Citroen Xsara Picasso ignition not functioning.
Variant: 1.4 HDi
Model Year: 2006
Categories:
Electrics, ECU, Warnings & Lights
Hello everyone. My Diesel C3 has a funny, intermittent ignition problem. The vehicle does not start. When turning the key, the dash lights come on as usual the dash relay clicks in but the starter/solenoid does not kick in. I have battled with this for quite some time now. I have searched the internet and although I found a few others with the same problem, there was/is no idea as to what might cause it. My best guess is something relating to the bord computer or immobilizer. The vehicle starts easy if it is pushed. The issue is not permanent. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. The followings have been already eliminated: Battery, alternator, starter, key/programming. The only way to start the vehicle using the starter is to wait a day or so and try again (usually starts a few times) or manually put 12v directly on the starter motor/solenoid. Any ideas are welcomed.
Posted: Dec 28, 2015 (8 years ago)
Starter motor solenoid is triggered by a relay in the box,
which in turn ir triggered on by the BODY SYSTEMS INTERFACE,
which in turn ir triggered on by the BODY SYSTEMS INTERFACE,
Posted Dec 28, 2015 (8 years ago)
Sorry 'bout that,
Dam computers.
anyhow,
Signal from the key is sent to the "Body systems interface"
which then sends bat V to the starter relay which then sends "V" to the starter motor solenoid.
So you can have a fault in any of these systems,
Key/barrel switch,
wiring and connectors,
BSI,
starter relay.
I'd start by powering the wire from the BSI down to the starter relay.
But in my experience you have a fault with the BSI.
or wiring.
So it's get a W/D and chase the wires/connectors.
Dam computers.
anyhow,
Signal from the key is sent to the "Body systems interface"
which then sends bat V to the starter relay which then sends "V" to the starter motor solenoid.
So you can have a fault in any of these systems,
Key/barrel switch,
wiring and connectors,
BSI,
starter relay.
I'd start by powering the wire from the BSI down to the starter relay.
But in my experience you have a fault with the BSI.
or wiring.
So it's get a W/D and chase the wires/connectors.
Posted Dec 28, 2015 (8 years ago)
Thank you for the inputs so far. It helps a lot with further investigation. Believe it or not, I am a qualified radio technician, working as a programmer and my hobby and work is one and the same thing :-) The issue my C3 is having is intermittent in nature. Even without any knowledge one can reason that whatever does cause this behavior it can not be a "burned out" something. ATM my best guess is: I am having a bad/dry/loose joint somewhere in the secondary (controlling) circuit. I remember to have had a similar issue back in the '80s with a old TV. The reason why I am saying this is: 1.If it is humid outside, the problem manifests less or completely disappears. 2. If the problem exists, the vehicle does start only after I don't touch it for 24-48 hours (weather dependent). That is because chemical processes (oxidations) takes place on the dry joint,, which alters the conductivity. And yes, both aluminum and copper do oxidize. (I don't thin the joints are gold plated)
And PLEEEASE let the ideas come. I like brain storming :-)
And PLEEEASE let the ideas come. I like brain storming :-)
Posted Dec 29, 2015 (8 years ago)
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