CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

[CitroJim]

My task for this morning: see if I can sort out Gabriel's cooling fans. Currently only one works and it has to be manually operated via a switch under the bonnet. It was a pain when I had to stop a couple of times on the way home from Somerset to firstly switch on the fan in queuing traffic and then stop and switch it off when the queue had gone! At worst I'll put a switch on the dash...

[Chris570]

If you put a switch on the dash I'll link it to the horn.... I'm sure we can sort it the old fashioned way if needed

[CitroJim]

Found the problem. An open circuit in the loom to the RH fan relay...

Without removing the aircon condenser, intercooler and rad it's impossible to get at so I'm working on a bypass method.

I've knocked up a crude 'proof of concept' and it works a treat. Now got to make it a proper job.

Basically, I'm bypasing the O/C wire by tapping into it just downwind of the E Maxi-Fuse and wiring a piggy-back relay base to the existing relay base with three connections going to the good wiring in the existing relay base and the bypass feed going direct to the relay...

I'll do a couple of photos when I've made it decent...

[Zelandeth]

Yep, that ties in with my findings, Jim. The LH motor is o/c as well which is why I'd done my weird cross-linking nonsense.

[CitroJim]

The LH motor is o/c as well which is why I'd done my weird cross-linking nonsense.

No, both motors are fine I'm happy to find Zel... It looked O/C when I first checked it but it picks up its earth via one of the other relays and one of the relays may well have been dead too.

I've now done the job and all is working well. the fans come on when the Bitron (brown) sensor is disconnected and when the aircon button is pressed. I also got the engine nice and hot and watched the fans happily cut in and out ;D

here's how I worked around the situation:

Relay 'piggybacked' into the realy base but with the bypass feed from Fuse E going to it before final fitting...



Where I tapped the bypass wire into the fan loom by the glowplug timer. I used a 'mod-tap' connector...



Relay fitted - sort of! Thanks goodness for cable ties



And finally, the bypass wire running along the top of the inner slam panel. It is important to fix this wire with care so that it stands no chance of getting tangled in the fans and dies not foul the bonnet closing...



Final job was to put the fan guard back on...

I'm happier now it's done as I have a trip to Heathrow in it next Monday to meet Sian on her return from her Aussie holiday...

I'm sure I'll need working rad fans on that trip!

After I'd finished that job I went out for a lovely (and very much needed) bike ride

[Zelandeth]

Well done Jim! Hopefully the fans behave now. Have to admit it's a long time since I investigated the fans, may be I didn't understand the ground path properly...at least they're working now anyhow, that's the main thing.

[CitroJim]

You see I left your On/Off Dymo label in place Zel!

I'll be testing them regularly now. Easy to do, just press the aircon button ad the fans will spin up...

And if the relay gets too damp/splashed in wet weather I'll pop a rubber boot and silicone grease around it...

[Stickyfinger]

http://picclick.co.uk/2pcs-Automobile-R ... 57889.html

Water proof relays

[CitroJim]

http://picclick.co.uk/2pcs-Automobile-R ... 57889.html

Water proof relays

That's a good call Alasdair Thanks!

I may well order one of those if dampness is an issue...

[CitroJim]

Really enjoyed my very first 'proper' run this morning...

First time running in a big group and I loved it...

I find I'm not slow either - very soon I was up there with the leaders despite starting well down the field...

Proud to have this medal... First time I've ever worn a race number in my life



This won't be my last competitive run either - got the bug now

It's a lovely day so now I'm off out on my bike to make the most of the gorgeous weather...

[demag]

Well done Jim. Don't get over doing it.

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[CitroJim]

Well done Jim. Don't get over doing it.

Thanks Dave I'll try not to

Just returned from a 26 mile bike ride. It was gorgeous... The weather was so good I could get away with my full summer bike clothing I'd say down here it's been perfect cycling weather today... I got rather warm when running earlier as I put on a base layer and in all honesty I did not need to...

Here's details of the ride:

https://www.strava.com/activities/760566588

[demag]

Weather's awful up here. Heavy thick grey cloud, been like it days now.

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[CitroJim]

Davie's talk of rear callipers and pads on his Activa reminded me that I'd not quite finished off Gabriel's....

I'd not fitted the new calliper covers...

I thought I'd better before the weather turns as they perform a very important role of keeping mud and wet road muck out and away from the pads...

That job is now done And in glorious weather too; it's been positively hot (for the time of year) down this way...

[daviemck2006]

one for you Jim!

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