MikeT's C5r 1.6 hdi Estate

[CitroJim]

Yes, I believe some moderns now run at around 15v...

The 24v electrical system for cars can't be far off now and I've also heard rumours of planned 36v systems...

Indeed, just a small overrun drastically shortens bulb life... And not only headlight bulbs either...

[GiveMeABreak]

32v - that sounds about right - in order to power Mike's Sat Navs

[MikeT]

As recorded the other day on a daytime long drive, without additional loads (blower, lights, radio etc) my system voltage never dropped below 14.2v

My "sat nav" is android powered (5v) and a bloody damn good sat nav it is too. (So glad I didn't hold out for a C5 with built-in sat nav, judging by the experiences I've been reading on here).

[CitroJim]

32v - that sounds about right - in order to power Mike's Sat Navs

Sat Nav.jpg

[MikeT]

Cree LED's arrived this morning, Marc. Thanks for the recommendation.
They look very robust and well made and hopefully won't suffer the "sequencing" my current sidelights contracted.

[GiveMeABreak]

Good luck with them - It would be good to see a picture of them afterwards Mike.

[MikeT]

I'll give it go but previous attempts never seem to do them justice without professional camera kit.

Meanwhile, here's a sub-standard, out-of-focus, daytime video of what my current offside sidelight has started doing since the headlamp burnt out. The finale is best.

[CitroJim]

That's very pretty Mike...

Odd behaviour from an LED. Never seen anything like that before...

Hope the CREE LEDs are good,... They are excellent when used as cycle lights..

[GiveMeABreak]

Yep. that'll be lack of resistor / failing LED Mike.

[MikeT]

It is pretty... weird. I think I'll use them on top of the xmas tree this year.

I can't get my head round what's failed exactly. LED's usually die with over-voltage. These sidelights appear to flash or sequence (which is what happens when A/C powered LED's have an under-voltage) and when I turned off the engine (lowered voltage), they all lit up solid. Yet other times without the engine running, they will sequence and then behave once the engine is started.

[GiveMeABreak]

That's another sure sign - staying on after the vehicle is switched off. It used to be common these earlier LEDs. The newer ones seem to be much better engineered.

[MikeT]

Well just having a well earned cup of tea after replacing two sides and two dipped and there's certainly room to make this job a long winded affair even with a little experience under your belt!
The biggest time-waster is observing the correct battery removal and reift procedure, especially if you find after all that the nearside sidelight wasn't glowing!!!!
Then there's time needed for hunt and retrieve the small round black fastener you just dropped down the crevices of all the small round black parts in the engine bay.
Only to have to do it all again because you forgot to reconnect the bonnet switch and hydraulic pump connectors.... after refitting the battery and covers.

What I will say though is the headlights are a doddle, taking literally just a couple of minutes each to remove and fit. It's the sidelights that took most faffing about as their orientation is lop-sided, if you know what I mean? The slots to line up are at something like 2 and 8 o'clock.

[CitroJim]

Looking good Mike... I changed bulbs in a MK1 C5 once and it put me off for life... I still bear the scars

I guess the later ones like yours are a bit easier now...

[daviemck2006]

I never had to change bulbs on my mk 2, but the mk1 c5 was hell on earth to change, I still have the scars to prove it also! If I ever own a mk1 c5 again and a bulb blows then I will pay halfords £8 for the privilage of changing it!

[MikeT]

I'd like to compare the job on a MK1 now you've said that Jim. Believe me, I was put off after my first two attempts both ended in failure, leaving me to go cap in hand to halfords fitters the first time and a kind passerby got me out of a pickle the second time (after I'd lodged the replacement bulb in crooked and couldn't remove it). But I've got a stubborn, obstinate streak in me that drives me to try again - sometimes. This time I was rewarded with success.

Funny thing about cuts n scars - the only cut I suffered this time was trying to open the stupid Nighbreaker box!