Xantia lights pulsating

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

Moderator: RichardW

Post Reply
User avatar
MrXantia
Posts: 46
Joined: 28 Nov 2002, 03:29
Location: Denmark
My Cars:

Xantia lights pulsating

Post by MrXantia »

Hi,
Hope somebody has tried this and know what to do.
All lights in the car is pulsing. Not off/on/off/on but strong/weaker/strong/weaker in a soft sinuscurve way. At the same time the enginepower does the same, especially at low revs and low torque. The pulse frequency doesn't follow the rews, it is more or less constant. It is very visible, I can see my headlights reflected in the rear of a car in front of me, and the controllights in the dashboard, even thoug its light outside.
I was thinking it could be the voltageregulator (if there is such a device) or the charge regulator (if that's not the same thing), but how do I check that? Where is it placed? How does it look?
I have a MK-2 Xantia 1.8i 16V petrol hatchback.
I really hope someone can help, as I need to get this fixed so my wife can get her Xantia back and I can get my C5 [:D]
Kind regards,
Lars
bernie
Posts: 882
Joined: 10 Apr 2001, 02:25
Location: Southampton United Kingdom
My Cars:

Post by bernie »

Hi Lars
I had the same thing a few years ago on my BX GTI 8v.
It was the alternator faulty
Peter.N.
Moderating Team
Posts: 11563
Joined: 02 Apr 2005, 16:11
Location: Charmouth,Dorset
My Cars: Currently:

C5 X7 VTR + Satnav Hdi estate Silver
C5 X7 VTR + Hdi Estate 2008 Red

In the past: 3, CX td Safaris and about 7, XM td estates. Lovely cars.
x 1199

Post by Peter.N. »

I assume it only does it with the engine running, if so, as bernie says, alternator.
User avatar
MrXantia
Posts: 46
Joined: 28 Nov 2002, 03:29
Location: Denmark
My Cars:

Xantia lights pulsating

Post by MrXantia »

Indeed you were right. When I measured the voltage it was 17-18 volts!!! After fitting the new alternator everything was back to normal, and after a new ABS sensor and some lightbulbs changing (they didn't survive) everything was back to normal.

But take my advice: Don't chance it. If the lights start puling like mine - check the voltage. If it is too high, change the alternator. It is VERY expensive if the ECU burns off.
87 BX14,225KKm
89 BX16,156KKm
88 AX11,145KKm
95 Xantia 1.8-16V,120KKm
88 Visa GTi,132KKm
95 Xantia 1.8-16V,145KKm
96 ZX1.4,249KKm
98 Xantia 2.0CT,175KKm
98 Xantia 1.8-16V,260KKm so far
01 C5 2.0 Prestige,125KKm so far
Peter.N.
Moderating Team
Posts: 11563
Joined: 02 Apr 2005, 16:11
Location: Charmouth,Dorset
My Cars: Currently:

C5 X7 VTR + Satnav Hdi estate Silver
C5 X7 VTR + Hdi Estate 2008 Red

In the past: 3, CX td Safaris and about 7, XM td estates. Lovely cars.
x 1199

Post by Peter.N. »

The regulator had obviously failed, over voltage is quite an unusual problem, but can happen, as you have proved.
Post Reply