C5 Flickering Headlamps

Paulio · Post by **Paulio** » 13 Oct 2008, 19:06

Hello All,

The drivers side main beam headlamp on my 2005 C5 flickers on and off before staying off completely. It happens when the directional setting is both on or off and is (very) temporarily solved by changing from auto to manual light selection.

It isn't triggered by going over a rough piece of road or anything else that I can figure out so I reckon it is a dodgy connection or relay.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any suggestions welcome before I take it to the dealer.

Thanks
Paul

TBONE · Post by **TBONE** » 14 Oct 2008, 08:29

I would check the earth connection near the head light unit and see if they are corroded

mooseshaver · Post by **mooseshaver** » 14 Oct 2008, 14:05

Changes in the height of suspension can cause this, its normal for the C5.
Its when the pump comes on it does it.

KevMayer · Post by **KevMayer** » 14 Oct 2008, 17:33

Does your C5 have Xenon headlamps.

My C5 has Xenons and my left headlamp developed the same symptoms just before it failed.

Kev

Post by **myglaren** » 14 Oct 2008, 23:03

I get a temporary (½ second) cut out now and again. Both lights at the same time though, nothing at all like the OP's description. It is fairly rare but I have observed that it is most noticeable when accelerating uphill and then leveling off at the top, as when joining a motorway from an upramp.

How much juice does the pump draw to cause that? (I have to admit some scepticism on that score).

It mystifies me why they departed from the `proper' Citroen system anyway.

reblack68 · Post by **reblack68** » 15 Oct 2008, 07:05

Our C5 does what Myglaren described. I'd thought it was problems with the alternator. I'm glad I didn't replace the alternator now.

mooseshaver · Post by **mooseshaver** » 15 Oct 2008, 08:56

http://www.gsfcarparts.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2269

Or google it. Lots of people have this feature. I presume whats needed is a really big capacitor on the headlamps?