zx electrical problem

This is the Forum for all your Citroen Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.

Moderator: RichardW

Post Reply
hughbourn
Posts: 11
Joined: 25 Oct 2004, 02:19
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:

zx electrical problem

Post by hughbourn »

I have a strange problem that is driving me mad.....
It started last week when the battery warning light came on - I assumed a faulty alternetor (8yrs and 90k) so took it to my local man who fitted a new control pack and brushes (Bosch alt.)
After refitting all seemed well for a day, then the light reappeared, as it has been doing intermittently ever since.
The weird thing is, that when the light is not on it is not charging, but when it is on the alternator is charging normally.
Also (and this may be a coincidence) the glow plug relay is failing to disconnect after starting (a clip-on ammeter is showing a 15 amp discharge) and the radio is coming on and off when it wants.
Today I tried a new ignition switch - still no joy. Could it still be a faulty alternator? Could the glow plug relay be a coincidence? (it may have been like this for a while as the dash glowplug light is extinguishing normally)
Any suggestions welcomed!
Hugh
James.UK
Posts: 1169
Joined: 14 Dec 2003, 23:12
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:
x 2

Post by James.UK »

More detailed information would be usefull. model, year, engine, etc etc.. thanks. :-)
Stuart McB
Posts: 1635
Joined: 03 Oct 2003, 00:50
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:
x 1

Post by Stuart McB »

Any earth cable problems?
User avatar
AndersDK
Posts: 6060
Joined: 21 Feb 2003, 04:56
Location: Denmark
My Cars:
x 1

Post by AndersDK »

Hugh - if you have no experience or education in electrics/electronics - I'd say you're much better off trying an automtotive electrics spsecialists garage.
I have a feeling that this is more than simply a bad earth connection.
You should have the function of the alternater checked - in-situ - not out of car.
Note that the plug timer relay may keep the plugs on for up to 30 seconds - way beyond the distinguished glow light. Some of the later XUD's had a temperature compensation built into the plug timing.
Another teaser is a bad battery - or bad connection in the battery pole clamps. Check if the poles and clamps are clean on mating surfaces (clean lead-grey - not black).
"New" batteries - even only 1-2 years old may fail.
hughbourn
Posts: 11
Joined: 25 Oct 2004, 02:19
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:

Post by hughbourn »

Thanks for your replies - the zx is a 1996 1.9d non-turbo.It is a base model without too many electrics to go wrong.....
I may have to take it to a specialist, but it is a £500 car, and labour bills can mount up when tracing faults!
Hugh
hughbourn
Posts: 11
Joined: 25 Oct 2004, 02:19
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:

Post by hughbourn »

Thanks for your help - the problem turned out to be a partially blown fuse on the battery warning light supply/wipers. Everything fine now.
Post Reply