14th Jun 2006, 13:36
I have a 2005 c2 VTR sensodrive and have had numerous problems with the gear changes, The car has been back to the dealers several times for software updates none of which seem to be effective for any length of time. My husband (an ex-mechanic) fixed the constant squeal from the rear brakes by dismantling & cleaning them which is more than the dealership could do. the latest problem is park the car with the drivers door facing the sun & on a hot day when you attempt to open the door the handle comes off!
NEVER AGAIN DO I BUY A CITROEN!!!
22nd May 2008, 05:56
We have a Citroen C3 1.4HDi with the sensodrive gearbox. It's a 2004 reg car which has been very reliable until 2 months ago when the front suspension collapsed (offside spring broke). This was rectified free of charge by Citroen.
Now (May 08) the clutch is slipping on the gearbox, as the car has done 33K miles we are surprised that a new clutch assembly is needed so soon. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
5th Jun 2008, 09:12
I bought a second hand C3 1.6 16v Sensodrive a week ago and after three days there is a "Ghost in the Machine" i.e. Sensodrive. A software problem. My Citroen dealer installed the latest software update and said to me that the computer has to learn my driving style the coming period. I really do not like the idea of all that software. I promised myself to investigate better when I will buy my next car. I like Citroen, but I dislike Sensodrive. Think before you buy such a car.
14th Jun 2008, 12:29
I know my Brothers C3 has got problems but my 05 C3 Exclusive SensoDrive it never went wrong in the 3 years I had. I now have a 08 C2 1.6i 16v VTR SensoDrive which is going really well. I can't imagin myself going back to a Fully Automatic now after Driving the SensoDrive for over 3 years.
22nd Jun 2008, 13:42
2006 C3 Pluriel Sensodrive VF7HBNFUC28050548; I like this car but a serious fault has developed... when cold everything works properly, but after 3-4 miles, speedo reads zero and auto selection fails. ESC, ABS and engine management lights illuminate. I stop, switch off, and wait a few minutes, then restart and sensodrive operates for a few more miles. 1st and 2nd gears can be selected manually when sensodrive fails. Fault code (1f,36,58,14j) shows on diagnostic computer. So far no one has been able to cure the fault. Has anybody got any ideas?
22nd Jun 2008, 16:19
Early clutch failure on sensodrive - could be due to not using handbrake on hills but instead holding the car on the throttle. This would also cause a conventional clutch to fail at low mileage but would do little harm to a conventional automatic transmission. Just a suggestion - not a proven fact. Any other opinions?
12th Jan 2010, 05:04
Citroens are great cars.
I bought a USED C3 2004, and I found that only a few people can understand how much the Citroen is an amazing car.
I love it!
8th Dec 2010, 04:34
I have a C3 Sensodrive on a 54 plate, and have a misfire on no2 cylinder. Changed injector, no difference, any suggestions please?
13th May 2011, 13:21
Hi there, a common problem is the ignition coil rail, spark plugs.
Best regards
J.B Leeds.
22nd Jul 2011, 13:09
I have a 2004 C3 Sensodrive. After several "software updates", I have now been told by the dealer that the gearbox needs to be stripped, as there is at least flywheel damage, but probably more. The car still runs, but with gear lag and sometimes some juddering. Stripping the gearbox alone is quoted at £600.00, then whatever needs replacing is expected to cost another 600. Does anyone know someone who can do the same for less, or is it better to just sell and run?
11th Dec 2012, 16:10
This is a common fault and is very simple to rectify. What is probably happening is, water is dripping off the windscreen washer pipes that run under the bonnet. The two water jet nozzles, on top of the bonnet, need to be sealed, as water leaks in under these, the water then runs along the washer feed pipes and drips onto an injector, in your case number two. Seal the nozzles with a bit of clear silicon sealer, the type used for bath edging or aquariums. I know it sounds simple, but it works.
25th Aug 2005, 10:24
I too have a C3 sensodrive, the gear change judders, misses gear changes by revving and then lurching forwards, have had three downloads still no better, I am not impressed, been advised that I should use the manual selection to resolve these problems. Very little help from Citroen.
The rest of the car seems to be OK.
I will not be buying Citroen again.