Flickering "Water in Diesel" Light

StillSmiling · Unread post by **StillSmiling** » 28 Jul 2003, 14:06

Despite having my Xantia regularly serviced, I have noticed that, what started as an occasional flicker on the orange diesel in fuel warning light, has become almost a constant companion (intermitently about 50% of time). I have had at least 2 services since this started which did not seem to make any real difference. I checked the handbook, and it is not helpful! What could be causing this, is it serious, and how do I prevent it?

Unread post by **RichardW** » 28 Jul 2003, 14:17

It could be water in the diesel, but it's unlikely - the sensor is notoriously fickle! Have a look at the diesel filter (located at the RH end of the engine as you look at it, on top of the thermostat housing). At the front you will see a small spigot, with a plastic finger nut behind it. Connect a pipe on the spigot, put the pipe into a jam jar or similar, turn the nut to open the drain, , and give the fuel primer (the bulb next to driver's side suspension sphere) 4 or 5 pumps - fuel should come out of the tube. Close the bleed screw and remove the pipe, then give the primer 4 or 5 more pumps to make sure no air has got in. Examine the fuel in the jar - if there is water in it, it will be at the bottom of the jar, as separate globules. I doubt you will find any - if you do (or it's all water!) then you will need to repeat this every few weeks until you get rid of the water)!
If you don't then you may be able to disconnect the sensor - I am not sure if the light comes on if you disconnect or not - I suspect not. Check every few weeks if you've got water or not - you'll soon know if your car is prone or not - FWIW I have never seen more than a few drops in 100,000 Citroen diesel miles, but my Dad went through a phase of draining loads from a Visa, but once he'd got rid, it didn't come back.
HTH
Richard

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 28 Jul 2003, 17:58

2 points of my own experience here :
1) These warning lamp circuits usually relies on a simple switch connecting the lamp circuit to chassis (earth). The switch or cable may have false earth connection somewhere.
2) Some gas stations experience huge water ingress in their underground tanks - mainly due to thunderstorms during summer - where the rainwater drains runs over.
You're simply filling up with water - if you miss your luck [:D]

algieuk · Unread post by **algieuk** » 29 Jul 2003, 02:21

Where is this light located? The only orange light I have on my Xantia is the oil level warning light. There are no wires going to the fuel filter either. How would such a sensor work, and where should it be?

Dave Burns · Unread post by **Dave Burns** » 29 Jul 2003, 03:23

Water in fuel light discontinued 95 onwards IIRC, blanking plug now fitted in side of filter.
Dave

nick · Unread post by **nick** » 29 Jul 2003, 03:34

Citroen stopped fitting them after a certain date as they never worked reliably.

nick · Unread post by **nick** » 29 Jul 2003, 03:36

Beat me to it Dave !
At least I've got over the magic 100 posts now [:D]