KSchneidi

Problems with Berlingo 2003: Black smoke, engine light and high fuel consumption - suspected injection fault

Hi folks, I'm having problems with my 2003 Berlingo with a gasoline engine. It has all sorts of problems - black smoke when accelerating, the engine light comes on all the time, the engine switches off, the power is gone, runs unevenly, jerks when accelerating and eats up too much fuel. There is also a strong exhaust smell and the car simply stalls when idling. I have the suspicion that it is due to the fuel injection. Have you ever had similar problems and can you help me with troubleshooting? How did you get it solved at the garage and what were your experiences? Thanks in advance!

(Translated from German)

4 comment(s)

Hi, I had similar problems with my 2004 C3, also from Citroën. However, I would describe myself more as a hobbyist who knows a bit about cars, so please allow me some leeway in my assessment. At my garage, the guys diagnosed the problem as a faulty engine control unit. With the replacement and labor, I ended up paying around 1000 euros. Now it's running smoothly again, so that could also be the fault with your Berlingo. To be able to help more precisely, it would be great if you could give me a little more information about the vehicle, e.g. mileage, maintenance history and what you have already tried to fix the problem. Maybe I can then give you a practical tip from my experience. Hope this helps you a bit!

(Translated from German)

Thank you very much for your answer! My Berlingo now has 150154 km on the clock. The last service was pretty routine. I've tried a few things at home to fix the problem, but nothing has really worked. A faulty engine control unit sounds like something I should consider. Will probably have to take it to the garage soon. Your experience will definitely help me, thanks!

(Translated from German)

Hello again! No problem, I'll be happy to help you. With over 150,000 km on the clock, something like engine management failure can actually happen, at least that's what happened with my C3. But of course it could also be something with the injection, which is what you first suspected. I understand the frustration, you try all sorts of things at home and in the end the only option is an expensive trip to the garage. Since you noticed excessive fuel consumption and black smoke during acceleration, it could also be a malfunction in the fuel system. The idling and performance problems could also indicate a problem in this area. Maybe give them a hint about the symptoms you've observed and they can perform a pressure test on the fuel system to be sure. Remember it's always good to have more than one diagnosis as sometimes it gets more expensive if you don't catch the right problem the first time. I hope this helps you and I wish you the best of luck in solving the problem!

(Translated from German)

Hello again and thank you for your detailed reply. You're right, it can be frustrating when you try different things at home and nothing works. I have taken your advice to heart and will ask the garage to do a pressure test on the fuel system. I also think it's good to have more than one diagnosis, especially with a problem like this that could have so many different causes. Thanks again for your help, it really is very valuable! Off to the garage now. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

(Translated from German)

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