another newbie needing help with 406 electrics

[g7vhj]

Hi all
Thanks for a very informative site.
I recently purchased (1month ago) a 1997 (p reg) 2 ltr 406 and loved it up until about 4 days ago when it started to go wrong.
First of all i arrived at work feeling smug about driving such a great car i parked up took the key out of the ignition got out and went to lock the car only to realise that the stereo was still playing and the engine running, I got back in and tried the key in the ignition a few times and still it didn't stop leaving only a couple of choices so i stalled the engine went in and got a coffee then went back to the car and all seemed ok lights out stereo off etc.
I got into the car to go home and the engine cooling fans were on from start up but not a major problem so i thought.

I left the car at home the next day and used my wifes Perodua then checked mine out later on and found i had o brake or reversing lights checked the fuses and sure enough fuse 12 (10 amp) had blown so i replaced it and all seemed well until i drove a short distance (1 mile for shopping) and noticed smoke pouring out from under the offside rear bumper (hasty retreat home before it got dark and without using the brakes too mch).

on investigation today i found a key switch in the boot that has already been explained on this forum and a metal box structure attached under offside bumper( where the smoke came from).
my question is what is in the box that is held in with 3 nuts from the inside and can it be removed safely without causing any problems? also the carpet type stuff used for sound proofing was soaking wet above it i presume that is where the problem started.

Secondly my interior ventilation motor adjster or similar is making strange noises as if it can't find the right place too stop, It keeps clicking and whirring and wont settle in any position and i have tried the recirc and a/c controls aswell.

Any ideas pleas and sorry it is a long read.
many regards Pete de G7VHJ

[omega]

dont know about the box but it sounds like the heater moter is on its last legs .very simple to replace remove carpet trim from under the glovebox and you see it,remove three cross head screws and out it comes remove wires and replace.
.

[g7vhj]

Thanks for the advice on the heater motor and I am beginning to think that the box below the boot is for the sounder for the alarm, I will try and disconnect it tomorrow and see if it makes any difference to the thick smoke billowing from the back.
regards Pete

[g7vhj]

It turns out that the box at the rear offside of the car under the bumper is for the sounder for the alarm and yes it can be removed without affecting any other systems it jst means i now have no sound from the alarm.
The cause of the smoke was the wires from the indicaters into the box had broken down where they were trapped by the casing, the smoke was the plug into the sounder that had fallen apart as it fried.

Now just got to sort out that annoying clicking that appears to be caused by the recirc flap under the pollen filter that moves but doesn't seem to lock into position.
If anyone knows what fuse or relay is connected the again help would be appreciated.
oh and i now love my 406 again.
regards Pete

[teamster1975]

Hello and welcome Pete!
Glad you've got it sorted, the alarm on mine has never worked!

[g7vhj]

Hi and thank you
I assume although the sounder w3on't work the headlights will still flash.

I am suprised however at the damage to both the wires and the sounder, In fact looking at the molten plastiic and metal is quite scarey.
All i need to do now is work out what fse or wires control the motor for the recirc control to stop it hunting for the park position.
Regards Pete

[mjb]

i parked up took the key out of the ignition got out and went to lock the car only to realise that the stereo was still playing and the engine running, I got back in and tried the key in the ignition a few times and still it didn't stop leaving only a couple of choices so i stalled the engine

May be an issue with the ignition barrel...


Also you may wish to say which 2l engine you have

[teamster1975]

I assume although the sounder w3on't work the headlights will still flash.

That's correct