Xantia reversing lights

VertVega · Unread post by **VertVega** » 20 Nov 2008, 18:22

Hi, Xantia II Break, reversing lights are not working. I made a quick search from the forum topics and checked the subject from Haynes

.
- Should I check the white connector or the wires in the hatch outlet? Which one is more common?
- Is there another cause of this problem?
- How should I check the "white connector" on the gear box?

Thanks in advance.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 20 Nov 2008, 20:29

Most common problem is the hatch/rear door cables.

The gearbox reversing switch is a dead simple make-switch activated by the gear lever. One side of the switch is ignition key switched and fused +12V power, the other side is the reversing lamps.

If you bridge the switch, and have ignition on, the reversing lamps should be lit, no matter the gear lever position.

Unread post by **myglaren** » 20 Nov 2008, 20:41

If only the C5 were so simple

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 20 Nov 2008, 20:47

myglaren wrote:If only the C5 were so simple

Still :
- if you bridge the C5 reversing switch (or sensor ?) ...

Unread post by **myglaren** » 20 Nov 2008, 20:49

AndersDK wrote:
myglaren wrote:If only the C5 were so simple
Still :
- if you bridge the C5 reversing switch (or sensor ?) ...

The computer just ignores it

Has to be said they haven't worked in over a year - not sure when they packed up really but I manage OK. It is more for the warning it gives other drivers that I am approaching them in reverse rather than heading away from them

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 21 Nov 2008, 00:16

myglaren wrote:
Has to be said they haven't worked in over a year - not sure when they packed up really but I manage OK. It is more for the warning it gives other drivers that I am approaching them in reverse rather than heading away from them

Get a new thread started then, The circuit is more simple than you might think , its basically the same as the xantia apart from the BSI also wants to see the info from the switch.

Unread post by **myglaren** » 21 Nov 2008, 07:02

It isn't anything that matters too much and I am certain the BSI is on the blink as the basic functions have all been checked and trip computer has also failed, again, something I can live without.

Now and then they do work - once every three months on average

All the critical functions are fine so I will live with it for now.

VertVega · Unread post by **VertVega** » 22 Nov 2008, 15:57

Thank you AndersDK for your instructions

The reversing lights are working now $\:D/$ The switch was out of order.

Here are both switches side by side:

From the package I know that the new switch is also made in Spain (another 10 years)

The most difficult part of the replacement job was removing that plastic cover over the gear box. Also there is not so much free space around the switch.

ACTIVE8 · Unread post by **ACTIVE8** » 22 Nov 2008, 18:14

myglaren wrote:
AndersDK wrote:
myglaren wrote:If only the C5 were so simple
Still :
- if you bridge the C5 reversing switch (or sensor ?) ...
The computer just ignores it

Has to be said they haven't worked in over a year - not sure when they packed up really but I manage OK. It is more for the warning it gives other drivers that I am approaching them in reverse rather than heading away from them

What's that a case of then......The computer says no!

Unread post by **myglaren** » 22 Nov 2008, 18:31

ACTIVE8 wrote:
myglaren wrote:
AndersDK wrote:Still :
- if you bridge the C5 reversing switch (or sensor ?) ...
The computer just ignores it

Has to be said they haven't worked in over a year - not sure when they packed up really but I manage OK. It is more for the warning it gives other drivers that I am approaching them in reverse rather than heading away from them
What's that a case of then......The computer says no!

Pretty much so, yes.

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 23 Nov 2008, 00:20

myglaren wrote:It isn't anything that matters too much and I am certain the BSI is on the blink as the basic functions have all been checked and trip computer has also failed, again, something I can live without.

I'm almost certain that the BSI is not causing the problem with your reverse lights though. Its just a simple ignition live to the switch & the switch then feeds the lights direct.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 23 Nov 2008, 01:09

Does the C5 use a lights interface unit for the rear lamp units ?
Then its possible that the interface has shut down the reversing light output because of a gross failure in the lamp wiring.
That could be a bulb socket failure or a bulb filament carrier shortcircuit overloading the circuit.

Unread post by **myglaren** » 23 Nov 2008, 10:45

The rear lights are all working and have been checked (visually).
I have heard of things going seriously haywire if there is a faulty lamp!* or the incorrect one fitted (some have an oddball bayonet).

Everything I have heard up to now points to the BSI.

One day I'll whip the battery out and reboot the system - but not today

I'm a bit wary of making things worse instead of better. However, the battery is beginning to feel a bit tired so may need to replace it soon.
I do mainly short trips with lights on (automatic but almost always on) and the aircon on auto too. Did a 600 mile trip last weekend and it still seems a bit sluggish first start of the day.

I had to leave the car with the headlights on and the engine off for a while a couple of weeks ago to throw some light onto my daughter's Mini, while I replaced the battery, ironically enough.
When I restarted the car I got a ton of alerts - airbag, service overdue (serviced a month ago) and the like.
They were gone after driving it for half an hour the following day.

*wouldn't want to be planting them, anybody's guess what might grow - electric Triffids probably.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 23 Nov 2008, 11:00

COMPUTERS are taking over arnt they, so we might as well sit back and let them do there worst, as it is out of our control TEA HE

regards malcolm