mk1. xantia TD sudden blower and heater window inop

[aerodynamica]

I hadn't spotted at first but when the Windows were misted up a mile down the road I noted the blower wasn't running and the heater rear window wasn't responding to the switch. All other worked so spotted to check fuses and switched off. Ignition back on fora second and suddenly both are working again.

Is this likely to be the ignition switch on the way south?

[Northern_Mike]

I hadn't spotted at first but when the Windows were misted up a mile down the road I noted the blower wasn't running and the heater rear window wasn't responding to the switch. All other worked so spotted to check fuses and switched off. Ignition back on fora second and suddenly both are working again.

Is this likely to be the ignition switch on the way south?

Yes... I had to replace the switch innards on my 1.8 Xantia for exactly this reason. Exactly the same symptoms.

I just left it for ages until one day it wouldn't start!

[CitroJim]

There's a mod you can do to help the failing ignition switch by fitting a helper relay Graeme. It's fully documented on here somewhere. If you can't find it through search then I'll dig it out. I believe Admiral51 was a significant contributor and that may help us locate it.

[aerodynamica]

Thanks guys- also want to find a new/replacement switch if anyone knows where I can get one

[KennyW]

Graeme,

I have two ignition switches in the garage which came off MK2. I think the rear part is the same for both MK 1 and 2.
Somebody on here will confirm this.
Just remove key section from your switch and transfer to new one. Simples!!!!!!!!!!!!
Free to a good home. I even think one has been separated.IF interested send me a PM

Kenny

[aerodynamica]

Cheers Kenny!

[Old-Guy]

Replacing the burnt-out contact set isn't really a cure as the replacement contacts will fail sooner or later due to the fundamental design fault: the contacts aren't man enough for the combined load of blower + heater. What makes matters worse is that this set of contacts are ON only in the Run position, the blower tends to get left switched On in winter so the contacts take maximum current as the blower motor is started: every time you turn the ignition On the blower starts, then stops as you turn the key to Start, then starts as you release the key when the engine fires, ... you get the idea! Of course if you always turn off the blower (and HRW) before switching off the engine, the contacts will outlast the test of the car.....

The mod. is less daunting than it looks. A standard spare Green Xantia relay has been working fine for me. I found all the threads some time ago and distilled the information from there, adding some details based on my experience of doing the job for the first time. If you don't want to hunt down the original threads, you can find my write-up here.

[CitroJim]

Thanks Guy, your write-up makes it a lot easier to find