Citroen xantia lighting problem

[martin xantia 2]

I have a 1999 xantia across the water in Dielette, we Live in Alderney CI. All the lights failed one evening with only the emergency lights working and we blinked our way back to the harbour. I left it with the local Citroen dealer and they fixed the problem. Broken wire they said, took a long time and was expensive. On our next time over the same thing happened, all the lights went out on the middle of a busy main road, scary. The garage seems reluctant to get involved so it's down to me! Spring is coming so will be able to sort it I hope. Anyone have any experience of this problem or any ideas. Thanks Martin

[xantia_v6]

You will need the correct wiring diagrams to trace the fault. Can you give more details of the car RHD/LHD, RP number etc?

[Stickyfinger]

Or....an Auto Electrician ...I have always found them better and faster than most garages (who often call them in anyway)

[chinkostu]

All electrics? Or just headlights? If just head and sidelights go i'd be looking at the stalk

[martin xantia 2]

Thanks guys, the car is in France and the boat is out of the water but it is a RHD. I think the stalk is a good possibility although when I asked when it had been returned from the electrician they say it was a broken wire. However as the same fault appeared on the next evening outing some weeks later and about 20 min into running time seems like a its time related. Just the running and headlights fail but very disconcerting on a busy road in the dark!!. I'll try and pick up a stalk before I go over again. Many thanks. Martin

[xantia_v6]

It is not unusual to have wires fail due to corrosion, particularly in the big harness that runs across the front of a RHD car under the radiator. It is possible that there was another break in the same wire.

If you can identify where the break is, it is probably best to bypass that whole section of cable.

[ekjdm14]

It is not unusual to have wires fail due to corrosion, particularly in the big harness that runs across the front of a RHD car under the radiator. It is possible that there was another break in the same wire.

If you can identify where the break is, it is probably best to bypass that whole section of cable.

Haha Volvo problems there, V40s have the same issue with corroding loom under the rad! Hope it's not that, as it can be a pain if a lot of wires are gone (well, more time consuming than difficult but beware of dripping solder up your sleeve!)