xenon headlights C5

cjuk81 · Unread post by **cjuk81** » 15 Jun 2011, 13:23

Should be simple for you guys this,

which mk1 C5 models came with these as standard, if any?

Unread post by **Paul-R** » 15 Jun 2011, 14:18

The Exclusive certainly. I think they were optional on the SX and I'm not sure about the slightly later VTR.

You can easily identify if the car has them as it will also have headlamp washers fitted (a legal requirement when HIDs are fitted).

cjuk81 · Unread post by **cjuk81** » 15 Jun 2011, 14:22

just answered my own question really, if parkers is correct,

there on the Exclusive, but no mention of them on the SX,

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/equipment ... ?model=146

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 15 Jun 2011, 22:01

As far as I know they were only on the Exclusive models in the C5I. The C5II had them optional on VTR upwards and were standard on the Exclusive.

chasqui · Unread post by **chasqui** » 16 Jun 2011, 14:15

They're on my C5 exclusive 2003 mk1, but I have no headlamp washers

Unread post by **Paul-R** » 16 Jun 2011, 14:20

Has the car had a front end bump? Someone might have put an ordinary bumper on without washers - cheaper to repair that way!

cjuk81 · Unread post by **cjuk81** » 16 Jun 2011, 14:44

if you have them, then you need headlight washers, I think its european law to keep them clean and cut down on glare from the lamps.

Like Paul says, the bumper might have been replaced at some point

chasqui · Unread post by **chasqui** » 17 Jun 2011, 06:48

Good point. I'll check. If it has been replaced, I hope I can trace back the pipework to the washer bottle!

chasqui · Unread post by **chasqui** » 17 Jun 2011, 08:25

Well, it turns that what I thought were blanking covers on the bumpers under the headlamps actually do house washers.

How do they operate though? I've gently pulled them out slightly by hand. They are on a strong spring. I can see the end of the nozzles and the tubing leading to it. I have tried putting the lights on and then operating the windscreen washers but the blanking do not automatically come out.

Are they an "extra" which has not been enabled in my car?!

It's a C5 2.2 HDi exclusive 2003

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 17 Jun 2011, 08:35

Could be the pipe to them from the washer bottle is blocked, or if there's a second pump for them in the washer bottle it could be faulty.

chasqui · Unread post by **chasqui** » 17 Jun 2011, 08:45

But should the nozzles be visible at all times? or do they just pop out when they're needed?

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 17 Jun 2011, 09:17

pop out when needed normally Chasqui...

they usually have some hefty pipes going to them from the washer.. i am guessing the water pressure is used to first force them out of the bumper.. could be wrong though

john

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 17 Jun 2011, 09:19

Pretty sure that's how they worked on my Laguna 2, they'd pop up only when needed, which combined with the atomising windscreen jets were perfect for sending a cloud of water onto the windscreen of the tailgating git behind me making them slow down and pull back to a safe distance.
Of course in true Renault style, despite the car being new and having gone back to the dealer several times, one of them would refuse to pop up.

Unread post by **Paul-R** » 17 Jun 2011, 09:56

chasqui wrote:or do they just pop out when they're needed?

Exactly.

They operate when you operate the windscreen washer AND have the headlamps switched on. So you may have been using them without noticing.

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 17 Jun 2011, 10:48

Yes they just pop out of the cover when they are needed. Try and get someone to operate them with the headlights on and see if they are working.