MOT Fail Position lamps not working...

This is the Forum for all your Citroen Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.
RichardW
Forum Treasurer
Posts: 12473
Joined: 07 Aug 2002, 17:12
x 1443

Re: MOT Fail Position lamps not working...

Unread post by RichardW »

I wouldn't be surprised if it was down to people pressure washing them.... The side lights are hardly a high current circuit
Richard W
Retired TD
Posts: 44
Joined: 01 Nov 2021, 08:38
x 8

Re: MOT Fail Position lamps not working...

Unread post by Retired TD »

RichardW thanks for your comment.
I am one of those owners who always washes by hand and never have used a pressure washer on a vehicle, other than a coach that I used to drive, but you do see people using them frequently.
On the Picasso as with many vehicles the Fusebox is not best positioned just belw one of the windscreen drains, which I always keep clean.
Regards
Robert
User avatar
CitroJim
A very naughty boy
Posts: 54716
Joined: 30 Apr 2005, 23:33
x 8161

Re: MOT Fail Position lamps not working...

Unread post by CitroJim »

Retired TD wrote: 29 Mar 2025, 08:33 I am one of those owners who always washes by hand
Me too Robert and then, not very often :lol: I chose the colour of mine with some care so as to not show how mucky it usually is!!!

This bit of trim is worth keeping an eye on... I've had mine detach itself and when I checked, it was not fully clicked home...

Not being properly secured could allow water into the electrical area...
20250329_145901.jpg
It was only my sharp-eyed passenger who noticed it flapping around that saved it being lost completely :)
Jim

A bit of a Citroen AX fan...
Retired TD
Posts: 44
Joined: 01 Nov 2021, 08:38
x 8

Re: MOT Fail Position lamps not working...

Unread post by Retired TD »

CitroJim Many thanks for your input.

You have hit a very valid point I must say, and it is just below this n/s wing as to where the Fusebox housing is located, so I must double check mine in the morning, thank you.

I have booked the Picasso in with an Auto Electrician who was recommended to me by a reputable local garage, cannot do the job until the 14th April as he is on holiday, but I only use the car at the moment as the wife's taxi. I will give the results of his findings when its been checked by the Auto Electrician.

Robert
Retired TD
Posts: 44
Joined: 01 Nov 2021, 08:38
x 8

Re: MOT Fail Position lamps not working...

Unread post by Retired TD »

C98A Fault Code (Break in the electrical circuit) Engine Wiring Housing : Front Right Side Lamp.

Update on Wiring Problem.

Auto Electricians checked the wiring from the lamp assembly to the fuse box and said all was in order except for corrosion within the base of the orange relay box itself, where there are signs of corrosion. This would be where the break in the electrical circuit would appear to be. This would be I assume caused by water ingress at some time in the past.

I was advised to purchase a replacement BSM 9667199780 RO 9 BSM - 00 with plugs so that he could solder them to the wiring cars assembly.

Considering that the erosion has only affected one front lamp of the relay, would there be a chance that if I removed the securing nut assembly that holds the BSM in place that I maybe able to ‘get a little room’ to enable me to clean out the erosion myself using some ‘Electrical Contact Cleaner’ or would you think that possible that there is ‘one of the pins’ completely eroded beyond repair?

This is only one of my wild ideas which possibly has no chance of working, or would you suggest that I should just get a replacement BSM for around £90.

Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

Robert
User avatar
CitroJim
A very naughty boy
Posts: 54716
Joined: 30 Apr 2005, 23:33
x 8161

Re: MOT Fail Position lamps not working...

Unread post by CitroJim »

Retired TD wrote: 16 Apr 2025, 19:18 Considering that the erosion has only affected one front lamp of the relay, would there be a chance that if I removed the securing nut assembly that holds the BSM in place that I maybe able to ‘get a little room’ to enable me to clean out the erosion myself using some ‘Electrical Contact Cleaner’ or would you think that possible that there is ‘one of the pins’ completely eroded beyond repair?
Given that all is now working, albeit in a non-standard way, I think your thought of removing the offending assembly and giving it a good clean using electronics-grade cleaner is worth a try...

Disconnect the battery and wait a good 30 minutes before starting work and then at the end reconnect using the correct procedure...

Use IPA first - the solvent, not the grog - to initially clean and displace any moisture (IPA is very hydroscopic) and then treat with a cleaner such as Servisol or the the highly acclaimed but expensive 'Deoxit'. Sit down before seeing how much it costs!

DO NOT use standard common or garden WD-40 or any of its clones... Except perhaps WD-40 branded electronics contact cleaner. Reports from the vintage wireless community suggest it's OK.

Lert us know how it goes...
Jim

A bit of a Citroen AX fan...
Retired TD
Posts: 44
Joined: 01 Nov 2021, 08:38
x 8

Re: MOT Fail Position lamps not working...

Unread post by Retired TD »

CitroJim. Many thanks for your valuable input.

One question to ponder. On Page 1 where I put a pic of the fuse box, could you or anyone please advise as 'how to open the locking tab on the white plugs' please as I do not want to break anything. Thanks...

I will keep you posted, thank you.

Robert
PaulC5
Donor 2024
Posts: 2413
Joined: 06 Jun 2023, 15:26
x 622

Re: MOT Fail Position lamps not working...

Unread post by PaulC5 »

The white clips should pivot down and at the same time might release the plug a bit. You might need to use a small screwdriver in it first since it looks as if there is a small lug at the top to stop it moving on its own.
Retired TD
Posts: 44
Joined: 01 Nov 2021, 08:38
x 8

Re: MOT Fail Position lamps not working...

Unread post by Retired TD »

Many thanks Paul I will give your suggestion a try, and be careful of course because I can be a little heavy handed at times when nerves kick in.

Regards