306 Dashboard Wiring Loom Question

[StPatrick]

Dear Pug Forum,

My 306 HDi (1999 LX estate) has a short circuit. When I remove the key from the ignition, the fan stays on, the radio too and battery light appears on dash. The result, if I leave the car unattended for a period of time, is a very flat battery. So, I now have to detach the live lead on the car's battery every time I park the vehicle. The neighbours are obviously intrigued and mystified about this routine, esp at 6am in the morning.

Today I took it to a Pug specialist and after a £192 diagnosis bill they said: "It's a short circuit in the loom. But, they cannot fix it." They put it on the diagnostics machine and narrowed it down to wiring in the ignition. Specifically; "ignition aux live when ignition off, fault in main fuse box connected to front loom. New loom needed but unavailable from Pug" When I asked for a repair price they said: "Peugeot don't make the dash 306 wiring loom any more. The car is too old." I didn't believe this and I just now I found one on e-bay.

Questions:

1/If the entire loom needs replacing, given it involves dashboard removal, is this a v.expensive job.

2/ Can such a short circuit be fixed i.e. can they definitely pin down the error in the f/box and fix it? Or are short circuits, involving aux live, terminal! That is, terminal as in fatal.

Thank you for your help and advice. Cheers/Slainte.

[danthevan]

Try disconnecting the alternator and see if the lights go out. If the diodes go in them, this can cause problems light you're having.

[StPatrick]

Thank you Dan. I'm not at all motor savvy so I'll get a mate to disconnect the alternator and see if lights go out. I guess if they do, then bingo! So, an alternator diode issue can cause symptoms like this?

[danthevan]

I've had it before on older stuff, so for the sake of 5 minutes work, it's worth a go