C3 Auxillary Belts

[TheLoon]

Some thoughts please, in the past 2 weeks my C3 (2005 1.6 Exclusive Auto Light function enabled) has blown 1 dipped lamp and shattered 3 dipped lamps.

I took it back to the garage ( non Citroen ) i purchased it from as it has warranty cover. Just come off the phone now to be told, that everything checked out voltage, alternator, etc and had the lights on until the radiator fan kicked in and the lamp still worked. Not satisfied with that they went to see my local Citroen dealer (B.S.M.) next but one garage down to see if there are any known problems (apart from have the non ease of replacing them!!)with C3 headlamp lamps.

My garage (Nissan) was told that Citroen Auxillary Belts can cause a large amount of static to build up which in turn can lead to lamps blowing!? I have, along with my other half being getting large bolts off the car when shutting the doors?

BSM suggest changing the current Citroen Belt for a non branded variety. Of course not covered by my warranty so i will be charged for part and fitting.

Has anyone else heard of this belt problem and do i have some form of claim against Citroen?

 

:(

[paul.h]

I do not have these problems with our C3 (2003 1.4 petrol SX). A dip beam lamp did go last week just as it was switched on but only the filament had burnt through so nothing unusual. I found you have to be careful to make sure the lamp is fully seated and clipped in so it is not loose. Also do not touch the lamp glass since this can cause failure - usually mentioned on the packet. If the alternator is giving out more than its 14 volts (due to regulator problem) then this can cause failure. If the belt is being charged, have a look under the bonnet in the dark and you may see sparks coming from it.

 

When opening a door, if a metal bit on the door is held as a foot is placed on the ground you should not get the static shock since you will earth yourself through the car and its tyres as you get out. Has this static problem with the doors just started and if so are there any changes - tyres, seats cleaned, different material clothes worn, dry atmospheric conditions ? Static electricty is created when dissimilar materials are separated and if not earthed will build up and is more likely in dry conditions. Here your clothes and the car seat material are likely to be causing you to become charged as you get out and then once out you touch a metal part of the car which then earths you - to check get somebody who is outside the car to close the door and they should be ok but not if they hold the door and you touch them.