A few Xantia HDI questions.

[addo]

I'll say that last point is the faulty terminal again. When I had this problem (took about eighteen months to positively diagnose) the engine would falter slightly at low revs and these lights would flicker.

[Stepto1]

I know what you mean about the flickering lights. But this isn't a flicker, the red led and red STOP light flash at about one flash a second.

I've checked the level and it looks ok.

I wondered if it was the low level alarm?

[DickieG]

I know what you mean about the flickering lights. But this isn't a flicker, the red led and red STOP light flash at about one flash a second.

Does this occur with the A/C turned on but stop when the A/C is off? If so it's quite likely down to a fault with one or both of the cooling fans, they should both in tandem whenever the A/C is turned on, if not then let us know and we'll give you a few pointers of how to diagnose the problem.

[Stepto1]

Ah, I think it might only happen with the A/C on. I'll check.

[CitroJim]

Pop the A/C on Stepto and see if both fans are running at slow speed.

If not, try poking them with a stick and see if that provokes them into running.

Often the brushes get a bit tired and sticky and a small poke often gives them just enough encouragement to start running.

The problem with the HDi is that the fans so rarely run to cool the engine that if the AC is not regularly used the fan motors die through pure lack of use...

[beast]

Hi I've got exactly the same problem as stepto the stop light flashing alternatively with the coolant warning light it comes on without the ac on its also the HDi model

[Stepto1]

Oh no, it's contagious!

[Stepto1]

Ok. Air con on, lights flash, neither fan turns.

Air con off, lights stop flashing.

There's the problem!!!

[Stepto1]

Ok. Just come back from a run out. A strange thing happened.

It started fine but when I came back I tried to restart it and the starter hardly managed to turn the engine over. It got slower and slower, then I heard voices......

The Trafficmaster woman had been raised from the dead and was telling me my contract was out if date.

Then, as the engine turned over on the starter, I could 'hear' the starter over the radio!!

At the same time, all the lights flashed on the dashboard and the speedo and rev counter started waving at me!!!!

Then, all this stopped, the starter picked up speed and the car started fine????

Answers on a postcard please?!?!

[Chris570]

did you check if the battery terminals were warm?

[Stepto1]

They seemed cool enough to me while the engine was running.

I'm guessing the alternator is ok but the starter AND solenoid are trout.

[Chris570]

well if the clamps have got high resistance it'll cause all sorts of fun and games when you've got a high current being drawn, is my thinking, i'd check it just after cranking

[Stepto1]

Ok, will do. The clamps look original, they're well greased and the battery is brand spankers.

[Chris570]

Mine weren't getting much warmer than ambient but i still replaced them and since then i have faster cranking

[Stepto1]

Ok, just had the Fluke out. Across the battery terminals, the voltage reads,

12.6 with engine off.
14.2 with engine running just after starting.
13.6 with engine running, all accessories on and about 5 mins after starting.

Battery leads were cool at all times.

I'm putting the problems down to a duff starter.

Although it's just started at least 20 times in about 5 mins with no problems. (accept Trafficmaster woman. How do I shut her up???)