Citroen C5 multiple failure warnings
Discussion
A month ago, my C5 suddenly had a failed parking brake, then it seized! Embarassing at traffic lights! RAC provided a get-you-home - multiple , presses of the brake pedal, first with ignition on but engine off, then with engine on. I could drive it, but with multiple warnin gs on dash - "Parking brake failure", "Brake system failure" (yes, I know!). "Power steering failure", what? It's fine! But also warning lights on dash, ABS, ESD an d engine fault lights, PLUS the ignition light flashing! All accompanied by constant alarm 'bongs' from the car.
By the multiplicity of alarms, I assumed that there was some electrical fault that would need the OBD diagnostic machine at a Citroen dealer, I called my local, which could not book me in for two weeks so it stood on my drive for that time, on gear and chocked. AS they are 25 miles away and could not lend me a courtesy car, I went prepared. I drank their coffee and read a book while they looked at it. Their diagnosis? A failed battery - it was five years old. OK, new battery. And it's fine!
Except, two weeks later EXACTLY the same warnings! Call the dealer - Well, we couldn't find any other faults! so, new battery! It's booked in again next week - meanwhile, any ideas, please?
John
By the multiplicity of alarms, I assumed that there was some electrical fault that would need the OBD diagnostic machine at a Citroen dealer, I called my local, which could not book me in for two weeks so it stood on my drive for that time, on gear and chocked. AS they are 25 miles away and could not lend me a courtesy car, I went prepared. I drank their coffee and read a book while they looked at it. Their diagnosis? A failed battery - it was five years old. OK, new battery. And it's fine!
Except, two weeks later EXACTLY the same warnings! Call the dealer - Well, we couldn't find any other faults! so, new battery! It's booked in again next week - meanwhile, any ideas, please?
John
E-bmw's suggestion for a start.
If the new - and hopefully fully charged before they fitted it - battery solved the issues but it's now back again it does beg the questions:
Is the vehicle being used for a lot of short journeys with a lot of electrical equipment in use so the alternator stands no chance?
Is there a problem with the charging circuit - defective alternator?
If the new - and hopefully fully charged before they fitted it - battery solved the issues but it's now back again it does beg the questions:
Is the vehicle being used for a lot of short journeys with a lot of electrical equipment in use so the alternator stands no chance?
Is there a problem with the charging circuit - defective alternator?
My C5 failed completely a while ago. It was the wiring in and/or the starter motor. The car doc said feckin Citroen route a lot of wiring thru the starter motor and thats where my problem lied. ABS went, A/C went, a lot of other electrics as well...handbrake etc. Got so fed up sold it after it was supposedly fixed.
tapkaJohnD said:
Hmmmmmmmmm!
12.15V then 14.15 running.
Not good? But surely a dealer should have spotted that the alt isn't charging?
14.15 running is fine, 12.15 stopped isn't.12.15V then 14.15 running.
Not good? But surely a dealer should have spotted that the alt isn't charging?
Put the battery on charge overnight & then try again.
Just put the headlights on for 30 sec without starting the engine then check the voltage after switching them off.
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