Technical Hazards randomly flashing

[Bev478]

Hi everyone. Just joined up, &, you guessed it, I have a problem

I have a 2007 2.3lt 35 Maxi 120 M-jet. It is converted to a campervan by the previous owner but don’t think that has a bearing on this.

Van has been stood for a few weeks since our last trip.

Neighbour knocked on my door last night to tell me my hazards were flashing all the time. Whilst I was watching they would flash 3 times, stop, then flash 3 times etc. Went over to van, thought it may be a flat battery Started it up no problem. Tried the hazard switch & indicator stalk - made no difference. Decided the only thing to do would be to pull the battery cable. Whilst indoors trying to find some tools it stopped…….then started again, different amount of flashes. Longer gaps, totally random. One time it seemed to start as a car went by, but then didn’t as a bus passed.

Eventually it stopped all together & was ok this morning.Popped out in the car, as I came back along my road the hazards flashed a couple of times but haven’t since.

As far as I know it has the factory imobiliser but no alarm. I do occasionally get problems with the central locking not unlocking the side door. Looked for a fuse/relay to pull instead of the battery (aftermarket head unit & no idea if it needs a code ) but can find no reference to one in the manual (there is for the earlier model ).

Grateful for any ideas……but I know virtually nothing about vehicles so please keep it simple
Sorry for the length of post, trying to include all relevant information.

Bev

 

[Anthony489]

Hi Bev

I'm going to assume that your vehicle is the post 2006 "X250" type and not the earlier "X244". The first letters of the VIN will tell you.

It is rather unlikely that the standard hazard warning lights would flash in groups. The six indicator lights are driven by the Body Control Module ("Black Box") which is hidden under the dash on the UK driver's side behind the fuse module. Look for the little plastic panel with 2 screws. The Body Control Module (BCM) gets its "instructions" from the indicator stalk and the dashboard hazard switch. About the only thing you can do is check that there isn't a water leak or excessive damp in this area.

This sounds rather more like the behaviour of an aftermarket alarm system. These are often "spliced in" to the indicator system so that you get a visual signal when you arm it etc. They are also spliced in to the central locking, mainly for convenience so that you can arm the alarm and lock the doors with one push of the button on the alarm remote control fob (not the vehicle key). Central locking is also managed by the BCM. The UK insurance industry insist on alarms of a minimum standard being fitted to professional motorhome conversions, which normally means they are retrofitted by the converters in the UK before delivery. Not sure where they stand for private conversions.

I suggest you take a look under the dashboard for any evidence of an alarm box or non-Fiat wiring that has been added, especially in the area of the BCM. One clue is that most (but not all) Fiat wires have two colours (main plus stripe) whereas aftermarket units more often use single colour wires.

If you do find an alarm, it's not much use without its remote control fob, especially if its playing up. You might have to consider removing it, and possibly replacing with another.

If there is definitely no alarm, the finger of suspicion points back to the BCM.

 

[Bev478]

Thanks for your reply Anthony. The VIN no starts ZFA250 so yes, the 250 I guess

I was not told it was fitted with an alarm & I have no remote for it, just the vehicle key. When I use the remote locking there is one flash of all the indicators to show it‘s locked, or 2 flashes if a door isn’t closed properly.

I will try having a look, but it may be that I will have to find an auto electrician as I have seriously limited knowledge on this.

Is there any way to disable the flashers without pulling a battery lead off?

 

[Bev478]

Ok. Got to the stage of hazards constantly flashing so disconnected the battery. When I reattached it they started immediately. Tried the hazard switch on & off a few times……disconnected again. Day later went out, reconnected & this time held the hazard switch in……& they stopped. As soon as I released it they started flashing again. Fingers crossed it’s a dodgy switch.

So I have ordered the bank of switches containing the hazard from an eBay seller & my next question is - how do I remove & replace the switches? Does the whole dash have to be removed? Never messed with the trim before Tried searching internet & YouTube for any help but couldn‘t spot anything obvious.
TIA for any pointers.

 

[rayc]

So I have ordered the bank of switches containing the hazard from an eBay seller & my next question is - how do I remove & replace the switches? Does the whole dash have to be removed? Never messed with the trim before Tried searching internet & YouTube for any help but couldn‘t spot anything obvious.
TIA for any pointers.

Fairly simple. there is a torx screw beneath the rubber mat in the drinks holder base. When removed it allows the whole panel containing the switches and power sockets to be removed.

 

[Bev478]

Fairly simple. there is a torx screw beneath the rubber mat in the drinks holder base. When removed it allows the whole panel containing the switches and power sockets to be removed.

Ah, thank you. Was looking for hazard switch specific…….didn’t look closer at that video I shall have a crack at it once the switch arrives

 

[Bev478]

Just as an update - finally replaced the hazard switch………success! Reconnected battery & absolute silence - ridiculously happy Thanks for the replies & suggestions, it’s all useful information to know. Particular thanks to rayc for the link to the video - so easy to remove once you know how