Replacing Under Bonnet Fuse Box/bsi Module

[Student]

Hi,

 

I have 2005 Citroen C4 2.0 HDI VTR+ model that I need help with.

 

Recently, while on a trip to pick up my girlfriend from work, the engine suddenly stalled on the go. The car had gone very quiet and as I stopped and tried to restart the engine, it would't start or even turn it over. Uppon quick inspection under the bonnet I susspected that the fault might be with the fuse box/BSI module as a nasty electric burn scent was coming from it. In the following day, uppon closer inspection, I've learnt thet the fuse box was gone due to short circuit caused by water that somehow had found the way through the connection seal.

 

My questions are:

1. Is this a case of simply replacing the faulty fuse box/BSI module or is there more to it? For example some costly reprogramming required.
2. If reprogramming is required then how much will it cost and who can do this work for me?
3. Are there any alternative ways to aproach this issue?

Any help with this will be much appreciated.

 

Thanks for taking time to read this post and to all who will replay in advance.

Edited February 6, 2017 by Student

[coastline taxis]

If you buy a new bsi from citroen  then with programing it can be fitted to your car. If your going 2nd hand then you will need the key/ecu/bsi/and locks from donor car. Or try BBA remain as they might be abl to repair your bsi

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Did the engine management light come on - if so a code reader will give you a good idea of what is wrong with the car, just in case it is not a fuse box problem.

 

Note that the bsi is the fuse box in the dash/glove box and not the fuse box in the engine. If you are only referring to the engine fusebox I think this can be replaced without the need for any programming, but I am not sure. If you go for a used one it will need to be from a car the same as yours including any options. You need also to find out how the water got in, check the cover is on properly and any seals are ok, check the wiring to it in case any are causing water to get in - on the C3 there have been cases reported where water can go along the washer pump wiring in to the fuse box. Check the seal at the top of the bulkhead and also check the drains at the ends of the bulkhead are not blocked with leaves.

 

Have you also considered using a hair dryer on the fuse box to dry it out if you are convinced this is the problem. You should also check that all the fuses are intact including the maxi fuses. Also have a look for any damaged wiring that may have shorted out against the bodywork.

 

There is a Haynes manual for the C4 which may help doing any repairs to your car.

[Student]

Thanks for welcoming and quick replay guys. Very much appreciated.

 

paul.h,

 

I am pretty sure this is the fuse box that has failed as smoke was coming out of it as I attempted to start the engine the second time. However, are you 100% sure the under bonnet fuse box is NOT also a BSI module. I suspect it might be as it has three similar wiring connectors to the one for the close by ECU. Below I have attached a link to the image that is exact copy of the part that failed (I hope it works, if not it can be found by typing 9657718780 into Google and searching for images).

 

After this incident I tried to connect my code reader/eraser to the ECU to see any fault codes, but it would not allow me to do so. Furthermore, after the engine stalled the dash went blank and all sorts of warning messages appeared on the screen and front light were completely cut off (even the hazard lights).

 

Paul, you have given some good points for consideration regarding checks to perform and prep work to be done before fitting new fuse box. However, at this point I am considering whether or not it is worth repairing the car as its current market value is between £500 to £1000. So, essentially I want to estimate how much it will cost to repair in order to decide whether to go ahead with the repairs or to scrap it and get new one. If it is as you said that the BSI module on these cars is located in the glove compartment then it might be worth fixing the car provided that no reprogramming is required. Can you or anyone else confirm this?

 

coastline taxis,

 

Provided that I buy new BSI module from Citroen dealer (Cost - £244.50) do you roughly know how much reprogramming would cost and where to get it done?

Edited February 7, 2017 by Student

[coastline taxis]

paul has made some good points here.  click on this link and on the right the bottom one is the fuse box and the bsi unit is the top right http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CITROEN-C4-2-0-HDI-06-JDS-REF-611-ECU-SET-KIT-96-633-841-80-9663384180-FREE-P-P-/231849572591?fits=Model%3AC4&hash=item35fb4fb8ef:g:m5cAAOSwmfhX77cY

[paul.h]

Pasting your link into google comes back with images of the engine fuse box, called by Citroen the BSM which is not the bsi which is in the glove box. The bsm is not that expensive, as an example of a used one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-C4-under-bonnet-Bsm-fuse-box-module-9657718580-BSM-L04-00-S118983004K-/361821275635?hash=item543e3a85f3 but I would ask at a Citroen dealer for the cost of a new one since if your failure is a common one then a used one may also have problems. They will also give you the cost to fit it but I suspect it may not take too long since it looks to only need one bolt and a few electrical connectors to fit it. The ebay listing says it needs programming but I am still not sure about this.

[paul.h]

Just had a look at the Citroen Service box procedures and it gives 18 minutes to replace the engine fuse box and makes no mention of any diagnostic procedures. There are 7 different part numbers for the engine fuse box depending on the year of the car and the options on the car - if you get one from a Citroen dealer using your car VIN it will be the correct one for your car.

 

When disconnecting/reconnecting the car battery do not do it too quickly since the bsi needs time to shutdown/start up. I have found the following from the Common Problems procedure has worked ok:

11. 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).

[Student]

Thanks for all valuable information guys.

 

Based on Paul's feedback I have decided to get a second hand part from 1st Choice spares (Cost - £46.50 including delivery as oppose to NEW - £244.50) and try fixing the car. At least if the replacement part burns it will not be such a loss and I'll know that something else, other than water, caused the problem.

 

I'll keep you posted of the outcome once I get the part and the job done.

[Student]

An update on the outcome of the under bonnet fuse box problem I had.

 

As it turns out, it was the under bonnet fuse box that has caused the issue. Bought second hand part for £46.50 including delivery; changed the fuse and dried all connections that caused short circuit in the first place; replaced the fried fuse box and followed Paul's advice on battery re-connection process; turned the key and the car started. No need for any coding as stated by Paul.

 

Huge thanks to Paul and Coastline Taxis for the valuable advise. Without your advice the car would most likely be scrapped and I'd have to spend a lot more money on getting a replacement.

 

Thanks again and best regards. :)

[paul.h]

Good to see you managed to fix it and it did not cost much, always important when keeping an older car going on a limited budget.