Citroen C4 1.6HDI 2013 Engine Fusebox Unit

[tony42]

Update:
I had got the battery checked a few weeks ago just in case that might be the cause of the problem. Got the green light it was ok. Charged the battery because the car is not being used often and a lot of short journeys. Battery charged fine.

Anyway this morning car wouldn't start. Got it jump started and went around to a local battery shop. Really nice helpful older gent (older than me) fit the battery all inclusive in the price. I did help as he was very busy. A bit of a PITA in this car but once you have done it once and with another pair of hands helping it comes out ok. The negative terminal had a lot of corrosion on it. I forgot to mention after push starting the car the electrical fault had cleared.

The battery turned out to be the original. 8 years old. He checked it and even suggested putting it back in as he reckoned the only issue was the corroded terminal. It was cranking fine on his tester but I decided 8yrs was good and at this stage my head was thinking the battery was the cause of this fault.

Well hey presto. New battery in and all working fine. No warning light. Took it out a while later and drat warning light back on. Pulled live terminal on the battery and Hey presto appears to be gone again. Will keep going and if it re-occurs maybe take the battery back out and give the negative terminal a good clean and wire brush.
Initially the central locking was not working off the fob and mirrors not closing in. My Battery fitter had heard instances of this and to just lock the car with the key and go back in about 10 minutes. I drove straight to my local favourite Wine/Deli store and central locking was now all back working fine. Good weekend so far, I was able to spend the money that was going to go on what appears to be an unnecessary part change on more important lubrication and sustenance.

[tony42]

The saga continues ! My battery died. It was 8 yrs old. The shop checked it and advised it was still holding a charge. But when I put in the new battery the electrical circuit fault and service light cleared. I was overjoyed as I believed the battery was the problem. Unfortunately the fault returned. I found when I pulled the battery I could get it to clear but once left lying for a few hours it would re-appear on start up.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and the battery drained. Not a dicky bird out of it. I left it in to an auto electrical shop and explained the issues. They had it for the day and found more corrosion on the fusebox.Cleaned it all up and pronounced it repaired. But when I went to collect it the fxxking fault was back! They put it on the diagnostics and a fault B132B button backlighting short circuit to ground. There was two other faults one was aircon charge and the other I think a relay but didn't get the code.

I appear to be back at square one. I think the battery drain was being caused by the fuseboard. This is what the auto electrical shop felt. They advised that was now not present. They are going to do some research and come back to me. I think the draining has stopped as the fault can now be cleared again by pulling the battery but it returns when left lying for a few hours. My next course if nothing obvious is found is to probably go for the fuseboard replacement.

Hoping somebody has some info on the B132B fault code?

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi Tony

Unfortunately B132b isn't a recognised PSA fault code. Perhaps you can double check with your garage and provide all the relevant codes.

Wiring / corrosion / fusebox issues you may have aside, always make sure you follow the BSI Reset / Battery Disconnect / Reconnect Procedure whenever disconnecting the battery - it is essential to prevent issues with the multiplexed ECUs.

[tony42]

Thanks Marc. The hardware they are using is called Connex and the fault code is what came up alright on that diagnostics check. I have a photo of it on the phone. Had a look at the BSI procedure and certainly couldn't be sure it was followed exactly. I feel it has to be be the fusebox that is faulty and sorry I didn't take the option originally to just replace it and see if that was it. I haven't spent the earth yet ( 140 euro) so unless something definite is identified will probably take the option of replacing that part. Will also go back and get the other code off the garage.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so bear in mind you can’t get better than the original diagnostic too, used by PSA, and next to that is the near clone of this on the second hand market often referred to as the Lexia 3 kit with Diagbox.

Some aftermarket kits have difficulty with the constructor-defined codes or come up with their own.

[tony42]

I was afraid you might say that. They advised they would be able to program the new fusebox if I went down that route but I am very doubtful. Will talk to them tomorrow to see what the story is. Feel I will be going to the main dealer. PITA as the car is fine and has always been fine with the exception of this very awkward electrical issue.

[GiveMeABreak]

Well I’d be a bit concerned about that advice, as the engine fuse box does not need coding on these cars....

It is a straight replacement (making sure you follow the battery disconnection procedure of course).

[tony42]

We had that conversation Marc ( i.e you and I already on this thread) For some unearthly reason this model has to be 'keyed' or parameters set after changing out the fusebox. You advised that above after checking.
I am querying with them can they do that. I am a bit skeptical and that is the conundrum. If I am 100% sure fusebox has to be changed out to be rid of this issue I am probably safer going with the main dealer.
We discussed that bit also in the thread i.e. that I can get the box in Europe for circa €200 and want to check if they will fit it (main dealer). If the auto electrical shop who are around 20+ years can do it I am happy enough to let them at it but my mind is running scared of them messing it up and them still having to go to the dealer with my pants down

[GiveMeABreak]

Ah, yes I kept looking at the C5 X7 in your profile (I don't always have the time to read back through the entire thread, so my bad).

Yes the C4 (B7 variant) does need programming.

[tony42]

Hopefully and end to this saga! Got my replacement fusebox from Slovakia. €254.00. Brought it to my independent auto electrical shop. They got it programmed to my car and thankfully the Electrical fault message has disappeared. Will need to drive it for a week or so to see if the battery drain has resolved also.

Would have saved myself hassle and a bit of money if I had bitten the bullet earlier and changed out the fusebox.

I intend covering that fusebox with heavy plastic taped to the lid to try and ensure no water enters going forward.

[Dormouse]

I would not recommend sealing up in this way. Not only does it stop moisture going in, it stops moisture coming out. Better to invent a shroud or deflector/cover. cheers

[tony42]

Thanks @Dormouse will take that in to account when I cover it. The cover certainly should have been designed a little better. T

[Dormouse]

Citroens are not alone in having various ways of directing water onto electrics - infuriating! Pint Pot (Ducato), our camper, has various means of guiding water from above as well as from the front and underneath onto important electrics. I am having to invent 3 different shrouds at the moment.

[GiveMeABreak]

... and as happened to a member within the last few weeks, won't help if some incompetent garage decides to clean the engine bay with a pressure washer!

[Dormouse]

or if the LOYL drives up the chufty of an artic spraying salted water for mile after mile up the A90.
(Sorry dear. Yes, my sleeping bag is packed ready to head for my kennel.)