Anti-freeze in diesel fuel
My Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 HDi has gone into 'limp mode' and then cut out on me twice recently, accompanied by the ESP and auto handbrake warning lights coming on. My Citroen dealer has traced the fault to 'waxy' diesel fuel blocking the fuel filter.
He explained that petrol stations (in my case, Shell) often don't add anti-freeze to their diesel tanks as they should, causing the fuel filter to block and the engine to lose power. They charged me £160 to replace the filter, suggesting I might try to claim it back from Shell. (Some hope of that!)
However, this same dealer carried out a full 'Gold' service on my car a couple of months ago (at 40,000 miles). The fuel filter was not replaced then. I've checked my service handbook, which tells me that the diesel fuel filter on my model should be replaced at 40,000 miles. I'm now wondering whether the dealer should have replaced the filter at the service, which would have avoided my two breakdowns, and is using the 'waxy' fuel story as an excuse.
They told me that they have dozens of cars every winter with the 'waxy' fuel problem, as if it is a routine occurrence. Have you come across this before, and do you have a view on it?
He explained that petrol stations (in my case, Shell) often don't add anti-freeze to their diesel tanks as they should, causing the fuel filter to block and the engine to lose power. They charged me £160 to replace the filter, suggesting I might try to claim it back from Shell. (Some hope of that!)
However, this same dealer carried out a full 'Gold' service on my car a couple of months ago (at 40,000 miles). The fuel filter was not replaced then. I've checked my service handbook, which tells me that the diesel fuel filter on my model should be replaced at 40,000 miles. I'm now wondering whether the dealer should have replaced the filter at the service, which would have avoided my two breakdowns, and is using the 'waxy' fuel story as an excuse.
They told me that they have dozens of cars every winter with the 'waxy' fuel problem, as if it is a routine occurrence. Have you come across this before, and do you have a view on it?
Asked on 13 December 2012 by JohnnyComeLately
Answered by
Honest John
It's due to the sudden drop of ambient temperature. That's why the diesel has waxed.
Tags:
fuel system
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