Most trivial fault ever?

[Andy F]

Last week had the low screen wash warning on the Xantia Exclusive (didn't know it had such a thing!) Filled up, about 4 litres or so, but the light continues to light whenever the front washers are activated. Rear wash wipe doesn't cause the light.

Pretty trivial in the grand scheme things and certainly something I can live with, but doesn't any one have any ideas? Also, what's your most trivial fault?

[GiveMeABreak]

You've probably got a short or the level sensor has some crud.
Not a fault as such, but on my old Mark 1 the annoying Traffic Master Lady "Twaffic Fwowing Fweely" every 2 minutes... aarrggghh.

[CitroJim]

My old S2 V6 used to do exactly this Andy... Never did establish the cause but I very much suspect dirty sensor blades.. The sensor is just a pair of blades that dip into the liquid and effectively measures its resistance... A high reading means it's empty...

On one car I dismantled I noted the blades were very corroded.

I believe the level sensor is only active when the washers are running.

Thing is, to investigate and fix means getting at the washer reservoir which means taking the front bumper off...

[Andy F]

Ah thanks for that, yes crud is quite likely. It got low on Friday following a quarry lorry down the lanes. It has never been on before, the Exclusive still surprises me with it's equipment levels and attention to detail.

I'll leave it alone no point disturbing the delicate plastics of an old Citroen!

The Traffic Master lady singing along is always fun.

[xantia_v6]

XMs and C5s use the same sensor, and they are unreliable there also. I think that dampness gets into the electronics behind the blades that are immersed in water. It should be possible to fit a sensor from another make of car, as it just pushes into the reservoir through a rubber grommet, but I have not measured the diameter to look for.

A better sensor for this applicaion is one that just has a magnet on a float, so that there is no path for water to get in.