MOT Fail Position lamps not working...

[Retired TD]

I own a 2011 C3 Picasso VTR Plus HDi 1.6 Diesel. 57K on the clock and has just failed its MOT due to the following issue:

Fault Code C98A Engine wiring management.

Failure Position Lamps not working (4.2.1 (A) (ii) Nearside / Offside front.

Being in my 80s, patience required, I have always tried to run the general maintenance on my previous cars in the past, electrics is another issue and in this day and age with computer run systems, they tend to leave this Old Codger a little on the "Hard Shoulder" and with the electric system I learn to be cautious..

Firstly would it be wise to take off the battery leads before commencing?    Secondly has any of this forums followers come across this problem in the past please.

Note The MOT / garage checked all the usual fuses etc and finally ran a temporary power feed to the affected Position Lamps for the Picasso to pass its MOT but as you will be aware this is only a temporary fix.

Thank you kindly.

[Sloppysod]

Sorry, can't help, but my neighbour had a bulb failure on his Picasso and after replacing the bulb it still didn't work, after doing a BSI reset, little physical effort required, it worked. Maybe worth a try. Good luck.

[GiveMeABreak]

C98A Front right sidelamp fault: Open circuit

So this means you have an open circuit - which basically means there is a break in the path of the current in the circuit.

So check the obvious like the wiring to and from the right sidelamp, but if you can't find a break in the wiring, it's possible you may have an engine fusebox problem with one of the internal relays, which basically means a replacement.

So needs some fault finding by an auto electrician.

[Retired TD]

Many thanks GiveMeABreak for your interesting comments and I will check these circuits that you have mentioned.
If nothing is showing by a "visual" I will indeed consult an auto electrician.
Kind regards

Robert

[aspire_helen]

Could be an earth fault, common with low wattage bulb installations. When the garage "ran a temporary power feed" did the lead provide power and earth, or just power?

[Retired TD]

aspire_helen. Many thanks for your input.

The garage ran a single power lead from the nearside light to the offside light.
So it was just the power.
The Headlights work as per normal on both sides.

I looked into the engine Fusebox to try and see if there had been any water ingress finding its way into the fitted plugs, but being cautious I could not see how to remove them safely.
Firstly I would need to remove the negative battery power I would think before having another try.
Please confirm, and any advise as to how to remove the plugs. Thank you.

[Retired TD]

I did check all the fuses as did the garage and found all to be working so it looks like a break somewhere in a circuit.
This could well be one of the plugs in the fuse board, and I would like some instruction as to how to release the clips on the plugs please.
Would I be best to remove the negative battery lead first?
Thank you.

[PaulC5]

Best to disconnect the battery first but do not do it too quickly, give the electrics chance to shut down for a few minutes before disconnecting or you can end up with odd electrical faults, similarly when connecting it back. Follow a bsi rest procedure to do this, there is one on this forum here viewtopic.php?t=61997

[Retired TD]

Many thanks PaulC% for your input. I will follow the viewtopic on this site.
Kind regards

[Retired TD]

Years ago before the introduction of computer technology it was fun tinkering with cars, almost a weekend ritual in our neighbourhood, but now caution is the key word as this viewtopic highlights regarding especially the electrical circuits, which leads me to my question.

Would I be better taking the car to a). a Citroen dealership? b) to a local Auto electrician or (c) be bold and have a try myself?

Thank you for any advice you may give me.

Regards

[CitroJim]

Me personally, (c) although I say that having some previous... Reading between the lines I understand you have too...

Forum staff should be able to provide you with the requisite wiring diagrams on advice of the vehicle's VIN - it will be hidden and seen only by staff.

Else that, option (b) but take care to find a good one.

[Retired TD]

Many thanks CitroJim for your input and suggestion.
I will possibly ask the Forum Staff for wiring diagrams if I should finally need them.
Kind regards

Robert

[RichardW]

There's a good chance it's the fuse box unit at fault - here's one on a van where only one side was out. This might lead you to knowing which wires are which, but maybe not...

[Retired TD]

Good morning RichardW - many thanks for your input which leads me to where my fault may be on the Picassos side light which is, as you will be aware possibly the very same set up as mine.

Not being disrespectful to the young man who kindly took the video, I would have love to have seen the reason for the BSMs failure, was it the result of water ingress? Just this Old Codgers thoughts.

Kind regards and again many thanks for your input.

Robert.

[CitroJim]

I would have love to have seen the reason for the BSMs failure, was it the result of water ingress? Just this Old Codgers thoughts.

it's likely Robert, I'm aware the Picasso has a bit of a reputation for water ingress in this area...