Side lights at the front don't work

Jshodgson · Unread post by **Jshodgson** » 12 Apr 2006, 10:05

My front side lights don't work, the rears do but the light on the dash doesn't either. I have taken the very small 5W bulbs out to see if they are blown. I can't tell so I'll change them anyway.

Does the Xantia have a clever feature that tells you the bulbs have blown by stopping the dash light from working?

Could it be anything else? They seem to share a fuse with the rears so it can't be that.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 12 Apr 2006, 11:51

I have yet to read about an owner classifying the Xantia lights system as "clever"

I was going to say check the fuses - but this cannot be the problem as you still got the tail lights on.
That leaves a dodgy earth connection as the problem - which I believe is one of the Xantia landmarks - sort of

Pre '98 Xantias are reputed for bad earth points under the battery (remove battery and any tray). All Xantias are reputed for a sensitive wiring loom with an earth distribution point hidden under the loom sheathing - located directly under the radiator.

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 12 Apr 2006, 21:41

Before you start fault finding with your dash lights, make sure someone hasn't turned the dimmer switch down with their knee!

Jshodgson · Unread post by **Jshodgson** » 13 Apr 2006, 00:22

Thanks Peter I've checked and the dimmer is up to full power. I've learnt that when buying a new Xantia turn this down to the minimum and the one night treat yourself and turn it up to see how may dash lights don't work !!!!!!

It's like Xantia dash light roulette ! ! ! !

Jshodgson · Unread post by **Jshodgson** » 13 Apr 2006, 00:24

Anders...how do I improve the earth near the battery and where do I begin to look for the dodgy loom under the radiator?

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 13 Apr 2006, 02:38

Errr...

Start a bit more logic : use a needle tipped testlamp and search for a +12V at the bulbs with missing light. Next move the test lamp clip to the +12V battery pole and search for an earth at your bulbs. Once you know what is missng and whats working - you know where to go ...

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 13 Apr 2006, 13:33

before going looking for faults just try replacing the side light bulbs and check the side lamp warning light,always keep it simple before getting all complicated
regards malcolm

Village · Unread post by **Village** » 13 Apr 2006, 13:46

I had a similar problem with my ZX. I changed the side light and dipped beam bulbs at the same time and the sided lights would only work one at a time. I gave the contact/holder thing a wipe with a cotton ear bud and they both worked fine after that.

I had initially tried swearing at them, but as I can't swear in french, it made no difference. (mumbles) bloody foreign cars.....

Clogzz · Unread post by **Clogzz** » 13 Apr 2006, 15:10

Here are a few of captain Haddock's most effective French swear words:

French Car Forum

Side lights at the front don't work

Side lights at the front don't work

Captain Haddock