Disaster Strikes - Heeeeeelp...

Post by **CitroJim** » 17 Jul 2005, 19:28

After a really successful day yesterday replacing my strut tops on the Xantia, today has been just the opposite!
After discovering my car has ABS but no warning light (amongst others, notably ignition) I decided to have a look at these problems.
So, instrument cluster out to find all bulbs good. Not that then.
I put the instrument cluster back in to find the speedo not working. I then had it out again and pulled on the end of the speedo cable. The white bit came off in my hand! I had a real struggle to get the old cable out (which was worn anyway, causing a wobbly speedo) so then I got well stuck into the warning lights problem. +12V on both sides of the ignition lamp but 0V on the alternator so wiring problem between the two. But where?
In my attempts to find the problem I disconnected the battery. Big mistake! The alarm is now permanantly set and I just cannot disarm it using the switch under the bonnet. I have a plip that does not work so no help there! The red LED now flashes constantly and has never lit up before during my ownership of the car.
Please help me! How do I reset my alarm without a plip, any tips on refitting the speedo cable and any common problem to cause my warning lights problem along with half the panel illumination in darkness..
Thanks, thank goodness I have the 205 to fall back on!
After a day like this it can only get better....

Post by **Peter.N.** » 17 Jul 2005, 22:34

The alarm I cant help you with, you will have to wait for somone who knows, as for the alternator volts, make sure that the bulb is making contact with the print both sides, try taking it out and putting it in again making sure it goes right home.

xantiav6 · Post by **xantiav6** » 17 Jul 2005, 22:54

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I think that the alarm can be stopped by switching on the ignition with the key within a few seconds of connecting the battery.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 17 Jul 2005, 23:23

i think you can reset the alarm with a switch on dash,it tells you how in the owners hand manual regards malcolm

Homer · Post by **Homer** » 17 Jul 2005, 23:29

ABS? which idiot told you your car has ABS.[?]
/Homer runs off and hides.
P.S. Alarm, if I remember correctly on MK1 is turn ignition key then press alarm button on dash.
Mk2 models (with transponder immobiliser) you just turn ignition on.

dnsey · Post by **dnsey** » 18 Jul 2005, 00:44

1)Connect battery.
2)Lock & unlock door with key (alarm will sound).
3)Within 30 seconds, turn on ignition whilst holding alarm button down.
Repeat from 2)if alarm sounds again.

Post by **CitroJim** » 18 Jul 2005, 01:10

Thanks for the alarm reset procedure. Excellent.
An update on the lamps and ABS: The ignition light was a broken sense wire to the alternator. It looked perfect but was broken internally near the ring connector at the alternator end.
The ABS light is now working. What a game, took me all day to find it. Turned out a brown multiplug buried deep in the wiring looms near the ABS ECU was partially pulled apart. Deliberately I guess to put the light out. I now find the ABS light comes on, flickers three times and then stays on. The O/S/F sensor is open circuit...
Still, I have learned a heck of a lot about Xantia ABS today...
The speedo cable is a game for another day when it arrives from GSF....

Post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Jul 2005, 03:08

Check the connector if you havn't already, the salt water gets in and corrodes them