HELP !! Any Auto-Electricians out there !!

1. SaxoSusie Newbie Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 3

   #1 27th February 2011, 12:26

   Hi. Having problems with my Maxi (2000my 1.4 Auto Saxo). When I turn the ignition key on, all of the warning lights come on as they should. When I then turn the key to start the engine the clock seems to short out, for a split second, and then comes back on showing 1:00. After the engine has started the Battery and the Air Bag warning lights stay on until you push down the brake pedal then they both go out, also, at the same time the instrument pointers, Rev Counter, Temp Guage and Fuel Guage, all return to zero, again for a split second, and then read as normal.
   Any help would be much appreciated.
2. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #2 27th February 2011, 13:05

   Sounds like you either have an earth problem,or a loose connection at the back off the instrument cluster.
   
   Steve.
3. SaxoSusie Newbie Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 3

   #3 27th February 2011, 13:55

   Thanks Steve.
   Do you think there could be anything wrong with the Alternator or the Battery ?
4. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #4 27th February 2011, 15:16

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by SaxoSusie Thanks Steve. Do you think there could be anything wrong with the Alternator or the Battery ?

   I don`t think its battery/alternator related but you can always get them tested free at Halfords.The thing that makes me think its an earth probem is that when you brake the light goes off as I had a similiar problem.You have`nt by any chance changed the rear brake light/s bulb recently have you?
   
   
   Steve.
5. lyndon Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2007 Bristol / Wakefield Posts: 2656 Ph2 172, MK1 VTR

   #5 27th February 2011, 15:49

   Battery positive lead, Had this EXACT thing last week, it had come loose, as soon as I turned the key, the judder of the engine knocked it and shorted it out
6. dankzy Established Member Joined: May 2009 Middlesbrough Posts: 1143 citroen saxo 1.1 forte orange mango :)

   #6 27th February 2011, 16:58

   as said earthing problem or faulty instrument dials/ loose conection, check all your earth points, amke sure there a good conection, check battery connections too as said, make sure there tight, if all ok then you need to take steering wheel off to take dials out and check connections, if ok could be faulty dials, fault finding just a process of elimination, start with easy things to check and work your way up, hope this helps
7. SaxoSusie Newbie Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 3

   #7 27th February 2011, 17:12

   Thanks to you all for your replies,and, yes, Steve, I had the rear light cluster off last week to empty some water out. Removed all the bulbs and put them back in again. Sounds like that might be the cause, will investigate tomorrow.