2009 C5 relay clicking

[Rob81]

Hello. This is my first post for a while - after a couple of years in dull but very reliable Xsara Picassos, I bought a 2.2 C5 Tourer in February. I love it and over the last 20k miles, it's been great on the whole (if a little thirsty) but started to behave a bit oddly earlier this week.

When I go over bumps, what sounds like a relay clicks under the dashboard. When on smooth roads or stationary, there is no noise. I have tried to identify where the noise is coming from and think it's somewhere under the stereo/centre console. I have tried switching off various electrical equipment to see if it's associated with the heater/recirculation/stereo etc but nothing seems to make any difference.

Can anybody give me any pointers or advice? I assume it's some sort of loose or failing relay and that it might cause a problem at some point. I am worried in case it's going to involve enormous expense to track down.

Best wishes
Rob

[GiveMeABreak]

Rob, dare I say, there are a myriad of relays and ECUs all over the vehicle covering every electrical component, so it will be impossible to guess and unwise to do so. I would suggest that if you are concerned enough to either look at the list of members with a Lexia / Diagbox kit near to you who may be able to help, or if not, a diagnostic session with your local dealer. Whether your dealer will charge you is pot luck - some will charge for a diagnostic session, some will offer this for free - it really is luck of the draw and how well you know them as to whether they will charge you. This is why a lot of members buy their own kits for about £100 (for a decent one), which can be just over the cost of a diagnostic session.

Here is the list of members able to provide diagnostic support:
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 19&t=29178

[Rob81]

Thanks for the swift response. I have a very good specialist locally. I'll get it booked in. I have visions of it catching fire or something!

[SaabC5]

Might be worth getting the lower dash panel off and just wiggling/pushing any relays you can find, it may have just worked loose and is moving when you hit a speed bump.

[Stickyfinger]

or

a leaf ?

[GiveMeABreak]

What are you like!

[Stickyfinger]

should of said..........a leaf .....in the fan.

from what I have seen there are no relays in there ?

[Rob81]

No leaves as far as I can

I have poke around under the dash in the morning - I tried earlier after but hadn't counted on the hot heating plumbing...!

Thanks again for the replies

[Stickyfinger]

Maybe you can see more by popping out the radio ?

[Rob81]

Thanks for the advice so far. I have ordered keys to remove the radio and will pop it out when they arrive (tomorrow hopefully). Meanwhile, while routing around under the glove box yesterday, this item dropped out;



https://flic.kr/p/AB9ASw

https://flic.kr/p/AB9zoQ

Any idea what it is?!

(I hope the links work - im writing on my phone)

Thanks,

Rob

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi Rob

Here is a diagram of the offending item - it's a 'Cubby Brake Roller', Part 8226 PQ. I believe this is the mechanical / hydraulic stay mechanism for the glove box. It is item 4 on the diagram.

Hope this helps.

[Rob81]

Perfect. Thanks very much

[SaabC5]

Nowt behind the radio, i've had mine out to replace with an aftermarket unit. Sounds so much better with a decent head unit.

[Stickyfinger]

As said, there are no relays in there................

[Rob81]

Having looked at the diagram posted above, I'm going to take the glovebox out tomorrow and have a look behind there.