Technical Is this noise normal?

[Jimboben]

Hi,
To check my lights I turned the ignition on of my 2012 Ducato 2.3 and left it on for several minutes without starting the engine. I heard a humming noise from the engine compartment which I narrowed down to the glow plug controller. The engine started after with no problem. The noise could have been there before but I normally start the engine immediately on turning on the ignition and the engine would drown out the humming.
I have googled the problem and not found anything so I would appreciate any comments.

 

[corcai]

Could be hearing the egr solenoid?

 

[Jimboben]

Thanks for your reply.
I have now found it is the headlight adjuster motor which is adjacent to the glow plug controller.
Apparently, not an uncommon fault.

 

[ArthurM]

Hi I'm betting it's the fuel pump. Stays on for 5/6 secs. I can,not understand why the headlight adjuster motor would need to work every time you start the engine. Fiat electrics??

 

[corcai]

Hi I'm betting it's the fuel pump. Stays on for 5/6 secs. I can,not understand why the headlight adjuster motor would need to work every time you start the engine. Fiat electrics??

Fiat don't make electrics they buy them from people like valeo and magnetti marelli. The headlamps are marelli. It doesn't need to work everytime you start the engine, the levellers usually have a potentiometer to detect their position when that fails due to dirt, moisture, condensation etc. the headlamps can hunt up and down or strip the gear causing the motor to run continuously.

 

[Jimboben]

It appears to be just as you said, Corcai, it has stripped the gear as when I remove the headlight unit and look inside nothing is moving but I can hear the motor. The problem is I can't see how to gain access to replace the motor without removing the 'glass' which appears sealed with mastic.

 

[CDK]

The only solution is to replace the complete unit!

 

[Jimboben]

I would probably agree with you, CDK but I have seen separate motors for sale.
I would be happy just to disable it but I believe it is on the same fuse as dipped beam and I can't be sure which wire to cut as there are 4 going in the direction of the motor but can't see the connection.

 

[CDK]

Mine was replaced by Adria long after the warranty had ended. Because of water ingress it looked like an aquarium. The little motor probably had been submerged many times. I heard it buzzing for months already but paid no attention to it; assumed it was the EGR vacuum valve.

 

[Jimboben]

I asked the AA technical department which fuse to pull out to stop the motor running but they couldn't provide any information. Likewise, weren't sure which wire to cut.
Then I pulled out the switch panel to remove the connector at that end but it's a row of pins to connect the headlight motor and the mode controls.
Revealed another query - when I removed the panel it allowed me to see inside the dash and there is a bulb continuously flashing even when the ignition and alarm are off. Can anybody explain it's purpose?

 

[Jimboben]

Solved the mystery of the flashing light. After speaking to the alarm installer, he confirmed it was part of the alarm system and flashes all the time.

 

[mojos mummy]

Hey can I sugest you use a sharp nife to cut through the mastec clean up the face and then reseal with seaka flwx. It seals and glues . To attach the glass just turn the light face down and pop somthing heavy on its back gently . Leav overnight .thats how to get into a front light...