jump start terminals Citroen BX HATCHBACK 1988 2.G Workshop Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0•6Roadside repairs
The following pages are intended to help in dealing with
common roadside emergencies and breakdowns. You will find
more detailed fault finding information at the back of the
manual, and repair information in the main chapters.
If your car won’t start
and the starter motor
doesn’t turn
MIf it’s a model with automatic transmission, make sure the
selector is in ‘P’ or ‘N’.
MOpen the bonnet and make sure that the battery terminals
are clean and tight.
MSwitch on the headlights and try to start the engine. If the
headlights go very dim when you’re trying to start, the
battery is probably flat. Get out of trouble by jump starting
(see next page) using a friend’s car.
If your car won’t start
even though the starter
motor turns as normal
MIs there fuel in the tank?
MIs there moisture on electrical components under the
bonnet? Switch off the ignition, then wipe off any obvious
dampness with a dry cloth. Spray a water-repellent aerosol
product (WD-40 or equivalent) on ignition and fuel system
electrical connectors like those shown in the photos.
Pay special attention to the ignition coil wiring connector
and HT leads.
Check that the HT lead connections at
the distributor are clean and secure.ACheck that the HT lead connections at
the spark plugs are clean and secure.BCheck that the HT and LT lead
connections at the ignition coil are clean
and secure.C
Check the security and condition of the
battery connections.D
Check all wiring block connectors are
clean and secure.ECheck that electrical connections are secure (with the ignition switched off) and spray them
with a water dispersant spray like WD40 if you suspect a problem due to damp

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0•14Weekly checks
Battery
Caution:Before carrying out any work on the
vehicle battery, read the precautions given in
"Safety first" at the start of this manual.
4Make sure that the battery tray is in good
condition, and that the clamp is tight.
Corrosion on the tray, retaining clamp and the
battery itself can be removed with a solution
of water and baking soda. Thoroughly rinse all
cleaned areas with water. Any metal parts
damaged by corrosion should be covered
with a zinc-based primer, then painted.
4Periodically (approximately every three
months), check the charge condition of the
battery as described in Chapter 5A.
4If the battery is flat, and you need to jump
start your vehicle, see Roadside Repairs.
The battery is located on the left-hand
side of the engine compartment. The
exterior of the battery should be
inspected periodically for damage such as a
cracked case or cover. If necessary, top-up
using distilled water, so that the plates are
covered by 6 mm of electrolyte.1Check the tightness of battery clamps (A)
to ensure good electrical connections.
You should not be able to move them.
Also check each cable (B) for cracks and
frayed conductors.2
Battery corrosion can be kept to a
minimum by applying a layer of
petroleum jelly to the clamps and
terminals after they are reconnected.
If corrosion (white, fluffy deposits) is
evident, remove the cables from the
battery terminals, clean them with a small
wire brush, then refit them. Automotive stores
sell a tool for cleaning the battery post . . .3. . . as well as the battery cable clamps4
Electrical systems
4Check all external lights and the horn.
Refer to the appropriate Sections of Chap-
ter 13 for details if any of the circuits are
found to be inoperative.4Visually check all accessible wiring
connectors, harnesses and retaining clips for
security, and for signs of chafing or damage.
If you need to check your
brake lights and indicators
unaided, back up to a wall or
garage door and operate the
lights. The reflected light should show if
they are working properly.
If a single indicator light, stop-light or
headlight has failed, it is likely that a bulb
has blown and will need to be replaced.
Refer to Chapter 13 for details. If both stop-
lights have failed, it is possible that the switch
has failed (see Chapter 10).If more than one indicator light or tail light
has failed it is likely that either a fuse has
blown or that there is a fault in the circuit
(see Chapter 13). The fuses are located in the
passenger compartment, beneath the lower
trim panel.
2
To remove a blown fuse, pull it from
position. Fit a new fuse of the same
rating, available from car accessory
shops. It is important that you find the reason
for the fuse blowing (see Chapter 13).31