I'm an idiot, and need assistance with rear lights and indicator.

[Jackinory]

Hello folks.

New to Citroen, not mechanically minded, anything I touch turns to ash or threads but I'd like some information.

I've attached an image.

Basically the left split gate rear light (side light, I think?) needs replacing.

The right side rear and brake light (I'm led to believe this is a single bulb perhaps) needs replacing, as well as the right side indicator.

What bulbs do I need, and is there a free guide to help me replace them?
Thanks so much!

[mickthemaverick]

Here is a link to a guide: https://www.scegliauto.com/en/video/cit ... #2008-2017

Bulbs can be found from your registration in Halfords or motor factor or dealer.

[the-termin8r]

'09 is pre-facelift so bulbs are as follows:

Main cluster:
- Top: Brake light / position light hybrid - P21W/5W bulb
- Middle: Indicator - P21W bulb
- Bottom: Fog light - H21W bulb

Small cluster:
- Top: Rear sidelight - R5W bulb
- Bottom: Reversing light - H21W bulb (same as fog)

These should all be outlined in the handbook circa. P166

The procedure for replacement is also easy.

For the main cluster, pull out the side cubby in the boot, disconnect the loom from the cluster and undo the two plastic wingnuts. Carefully slide the cluster out. Then just unclip the black plastic panel on the cluster from its 3 clips. Change the bulbs and do the reverse of what you did to pull it out. Be gentle when sliding the cluster back in. It will only go in one specific way and you have to get it lined up. You'll only know if its correct part-way through sliding it back in. If you slide it in part way and it jams, don't force it, pull it back out and try again.

The process for the smaller cluster is the same, open the little hatch in the boot lid liner, unplug the loom and undo the one wingnut. The cluster should then just pop out. I've found on mine though that over the years it's effectively fused with the boot lid for some reason, so I actually don't undo the nut. Instead I unplug the loom and then unclip the 2 or 3 clips on the black panel and carefully pull the panel out of the hatch. It's a bit more of a faff, but it's still fairly straightforward, just take your time with it.

[PaulC5]

If you do not have the handbook you can find it through this topic viewtopic.php?t=63208

[Sloppysod]

Just a note, you should be okay just replacing the bulbs, but, if the new ones don't work, don't panic.
My neighbour replaced an indicator bulb on his Picasso, and the new one didn't work either. However, after a BSI reset, everything worked.
If you need to know how to do a BSI reset, come back to the forum and someone will dig it out - if you can change a bulb you can do a reset.

Also - you know how to check a bulb to see if its blown, drop the suspected bulb on concrete, a blown one will bounce, a good one won't!

[mickthemaverick]

Should you need it here is the BSi reset procedure: viewtopic.php?p=601679#p601679

[the-termin8r]

Good tip about the BSI reset, but from experience of swapping multiple fronts and rears (including LEDs) over the years, the X7 won't have issues with regular halogens (LEDs are hit or miss).

[Jackinory]

Here is a link to a guide: https://www.scegliauto.com/en/video/cit ... #2008-2017

Bulbs can be found from your registration in Halfords or motor factor or dealer.

Thank you!

[Jackinory]

'09 is pre-facelift so bulbs are as follows:

Main cluster:
- Top: Brake light / position light hybrid - P21W/5W bulb
- Middle: Indicator - P21W bulb
- Bottom: Fog light - H21W bulb

Small cluster:
- Top: Rear sidelight - R5W bulb
- Bottom: Reversing light - H21W bulb (same as fog)

These should all be outlined in the handbook circa. P166

The procedure for replacement is also easy.

For the main cluster, pull out the side cubby in the boot, disconnect the loom from the cluster and undo the two plastic wingnuts. Carefully slide the cluster out. Then just unclip the black plastic panel on the cluster from its 3 clips. Change the bulbs and do the reverse of what you did to pull it out. Be gentle when sliding the cluster back in. It will only go in one specific way and you have to get it lined up. You'll only know if its correct part-way through sliding it back in. If you slide it in part way and it jams, don't force it, pull it back out and try again.

The process for the smaller cluster is the same, open the little hatch in the boot lid liner, unplug the loom and undo the one wingnut. The cluster should then just pop out. I've found on mine though that over the years it's effectively fused with the boot lid for some reason, so I actually don't undo the nut. Instead I unplug the loom and then unclip the 2 or 3 clips on the black panel and carefully pull the panel out of the hatch. It's a bit more of a faff, but it's still fairly straightforward, just take your time with it.

That's great thank you

[Jackinory]

Just a note, you should be okay just replacing the bulbs, but, if the new ones don't work, don't panic.
My neighbour replaced an indicator bulb on his Picasso, and the new one didn't work either. However, after a BSI reset, everything worked.
If you need to know how to do a BSI reset, come back to the forum and someone will dig it out - if you can change a bulb you can do a reset.

Also - you know how to check a bulb to see if its blown, drop the suspected bulb on concrete, a blown one will bounce, a good one won't!

Is that genuinely a thing to drop them? Sounds interesting haha. I'm the sort of person who'd go to buy tartan paint mate.

Thank you! I'll try this reset.

[Jackinory]

Hey all,

Got a Citroen C5, 2009, VTR+ Saloon. Today I went to get some advice as after a BSI reset and bulb replacement nothing was working on my driver's side outer cluster. I was told the circuit board had a lot of corrosion, and I should source a part from a scrapyard or ebay and they'll fit it. They advised I should get one with some wiring so they could splice it. Would I be right in thinking I could buy something like this, and get a new clip with the wires attached?

Also the "Circuit board", is this the "bulb holder" i keep reading about?

Feel free to talk slow to me, I'm not mechanically minded.

Images here:

https://imgur.com/a/XG60LNf

Thanks!

[Sloppysod]

I've just seen your earlier posts and if you keep everything relating to the same issue in the same place you have more chance of getting the help you hope.
I answered this then thought, hang-on this look familiar!! Not sure if Admin can move this.....................

Hi, I would try some of this, or similar first, also how has it got corroded, do you have a leak?

I would also, try cleaning* the metal parts of the bulb holder where the bulb fits.
* I use, fine wet'n'dry / sandpaper, or even a fine nail file will do.
If this does not work then a replacement may be the answer

[the-termin8r]

What Stu said. Additionally, the connectors have a habit of deleting their own chassis-earth pins. I know this because my 2L X7 currently has a bodged crimp job that I did on it. Though in my defence, it's held well for over 5 years at this point. I crimped the cluster-side, but didn't have the appropriate crimp connector at the time for the loom-side so I soldered it in and put heat-shrink over it.

[Jackinory]

I've just seen your earlier posts and if you keep everything relating to the same issue in the same place you have more chance of getting the help you hope.
I answered this then thought, hang-on this look familiar!! Not sure if Admin can move this.....................

Hi, I would try some of this, or similar first, also how has it got corroded, do you have a leak?

I would also, try cleaning* the metal parts of the bulb holder where the bulb fits.
* I use, fine wet'n'dry / sandpaper, or even a fine nail file will do.
If this does not work then a replacement may be the answer

Hiya, sorry about that. I'll make sure it's the same next time. So i checked the 6 pin socket and the corresponding plug. Pin number 6 on the bulb holder has heavy corrosion and i couldn't clean it that well, the socket or (loom i guess?) has a burned out hole and the side has melted slightly. Fixible maybe? I won't be trying the solder thing but i have found a used light cluster with holder that's not got a corroded pin and new plug / loom prewired for £30 all in. I think I'm confident enough to try that myself. But when splicing wires and using heat shrink to connect, do i still need to solder? Thanks

[Jackinory]

What Stu said. Additionally, the connectors have a habit of deleting their own chassis-earth pins. I know this because my 2L X7 currently has a bodged crimp job that I did on it. Though in my defence, it's held well for over 5 years at this point. I crimped the cluster-side, but didn't have the appropriate crimp connector at the time for the loom-side so I soldered it in and put heat-shrink over it.

Yea this looks like the issue i have where number "6" is burned out on the holder and the plug part. So where you've drilled, if i could get the tools like a drill and solderering iron, do you cut the wire in the plug, solder a new one on, then put that through the hole and drill it in and screw to where you have?

Just to note my side light in that cluster still works. It's just the brake / indicator lights that don't. Is that normal behaviour for this one being burnt out?

My next questions are, i have a used cluster that's in good condition anyway with the holder, and found these prewired plugs with heat shrink connectors, can I do this without soldering if i strip the wires, twist, join together and shrink over the top? Or is soldering like a "must do".

Just weighing up my options really. I'd rather not start drilling in to things if the alternative fix i have ready would be more sufficient for now, even if it melts again...then I'll attempt my first ever diy car fix! (I don't even change oil mate, that's how limited my skills are).