Citroen C3 BSI starts smoking when plugged in

[Jammydodgers]

Hi Guys,
I have a 2004 Citroen C3. Whenever the BSI is plugged in or the car turned on then smoke starts coming from the unit.
Has anyone had this problem before and do you know if the possible problem is the BSI itself or a possible problem outside of the BSI (loom or earthing issues)

Im happy to put another BSI into the car but i dont want to melt a second one if its a known fault outside of the unit.

Thanks in advance for your replies, Im really keen on getting the car running whilst the weather is good

[GiveMeABreak]

Are you getting the BSI confused with the fuse box? The BSI is in the glovebox. The unit containing the fuses in the engine bay is the Engine fuse box.

[wheeler]

Also a bit more background on the problem ??

[Jammydodgers]

I’m not collecting the car til Thursday , so apologies for my lack of info.
I’ll have a poke around and let you know... thanks for yr responses so far

[Jammydodgers]

Ok so i collected the car and its not the BSI, its the BSM thats burning.
So even without the engine running the BSM starts heating up on ignition. I took the module apart and there is burn marks on the PCB to the point that the tracks have lifted off the PCB and the plastic fuse holders have started to melt.
Im guessing its water ingress but i have a new unit coming on monday

[GiveMeABreak]

Yes, don' t run it like that - we've already had a recent incident on a C5 here where the car caught fire, where the Engine Fuse box was suspect.

It can be some corrosion to the contacts causing a short, likely on the high power cables from the starter / alternator for example. The fuses didn't help in that case it seems, so have a good check of the area before fitting the new one.

[MikeT]

Im guessing its water ingress but i have a new unit coming on monday

Any progress update? Just being nosey