off , which i dont want as i love this car