Up, down, up, down

morgan73 · Unread post by **morgan73** » 17 Mar 2004, 21:04

When I have started my xantia (97 td), for the past few days the car has gone up then down, then up and down again before settling in the normal position! I've checked the LHM levels and they're fine. Also some days it won't start. I know this sounds silly, but it works. I wiggle the LHM level viewing thing, drop the bonnet and the car starts. Any hints on what's wrong or how come this little wiggle works. [:D]

Robin · Unread post by **Robin** » 17 Mar 2004, 22:11

I think you may need the expert opinion on this one - so I have a question on this problem. Is the LHM level indicator linked into the engine stop circuit in such a way that it may not allow the engine to start with a very low LHM level indicated - even if a false indication?
Therefore wiggling it would make a good connection again temporarily.
Closing the bonnet may be the red herring[:D]
Robin

nick · Unread post by **nick** » 17 Mar 2004, 23:19

I've never heard of anything that cuts the engine if the LHM is low on a Citroen, my '97 TD certainly has nothing like that.
I think it is a red herring, its probably the slamming of the bonnet that's making the car start, nothing to do with LHM level, a loose electrical connection on the immobiliser circuitry perhaps ?

Russell · Unread post by **Russell** » 18 Mar 2004, 02:54

Just a thought: on my Citroen (an XM) the ignition feed to the starter solonoid in in a fair sized harness that has a plug and socket that hide under the LHM reservoir. If you have a dodgy contact, maybe you are just disturbing your reservoir enough [}:)]
A car with this fault is known as a reservoir dog [:D]
Cheers
Russell

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 18 Mar 2004, 03:52

hi morg -
1) starting problem : definately go by Russell [;)]
2) up/down/up/do.. problem : still some mess with HC or linkages