What is it about the different colors of relays in Xantias?

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NorwegianMan
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Location: Norway, Kongsberg
My Cars: Citroen Xantia 1998, combi coupe, 1,8i 16V
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What is it about the different colors of relays in Xantias?

Post by NorwegianMan »

I have a 96 model 2.0i as a spare part car, and a 98 model 1.8i 16V, and some of the relays are located in different places in the two cars, and I can not find any relay map in the cars, but is it so that the relays that have the same color are the same, and thus can be switched without anything wrong happening?
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white exec
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Re: What is it about the different colors of relays in Xantias?

Post by white exec »

Have found the two sets of Relay Location diagrams for Xantia model year 1996, and model year 1998.
They identify the location and function of relays under-bonnet/inner wing, and passenger compartment.
Hope these are helpful.

Click to enlarge

MY 1996...
p01 - MY1996.jpg
p02 - MY1996.jpg
p03 - MY1996.jpg
p04 - MY1996.jpg
.
MY 1998...
p01 - MY1998.jpg
p02 - MY1998.jpg
p03 - MY1998.jpg
Chris
NorwegianMan
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Joined: 16 Dec 2020, 16:53
Location: Norway, Kongsberg
My Cars: Citroen Xantia 1998, combi coupe, 1,8i 16V
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Re: What is it about the different colors of relays in Xantias?

Post by NorwegianMan »

Thank you very much for the effort to find these diagrams white exec, so then I will see if I can sort it out.

Does anyone know if there may be a short circuit if I insert a wrong relay, or is it just that the function then does not work as it should?
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white exec
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Posts: 7445
Joined: 21 Dec 2015, 12:46
Location: Sayalonga, Malaga, Spain
My Cars: 1996 XM 2.5TD Exclusive hatch RHD
1992 BX19D Millesime hatch LHD
previously 1989 BX19RD, 1998 ZX 1.9D auto, 2001 Xantia 1.8i auto
and lots of Rovers before that: 1935 Ten, 1947 Sixteen, 1960 P5 3-litre, 1966 P6 2000, 1972 P6 2000TC, and 1975 P6B 3500S
x 1752

Re: What is it about the different colors of relays in Xantias?

Post by white exec »

Most (but not all) relays will have their circuit diagrams marked on the case.
A good few of them are standard 12v (coil) automotive "cube" type, which can be either
• 4-pin (two contacts for the operating coil, plus a pair which 'make' when relay closes)
• 5-pin (two for the coil, plus 3 others: one Common, one Normally Open, one Normally Closed). This is known as a Changeover relay, or SPDT (singe-pole, double-throw).
Both of the above types are standard automotive ones, usually rated at 30/40A, and available at most motor factors and electronics stores.
The circuit diagrams will show the contact arrangement for each one.
The relay socket may look as if it has 5 connections, but not all of the ways are always used.

Other relays may be 'specials', and have more contacts, or contain extra circuitry, such as timers.

It is important that the right TYPE of relay does in the right slot.
Don't rely on guesswork or moving relays around haphazardly.
If in doubt, ask here on the forum.

If a function is not working, and you've identified the relevant relay, which is located somewhere exposed to weather, you may want to unplug the relay, and clean up its pins and base contacts, which can become oxidised. Relays which are covered are less of a problem.
Chris
NorwegianMan
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Location: Norway, Kongsberg
My Cars: Citroen Xantia 1998, combi coupe, 1,8i 16V
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Re: What is it about the different colors of relays in Xantias?

Post by NorwegianMan »

Thank you very much white exec for the in-depth explanation of different types of relays. I think many people on the Internet can benefit from that explanation.
So then I do not take the chance to change relays from two different car models without thorough examination. I have two cube-type relays who I think has the same operation, so then I think I will try to open them to see if they look alike inside too. The one relay has two clips that allow me to open it easily, but the other one do not have that, but I will try to squeeze it up with a thin screwdriver.
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white exec
Moderating Team
Posts: 7445
Joined: 21 Dec 2015, 12:46
Location: Sayalonga, Malaga, Spain
My Cars: 1996 XM 2.5TD Exclusive hatch RHD
1992 BX19D Millesime hatch LHD
previously 1989 BX19RD, 1998 ZX 1.9D auto, 2001 Xantia 1.8i auto
and lots of Rovers before that: 1935 Ten, 1947 Sixteen, 1960 P5 3-litre, 1966 P6 2000, 1972 P6 2000TC, and 1975 P6B 3500S
x 1752

Re: What is it about the different colors of relays in Xantias?

Post by white exec »

The insides of relays can vary slightly in design/appearance.
Two things to check when trying substitutes:
- check the wiring diagram on the case
- if there isn't one, use a test meter on the terminals to check function.

Some relays also contain a 'reverse diode' across the coil. This is there to protect any of the car's electronics switching them from damage (by a voltage spike) when the relay switches off. This extra diode is usually marked on the relay case.
Chris
NorwegianMan
Posts: 20
Joined: 16 Dec 2020, 16:53
Location: Norway, Kongsberg
My Cars: Citroen Xantia 1998, combi coupe, 1,8i 16V
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Re: What is it about the different colors of relays in Xantias?

Post by NorwegianMan »

Thank you again white exec for the wide explanation.
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