Wierd Electrical Problem

[deechio]

Hey guys , having a wierd problem with my 1998 xsara . I thought i was having the usual blower resistor problem , as my fans sometimes worked , and sometimes didnt . WHen they did , they worked fine , on all speeds , but its real random as to when they dont and do work . Found out tonight that thats not the only issue - as i do most of my driving in this car , i didnt notice before , but there are other problems happen at the same time . 

 

if i turn on the ignition , and the dashboard lights come on , then the front and rear lights also come on , as they should , and the fans work fine .

If i turn on the ignition , and the dash stays dark , then i have no lights , unless i turn the light stalk on to headlights - shouldnt have to do this as its the law here (norway) for the lights to come on automaticly , and i have no blowers . Also , when this happens , and i turn off the ignotion with the stalk on normal lights , i get this buzzing noise from rear of car , and battery light is dim on the dash until i turn the lights off - doesnt do this if above happens( normal operation) even if stalk is on off or normal .

 

Seems like something faulty in the electrices , but no idea where to even start - fuses are all ok , could it be a relay ? ecu? anyone any ideas?

 

Thanks in advance - BTW asking brits am im one myself and norwegians are the most unhelpful folk youl ever meet :)

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

I am not familiar with the Xsara so can only suggest things to look at. Does the car have a towbar, just trying to think what could be causing a buzzing noise from the rear and if so it could be a relay for the towbar lighting. If there is a towbar you could remove its fuses to see if this makes a difference.

 

Low battery voltage can give odd electrical problems on Citroens. You could check the battery connections are tight and clean and its connection to earth is good. Then check its voltage, before starting the engine it should be about 12.5 volts and when running about 14.4 volts.

 

You could check the wiring between the rear body and the tailgate to see if there is any damage which could be causing a bare wire to touch the body and buzzing and draining the battery.