C5 Mk1 2.0i auto.Total electrical failure on the motorway

[Wings]

Hello All, recently driving home at night I experienced an almost total electric failure, very alarming. Initial symptoms were flashing of ALL warning lights, all instruments were giving oscillatory readings between zero and normal. After about 5 flashes of varying length the electrics died. Luckily the lights stayed on and the engine continued to run. I continued in this state for some 5 miles during which I was unable to switch to main beam or select wipers to function. I did not try an auto gearshift or a lowering of the windows. Then all came back to normal with the exception of a warning of failure of the passenger's air bag. The warning cleared leaving just the airbag light on. Upon reaching home after a shut down, on subsequent restart all was normal and the airbag warning light did not illuminate. Since when I have done 100 miles with no further symptoms. Anybody got any ideas? Loose wire?

[wurlycorner]

Was it wet /raining at the time?

[GiveMeABreak]

I had a similar but not exact issue om my Mk1 110 HDi SX - again on motorway. All lights, the heater, radio etc. all went out temporarily and back on again a few times. I don't remember the engine cutting out, but they replaced the Comms 2000 unit. Never happened again after that. May be completely unrelated to your incident, but worth a mention.

[myglaren]

Same here about three months ago.
CD player went haywire, blower stopped, dash lights went out, all gauges read zero, tachometer and speedo included.
Lights stayed on (it was dark, they were on automatic) windows wouldn't close.
I was only a couple of miles from home so carried on.
Left the car alone for half an hour, can't remember if I was able to lock it or not but rarely do anyway.

All was back to normal when I started it up and there hasn't been another incident. Don't recall if I did a BSI reset but don't think so.

[GiveMeABreak]

I think the unsettling thing is it's not like a tyre blowout (*hydropneumatic citroens aside) which you don't expect, but would likely recognise and react to... this electrical 'switch off' would be totally unexpected and there would be no reason to expect this to happen at all. The fact that there doesn't seem to be an obvious cause is the concerning thing, and that it could happen again anytime, without notice. As you say Steve, although it all seemed to be back to normal, I would be constantly on the alert that it could happen again and would not be happy until it was sorted out.

* I was on the dual carriageway in my C5 X7 when I heard a loud bang. Turned out my rear tyre valve had blown clean out (the whole thing) causing a catastrophic blowout. TPMS told me this straight away, but didn't have any loss of control. Drove off to garage after looking at the huge whole where the valve was supposed to be. It was the widely known TPMS issue with the valves stems reacting with the brass core and corroding. Had all the sensors replaced with superseded models. I believe this was also an issue with other car manufacturers too that used the same suppliers.

[Stickyfinger]

?? Was there a recall on the TPMS valves ??

[bobins]

?? Was there a recall on the TPMS valves ??

I don't think there was a recall as such, but they were previously being replaced under warranty. No idea if Citroen still replace them under warranty though.

[GiveMeABreak]

?? Was there a recall on the TPMS valves ??

No recall - but they know about the problem. I said to the garage don't bother replacing the one - I want the lot done as it's a manufacturing defect and a life threatening hazard. I told them if I had been driving through town, the speed at which the valve blew out was akin to a bullet and could of injured pedestrians. They agreed without question after contacting Citroen Head office.

On my previous C5 facelift, I replaced 2 of the things at my expense - once after having a tyre fitted at National Tyres - the thing blew out when he put the new valve in and tried to inflate it - the remnants crumbled up on the floor. Second time on another wheel, was after I went to check air pressure at Morrisons. Went to withdraw the tyre guage and all the air just came out - so managed to screw the end cap on as tight as I could - got it to the garage and got a normal valve in temporary until the second one was ordered up and fitted. Cost £50 plus each! And they have to be calibrated with the other kit too.

They should be a recalled for this as they are not thinking of the potential risks of injury to other road users or pedestrians if these things blow!