Citroen DS3 Common Problems and Solutions
Car Sags in One Corner
Problem:
When you’re parked, the car sags in one corner.
Solution:
One of your springs has snapped and will need to be replaced. We have the springs for the DS3 in stock at all times, so you won’t have to wait long for your part to be delivered. However, changing springs can be risky. Although the damaged spring will pose no risk because it will have already lost its pressure, installing the replacement means putting it under a lot of pressure, which can be dangerous.
Difficulty level
Sidelights Stay On
Problem:
When you turn your engine and all of your lights off, the sidelights remain on.
Solution:
While this could be a wiring fault, it’s much more likely to be a problem with your indicator stalk or one of the switches on it. Look through our list of replacement parts, and replace the faulty stalk with a new one. This will resolve the issue and is a very easy job to do yourself.
Difficulty level
Indicator Stalk
Radio Display Screen is Blank
Problem:
You can still hear the radio, but the screen is blank.
Solution:
Sometimes, this problem is accompanied by a service light illuminating on your dash. If your radio display screen is black, then it’s going to be a problem with your car battery. This is a common problem, especially for drivers who tend to make shorter trips. Make sure that your battery is fully charged, and buy a replacement from us if needed. While this will resolve the screen display, you may still need to reset the service light to get it to turn off.
Difficulty level
Battery
Car Sags in One Corner
Problem:
When you’re parked, the car sags in one corner.
Solution:
One of your springs has snapped and will need to be replaced. We have the springs for the DS3 in stock at all times, so you won’t have to wait long for your part to be delivered. However, changing springs can be risky. Although the damaged spring will pose no risk because it will have already lost its pressure, installing the replacement means putting it under a lot of pressure, which can be dangerous.
Difficulty level
Coil Spring
Sidelights Stay On
Problem:
When you turn your engine and all of your lights off, the sidelights remain on.
Solution:
While this could be a wiring fault, it’s much more likely to be a problem with your indicator stalk or one of the switches on it. Look through our list of replacement parts, and replace the faulty stalk with a new one. This will resolve the issue and is a very easy job to do yourself.
Difficulty level
Indicator Stalk
Radio Display Screen is Blank
Problem:
You can still hear the radio, but the screen is blank.
Solution:
Sometimes, this problem is accompanied by a service light illuminating on your dash. If your radio display screen is black, then it’s going to be a problem with your car battery. This is a common problem, especially for drivers who tend to make shorter trips. Make sure that your battery is fully charged, and buy a replacement from us if needed. While this will resolve the screen display, you may still need to reset the service light to get it to turn off.
Difficulty level
Battery
Glovebox rattle
Problem:
If you are hearing the glovebox rattle when driving you have a problem with the rubber dampers around the glovebox. This is common on these cars.
Solution:
Fitting replacement rubber dampers will resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Glove Box
Timing chain problems
Problem:
The engine on the DS3 has known timing chain issues. If you can hear a loud rattling noise from the engine when it is running and when it is in a stationery position. This is usually an indication of a timing chain problem. You may also notice a loss of revs at high speeds or engine hesitancy when taking off. Does the video below sound anything like your probelm?
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement timing chain and tensioners to sort the problem.
Difficulty level
Timing Chain
Seatbelt problems
Problem:
The DS3 has a known issue with the seat belts not going back up into the mechanism, leaving them loose on the seats. This issue is caused by the mechanism degrading over time, losing its power.
Solution:
A replacement seat belt mechanism is what is required to fix this problem.
Difficulty level
Seat Belt
Rear wheel arch liner problem
Problem:
The DS3 is prone to having problems with the rear wheel arch liners coming loose. This means that the wheel arch liners sink down towards the wheels.
Solution:
You will need to attach them securely to the wheel arch to sort this problem.
Difficulty level
Replacement Wheel Arch Parts | Used, Second-Hand Wheel Arches
Electric windows problem
Problem:
It is common on the DS3 for the electric windows to fail. If you are finding that YOUR electric windows are not opening and closing very well, this is a common symptom of the electric window regulator failing. You may also hear a sort of grinding sound when this is the problem.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement electric window regulator to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Window Electric System
Beeping Car
Problem:
While driving or parked with the engine running, there is a prolonged beep at regular intervals. This occasionally happens with no obvious cause.
Solution:
Check your brake fluid levels, as this will usually be the problem. Fill up your brake fluid and the beeping sound shouldn’t reoccur. If your brake fluid is already full, then you will need a full diagnostic check.
Difficulty level
Beeping Car
Problem:
While driving or parked with the engine running, there is a prolonged beep at regular intervals. This occasionally happens with no obvious cause.
Solution:
Check your brake fluid levels, as this will usually be the problem. Fill up your brake fluid and the beeping sound shouldn’t reoccur. If your brake fluid is already full, then you will need a full diagnostic check.
Difficulty level
The Electric Steering is Stiff
Problem:
You are struggling to turn the steering wheel, which feels stiff.
Solution:
If it feels like your power steering isn’t kicking in, then this is almost always going to be a problem with your battery. Check your car battery for charge. If you need to replace the battery, then simply head to our parts list, and we’ll deliver it to you. Alternatively, this could be a problem with the alternator. Although these can last a long time, they do wear down eventually and will need to be replaced occasionally.
Difficulty level
Battery
The Electric Steering is Stiff
Problem:
You are struggling to turn the steering wheel, which feels stiff.
Solution:
If it feels like your power steering isn’t kicking in, then this is almost always going to be a problem with your battery. Check your car battery for charge. If you need to replace the battery, then simply head to our parts list, and we’ll deliver it to you. Alternatively, this could be a problem with the alternator. Although these can last a long time, they do wear down eventually and will need to be replaced occasionally.
Difficulty level
Battery
