Electrical Gremlins

[0784expert]

Hi All

 

Having a few issues at the moment with the electrics on my 2003 2.0hdi, This started recently with the washers not working so took out the fuse thinking it may have blown but it was not that replaced the fuse washers starting working, now they have stopped again & now every so often when indicating left my headlights turn on all by themselves. turn the indicator off & off go the lights it does not happen every time just now & again & once again the washers do not work any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated.

[paul.h]

This may be a problem with the comms 2000 switch unit or its wiring under the steering wheel which includes the wiper and lighting switches. You could try a battery disconnection/reconnection but you may need to replace the switch unit.

 

I have found the following battery procedure does not lead to odd electrical problems, copied from the C3 Common Problems pinned post:

20. Odd electrical problems caused by wrong battery disconnection procedure.

If you need to disconnect the battery and not do a BSI reset procedure, I have found the following has not given me any problems on a 2004 and 2007 C5 and a 2003 C3:

- remove the ignition key from the car

- open the bonnet

- wait a few minutes for the BSI to shut down

- disconnect the battery negative terminal

 

When reconnecting

- ignition key out of the car

- reconnect the battery

- wait a few minutes

- insert the key in the ignition and wait a minute

- turn the key to the first position and wait a minute

- turn the key so the dash lights come on and wait a minute

- start the engine

- take the windows down and up to reset the anti pinch

- reset the clock (and radio on the C3).

[Simple]

 I also have a C8 which sometimes does stupid things, I just:

1- Disconnect the battery

2- Turn ignition ON

3- Connect the +ve lead to the -Ve terminal for a few seconds

4- Turn ignition OFF

5- Reconnect battery again avoiding creating any sparks

6- Wait 2 minutes (The ECU takes a couple of minutes to boot), Lock and unlock the car 

7- Start the car normally and all should be well.

It keeps going well until the next reset for some other erratic behavior.

I updated the ECU firmware and it seems better, but I want to try version 1037383676, if I can find it.

 

Having said the above, I think you problem is related to bad connection due to age and metal oxidization, so it may be:

1- A dray joint on the Fuse Box PCB (indicated by removing the fuse and reinserting it)

2- An improper connection (disconnect and reconnect related connectors)

3- Leakage due to water or dampness, split wires, etc...

 

There is a Fuse Box under the bonnet below the driver side) right hand wiper, disconnect the three big connectors and reconnect them (they have latches), sometimes rain water goes in there and causes erratic behavior. I had to spray the connecters and the PCB with switch cleaner (WD40 will do) for a stupid error.

[0784expert]

Hi all

Thanks for your helpful replies, I have tried both of the suggested resets but neither worked, 

 

It would appear i need a new coms unit as washers still not working & the lights still come on occasionally when indicating left, I have to say somewhat shocked at the cost of new unit but need to get one for the MOT.

[Simple]

Did you try cleaning the fuse box with switch cleaner? it may be that.