C3 Headlight Behaviour

[Guest ChrisW]

Hi,

 

I have owned a c3 cool 1.4 petrol 08 plate now for the last 18 months, I think the warranty on the car runs out in march 2011.

 

I am new here so apologies if this has been discussed in another post but I am mainly seeking advice. Last year after all the snow we had in the UK the car started suffering from a few electrical uses the lights tofaults. Mainly the screen washers, I suspect my other half was trying to use the screen wash whilst the wipers were frozen or the washer tank frozen/empty, anyway fuse replaced and it fixed the issue. At the same time I got a problem with the drivers side electric window not functioning with no illumination on the switch and the electric mirrors on both sides. Around this time as well the rear screenwash started randomly turning it's self on (it still does this). I took the car to my citroen dealer who fixed the electric window and mirrors issue with no charge but said they couldn't get the fault with the rear washer to appear and hence couldn't fix it. The rear washer problem was not likely to appear as it is completely random!

 

Anyway now I am getting an issue with my headlights and the stalk that controls them. This stalk also controls indicators and I initially thought that perhaps the random flashing of the headlights was being caused by the way I indicate but it has now started happening when i am opening the door to get in/out of the car. Basically the lights come on by themselves in a flashing kind of way. I have already had a few incidents at junctions where I have indicated and the lights have flashed.... Needless to say this is dangerous. The slightest touch (even a little tap) of the stalk anywhere near the headlight control causes the headlights to flash. If i turn the side lights on this isn't an issue. I have read that this is a computer problem within the steering mount and also that it is just a problem with the stalk.

 

My main question is will this fault be covered by the warranty? I am skint and can't really afford a massive bill to have this fixed. Any advice would be appreciated. I am a relatively new driver (only been driving 18 months) so am new to the world of mechanics and cars. Didn't expect this car to give me any trouble with it being still relatively new.

 

Thanks in advance

CW

[paul.h]

I think your warranty should cover the problems. The wiper fuse I have blown a few times when the washer jets have been frozen - the secret is to use additive so the water does not freeze but if not, try a short pull on the wiper stalk and if the water does not spray out then wait until the water has melted before using again.

[Guest ChrisW]

Booked in at halshaw dealer in hartlepool where we bought the car, warranty ends in march 11 so hopefully all will be good. thanks for the advice paul

[Guest ChrisW]

citroen replaced the switch under warranty.