Citroen's Anti-Pollution Fault: What Does It Mean?

what does anti pollution fault mean citroen

The Anti-pollution Fault message is a generic warning that appears on the dashboards of some Citroen and Peugeot vehicles, indicating an engine management fault relating to emissions. This could be due to a blocked diesel fuel filter or a faulty anti-pollution system, which can cause the car to lose power or go into 'limp home' mode. In some cases, the issue can be resolved by driving at high speeds on a motorway or by using specific types of fuel. However, it is recommended that affected vehicles are taken to a garage for a diagnostic check to identify the root cause of the issue.

Characteristics Values
Meaning Your vehicle has an emissions-related issue.
Cause A blocked diesel fuel filter, a faulty spark plug, a clogged Diesel Particulate Filter, or a faulty inlet cam position sensor.
Solution Use a Car Diagnostics Scanner to identify the faulty component and fix the issue by replacing it. Alternatively, try a regeneration or a long journey at motorway speeds to clear the filter.
Warning The message is often accompanied by an orange engine warning light. The car may lose power or go into 'limp home' mode.

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The anti-pollution fault message may appear due to a blocked diesel fuel filter

The "Anti-pollution Fault" message on a Citroen vehicle indicates an emissions-related issue. This warning is usually accompanied by the engine warning light on the dashboard. This issue can be caused by a blocked diesel fuel filter, specifically the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in the exhaust getting blocked by soot particles. This can occur when the vehicle is primarily used for short trips, preventing the filter from self-regenerating and burning off the soot.

To rectify this issue, it is recommended to take the vehicle on a long journey at motorway speeds to help clear the filter. This can be achieved by driving in 4th gear to get the revs up. However, if the filter is severely blocked, it may need to be replaced.

To diagnose the specific cause of the "Anti-pollution Fault," an OBD2 reader or a car diagnostics scanner can be used to retrieve fault codes, which will provide more information about the issue. These fault codes can then be used to identify and replace the faulty component.

It is important to note that the "Anti-pollution Fault" message may also be related to other issues, such as a faulty engine speed sensor or a problem with the Eolys fluid system. In some cases, the issue may be standard for certain HDi engines even when there is no problem with the car. Therefore, it is essential to properly diagnose the issue before taking any corrective actions.

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The "Anti-pollution Faulty" message on a Citroen C4 is an indication that your vehicle has an emissions-related issue. This warning is usually accompanied by an illuminated engine warning light on your dashboard.

There are two types of regeneration: passive and active. Passive regeneration occurs naturally during sustained high-speed driving, such as on long motorway journeys. The high exhaust temperature achieved during such driving burns off the excess soot in the filter. Active regeneration, on the other hand, is triggered by the engine control software when it detects that the DPF is becoming clogged. During active regeneration, more fuel is injected into the engine, increasing the temperature and triggering regeneration. This process typically takes around 5 to 10 minutes and may cause changes in the car's sound, feel, and exhaust smell.

To address a blocked DPF, it is recommended to try a fast motorway run of approximately 15 miles to help clear the filter. This method of passive regeneration can effectively burn off the excess soot. However, if the blockage is severe or the filter is faulty, it may need to be replaced.

It is important to maintain the DPF properly to avoid issues with your vehicle's performance and to comply with emissions regulations. Failure to correctly regenerate the DPF can lead to increased exhaust emissions, reduced engine performance, and, in some cases, trigger a restricted 'limp-home' mode or even a breakdown.

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Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils could be the cause

The "Anti-pollution Fault" message on a Citroen vehicle means that your vehicle has an emissions-related issue. This warning usually activates the engine warning light on your dashboard. This issue is detected by your vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU), which triggers the warning light when a fault is found.

One potential cause of this issue could be faulty spark plugs or ignition coils. Spark plugs that haven't been changed in a while or are covered in oil can lead to an "Anti-pollution Fault" error. In some cases, cleaning the coil with a carb cleaner may resolve the issue. However, if that doesn't work, replacing the spark plugs and ignition coils might be necessary.

It's important to note that the "Anti-pollution Fault" error can be caused by various other issues as well. To identify the exact problem, you can use a Car Diagnostics Scanner or obtain the ECU fault codes. These codes will help pinpoint the specific issue and guide you in taking the necessary corrective actions.

Additionally, some Citroen models, such as the C4, may experience this issue due to a clogged Diesel Particulate Filter. In such cases, driving the vehicle on the motorway with higher revs can help clear the filter and resolve the issue.

It is always recommended to consult a professional mechanic or a Citroen specialist to accurately diagnose and address any "Anti-pollution Fault" issues with your vehicle.

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The engine speed sensor (crank sensor) may be faulty

The "Anti-pollution Fault" message on a Citroen vehicle indicates an emissions-related issue. This warning is usually accompanied by an illuminated engine warning light on your dashboard. The specific issue can vary, and the warning may be triggered even if there is no problem with the car.

In some cases, the issue may be related to the engine speed sensor (crank sensor). This sensor is located at the front right-hand side of the engine, wedged between the gearbox and the engine. It has a plastic appearance with a wire and plug attached. To replace the sensor, you will typically need a 10 or 11mm socket and wrench and some nimble fingers to undo the three bolts holding it in place.

Before replacing the sensor, it is recommended to get the fault codes read to identify the exact issue. This can be done by plugging a car diagnostics scanner into your vehicle, which will return a specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). Alternatively, you can take your car to a garage where a mechanic will use a Peugeot or Citroen diagnostics scanner to identify the root cause.

If you decide to replace the engine speed sensor, it is important to purchase a quality part to avoid future issues. Some sources suggest avoiding Euro Car Parts (ECP) as they are known to ship defective parts.

Once the new sensor is installed, clear the fault codes, take the car for a drive, and monitor whether the "Anti-pollution Fault" message returns.

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The inlet cam position sensor may be faulty

The "Anti-pollution system faulty" message on your Citroën means that your vehicle has an emissions-related issue. This warning usually activates the engine warning light on your dashboard. This issue is detected by your vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU). As soon as the ECU detects a fault, the orange engine warning light comes on.

You can also inspect the crank position sensors and pay special attention to the connectors. Check the connectors to the O2 (lambda) sensors and the grounding points on the chassis. If the problem occurred after strong rain, inspect the ECU and BSI connectors for water ingress.

Additionally, you can try clearing the codes, test driving the vehicle, and seeing if the fault arises again. This process of elimination can help narrow down the issue. It is important to note that replacing parts without proper diagnosis can be costly and may not resolve the problem.

If you are not comfortable performing these diagnostics yourself, you can take your vehicle to a garage where a mechanic will connect a Citroën diagnostics scanner to identify the root cause. This service may cost between €60 and €120 depending on the workshop or dealership.

Frequently asked questions

It means your vehicle has an emissions-related issue.

You should get the ECU fault codes read. You can do this by plugging a Car Diagnostics Scanner into your vehicle, or by taking it to a garage.

You will receive a specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) which will help you identify the faulty component. You can then fix the issue by replacing it.

There are many potential causes. It could be a blocked diesel fuel filter, a faulty spark plug, a clogged Diesel Particulate Filter, or a number of other issues.

Try a fast motorway run of 15 miles to help clear the filter. Avoid short journeys.

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