Xantia dashboard light replacement ?

Mandrake · Unread post by **Mandrake** » 29 Dec 2005, 20:12

Hi All,

Considering removing the dash on my Xantia to replace a few faulty/intermitant bulbs... some of the lights for the rev counter and outside temp guage either dont go at all or come and go if you thump them, but was wondering what I was letting myself in for here if I try to take the dash out, as every car I've ever done that on the past has turned out to be a mamoth job!!

So whats the minimum amount of dissassembly needed to get at the bulbs ? It also has the steering wheel airbag, will I be messing with that to get at the dash too ?

Regards,
Simon

zzf00l · Unread post by **zzf00l** » 30 Dec 2005, 08:53

Hi. Is yours the 'facelift' model? If so I seem to remember reading that they changed the circuit board behind the instruments to a throw away item and that you were unable to change the bulbs.... IF it's true... might be worth checking before going to the trouble of stripping the panel down.

Mandrake · Unread post by **Mandrake** » 30 Dec 2005, 10:31

No,

It's a 1997 series 1.

Regards,
Simon

JohnT · Unread post by **JohnT** » 30 Dec 2005, 14:20

I will send you a few spare bulbs! I have removed the dash pod several times without to much hassle, in fact this how I change the plastic clutch clip through that space. You do have to be a bit brutal though! You will have enough space to attach the cable plugs to check the circuits before assembly. There must be 15 + bulbs.

Clogzz · Unread post by **Clogzz** » 30 Dec 2005, 15:31

The dashboard doesn't need removing to take the instrument panel out.
The filaments go brittle, and the removal job in itself may cause all the lamps to pack up.
Pictures here, looking like from the Haynes book:

http://www.planete-citroen.com/forum/sh ... .php?t=115

There are stories of not taking the steering wheel off.
Steering wheel removal threads, obviously been there:

http://www.aussiefrogs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31108

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=17360

Unread post by **zxTd** » 30 Dec 2005, 19:59

to save the system information when removing the steering wheel the earth lead from the battery needs to be removed before you start "consider the radio code it will be lost" the airbag system is self is safe because of legislation" you cant set it off unless you intend it" insurance companies know this, removal of the steering wheel will not set the air bag off "ignition off and key removed for safety reasons of course"

Unread post by **zxTd** » 30 Dec 2005, 20:06

also dont use cigar lighter remember tools which stores radio memory codes because this keeps the airbag system live and is known as "KAM" KEEP ALIVE MEMORY and the ECU records this so insurance is invalidated

Mandrake · Unread post by **Mandrake** » 30 Dec 2005, 21:05

zxTd wrote:also dont use cigar lighter remember tools which stores radio memory codes because this keeps the airbag system live and is known as "KAM" KEEP ALIVE MEMORY and the ECU records this so insurance is invalidated

Sorry,

I don't follow you here ??

Also by the way my radio doesn't have a code system, and in fact the radio is not even fitted in the car because I have it out for servicing...

Regards,
Simon

Mandrake · Unread post by **Mandrake** » 30 Dec 2005, 21:06

JohnT wrote:I will send you a few spare bulbs! I have removed the dash pod several times without to much hassle, in fact this how I change the plastic clutch clip through that space. You do have to be a bit brutal though! You will have enough space to attach the cable plugs to check the circuits before assembly. There must be 15 + bulbs.

Wow, thats very kind of you John! Are they tiny little things that will fit in the same envelope ?

Regards,
Simon

Mandrake · Unread post by **Mandrake** » 30 Dec 2005, 21:08

Clogzz wrote:The dashboard doesn't need removing to take the instrument panel out.
The filaments go brittle, and the removal job in itself may cause all the lamps to pack up.

I think I have some poor contacts on the bulb holders too, as sometimes thumping the top of the dash brings back on some lights that weren't working... (not all though)

Looks like its a steering wheel out job! At least I don't have to take the entire dash off. (I've had the entire dash out of a GS and a CX before and it was NOT FUN....

)

Regards,
Simon

Unread post by **zxTd** » 31 Dec 2005, 11:43

sorry mandrake m8 a better explanation, the memory dongle sometimes used to store the radio code while the battery is disconnected to allow work on the car

what it does is keep it powered up via a 9v battery when plugged into the cigy lighter but it also keeps the airbag system live and codes in the ECU are not lost ( handy little tool really ) but as you dont have a radio code you dont have that problem,

hope that explains it better

HST · Unread post by **HST** » 31 Dec 2005, 11:49

I've just had my instrument cluster out to reset the rev counter. It's a facelift model so perhaps slightly different. There was no need to take off the steering wheel. Complete removal of the control panel below wasn't required either: just loosen enough to get it out of the way.

BTW the facelift model doesn't use a speedo cable (uses two surprisingly good quality electrical connectors for everything) and DOES have removable bulbs.

It was pretty strightforward - less than an hour.

Here's what I did.

Remove steering column shroud.

Remove small control panel on lower RHS (open fusebox to access one of the screws).

Remove three screws from the long control panel that contains the clock etc. Partially (or fully if you can) unclip the LHS of this panel.

Remove three screws holding in instrument cluster & withdraw it carefully.