Dead Xantia Td

[Guest barney]

My N reg Xantia TD has died - when I turn the key to start it all I get are the battery and handbrake lights. All the rest of the idiot lights are out. Everything else (heater, lights, instruments, windows ets) works. I've changed the ignition switch (for a new one lent to me by my local Citroen garage) but the problem remains. The car is fitted with the usual alarm, but does not have an immobiliser. The battery is relatively new and is fully charged. Any ideas, anyone, before I break the habit of a lifetime and resort to the "professionals".

[DickieG]

Have you trried shorting the connection on the starter motor?

 

Have you checked to see that the small push-on connector on the starter motor hasn't fallen off?

[Guest barney]

Thanks, Dickie. I should have said in my original post that in the "Start" position the starter moter will turn the engine over, but it won't start as the glowplugs are not working due to the fault. All connections to the starter motor are OK.

[DickieG]

OK, in that case take a look at the fuel cut off solonoid on the fuel pump. Its normally a round cylinder with one wire attached, it should have a 12v supply when the ignition is turned on.

 

Also try pumping the fuel primer bulb under the bonnet, it should become hard after just a few pumps, if not then you may have a fuel supply leak.

[Guest barney]

OK, in that case take a look at the fuel cut off solonoid on the fuel pump. Its normally a round cylinder with one wire attached, it should have a 12v supply when the ignition is turned on.

 

Also try pumping the fuel primer bulb under the bonnet, it should become hard after just a few pumps, if not then you may have a fuel supply leak.

 

 

There's no voltage at the fuel cut-off solenoid with ign on, Dickie, presumably because it comes from the same source that feeds the idiot lights. I've established that there is 12v at the glowplug control box from the mega-fuse, on the large black wire. Tomorrow's job is to establish if there's 12v on any of the pins feeding the control box multi-plug.

 

Looking back through the Forum I see that Jesterking asked for advice on the same problem on 25 Oct 06. Does anyone know what the solution was?

[DickieG]

There's no voltage at the fuel cut-off solenoid with ign on, Dickie, presumably because it comes from the same source that feeds the idiot lights. I've established that there is 12v at the glowplug control box from the mega-fuse, on the large black wire. Tomorrow's job is to establish if there's 12v on any of the pins feeding the control box multi-plug.

Looking at the date of your car I take it that it doesn't have a keypad immobiliser, because the pumps on cars with immobilisers are different.

 

If yours doesn't have the immobiliser why not take a feed direct from the battery to the solonoid to see if the car will start. If it does start you'll need to unclip the lead to stop it but at least you'll know you're on the right track to finding the fault.

[Guest barney]

Looking at the date of your car I take it that it doesn't have a keypad immobiliser, because the pumps on cars with immobilisers are different.

 

If yours doesn't have the immobiliser why not take a feed direct from the battery to the solonoid to see if the car will start. If it does start you'll need to unclip the lead to stop it but at least you'll know you're on the right track to finding the fault.

 

The mystery is solved! The problem turned out to be an external wire linking fuses 15 & 16 in the dashboard fusebox. This wire was in place when I bought the car some years ago, so why it should have caused a problem now is a bit of a puzzle. As soon as it was removed all the idiot lights came on and normal sevice was resumed. The auto-electricial who was investigating the problem was as baffled as me, but at least the thing is mobile again. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

[Guest chunky]

The mystery is solved! The problem turned out to be an external wire linking fuses 15 & 16 in the dashboard fusebox. This wire was in place when I bought the car some years ago, so why it should have caused a problem now is a bit of a puzzle. As soon as it was removed all the idiot lights came on and normal sevice was resumed. The auto-electricial who was investigating the problem was as baffled as me, but at least the thing is mobile again. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

 

 

Hi there. It appears I have exactly the same problem as you had. Could you give me more information as to what cured your fault? And the big question.......Is it still ok?

Best regards

Darren