Just Got My First Car (citroen Zx 1.4)

[DaveC]

Hi, I just bought my first car after passing my test just under a week ago.

 

It's running brilliantly, but there are a few things...

 

Radio is not wired up and I have no idea how to wire it (It's the original radio cassette)

 

The brake lights stay on constantly

 

Other than that it's fine.

 

Does anyone know how to wire the radio in?

 

Any help appriciated, thank you.

[Shemer]

Hi,

 

Congratulations (both for driving permit and car) :lol: .

 

Radio connections :

 

If you have the original manual, have a look there. You'll find the description for every wire in the loom. If you're not familiar with vehicle electric system, let someone who knows fix it, otherwise you're gonna make some shorts in the systam, which may cause problems, and a risk of fire !

 

If you don't have the manual, I have it in French, don't know how much help it is for you... try e-mule.

 

As for the brake lights - most probably the switch located above the brake pedal. It's black square plastic stuck there. CHeck if it's not loose or broken, which will make the circuit be closed all the time, and the lights be on.

 

Just lay on your back behind the pedals, and look for it above .

[kfk]

For radio connections take a look here

[DaveC]

Thanks, both of you.

 

I have both fixed now :lol:

 

1 other question, when the ignition is in the "M" position, the lights on the dash....

 

there is an amber warning light on the dash with a symbol resembling an outline of and engine with an odd looking letter "K" in the middle

 

Should I have that, or is it normal for this light to come on? it goes off after starting the engine and a friend tells me it's fine.

[kfk]

The 'K' light, otherwise known as the engine management light (EML).

 

Will come on as a test for the bulb and also do a test on the system, assuming the engine management system is running correctly it will go out after a few seconds.

 

Should it come on while driving it means you have a problem that needs attention.

[citroeneddie]

Dave

 

Welcome to the Forum. My first Citroen was a ZX Reflex in 1992. Great car.

[DaveC]

The 'K' light, otherwise known as the engine management light (EML).

 

Will come on as a test for the bulb and also do a test on the system, assuming the engine management system is running correctly it will go out after a few seconds.

 

Should it come on while driving it means you have a problem that needs attention.

so as long as it doesn't come on while driving i'll be fine?

 

if that's the case then I have a perfectly pristine condition Citroen that runs brilliantly. That's great!

 

I bought a Stereo today at the car boot sales, has a tape deck, radio and a 6 CD changer which I put in the boot. Works perfect and I fitted it myself, I was quite impressed with myself actually :blink:

 

oh, and I have made a simple little page to show my car:

 

http://www.davesimage.co.uk/mycar.html

[DaveC]

Dave

 

Welcome to the Forum. My first Citroen was a ZX Reflex in 1992. Great car.

Thanks :blink:

 

If this car serves me right, then i'll probs get a Citroen for my second car when this one dies. Which I think will be a while yet.

[Shemer]

so as long as it doesn't come on while driving i'll be fine?

 

 

Hi,

 

This light is actualy not a "K" , but the known electric symbol for NPN type transistor :

http://www.eng.cam.ac.uk/DesignOffice/mdp/electric_web/Semi/03072.png

 

If you want to learn about it - you can read here:

Transistors.

 

It represents (in cars) the ECU (Engine Control Unit) which consists of electronic components.

 

As explained to you before, when you turn the switch - light will come up for testing, and it should be switched off upon engine running. No light when engine running is very good, means you you no faults in the engine management system (i.e. fuel & electrical systems).

 

BTW, every fault (light is on) is recorded in ECU's memory - so even if it's temporary, a technician can still read the problem code from memory and tell you what it was.