Tracing and fixing faults in electronic engine management systems
Rob Hawkins outlines the engine sensors and typical problems on the first generation of the DS3 1.6 THP by visiting Mark Shipman of Auto Electrical Services near York.
The 150bhp sporty-looking Citroën DS3 1.6 THP is a modern hot hatchback with a 0-60mph time of a mere 7.1 seconds, thanks to 240Nm of torque from a 1598cc twin-cam 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine. Manufactured between 2010 and 2015, this was the Mk1 of the DS3, which was then facelifted.
We wanted to know whether this highperformance DS3 is as impressive to own and maintain as it is to drive, so asked Mark Shipman at AES to give us an honest opinion on the typical engine- and electronic-related problems that can arise. There are a few issues to be aware of, some of which can be straightforward to fix with new seals and components that help to keep the engine airtight.
Other issues have been fixed with updated components, such as a leak from the thermostat housing, which can result in damage or death of the ECU – an updated housing seems to have resolved this potential disaster.
This engine was a joint-venture development between BMW and PSA. Consequently, it can also be found in the BMW 1-Series and MINI.
Typical Citroën DS3 COMPONENTS
1 The OBDII port for connecting a fault code reader is located on 1 the passenger side of the dashboard area. Open the glovebox and release a plastic access panel to the left to reveal some fuses and also the 16-pin OBDII socket. 2 The majority of the fuses can be found in the nearside of the 2 engine bay. Release a plastic cover to see them. The main live feed into the fusebox is exposed and near the front of it. 3 The Bosch engine ECU is located next to the fusebox and the 12V battery, inside a plastic cover. This cover can be released and removed to access it if required. 4 The vehicle battery is next to the fusebox and ECU. The positive terminal is concealed by a large black plastic cover, which when removed, reveals several connections. 5 The turbocharger is straightforward to see in the engine bay 5 as it’s in full view near the front. Mark has found it reliable, providing routine engine oil changes are conducted. 6 The black spool valve (cirlced) helps to spool up the turbo 6 and dump the pressure quickly to prevent turbo lag and over-boosting. A diaphragm inside can tear leading to boost problems – easily seen when opened up. Below is a vacuum capsule to control the angle of the turbo vanes with a vacuum pipe routed to the boost control valve at the back of engine, which can fail, resulting in a lack of low down boost, but then a surge of power.
Typical Citroën DS3 COMPONENTS
7 A Lambda (oxygen) 7 sensor is in full view at the front of the engine bay, secured to the
