Citroen XM Forum

Whilst trying to figure out why the battery was draining I noticed that the earth strap from the bonnet hinge to the body was in a very poor state. So I bought a new one from an Auto Electrical place. The comparison is alarming


Gave the connections a good clean


and she doesn't lose power now when sat. I've noticed the other side is the original strap and intend to change that one when I put the grommets on the scuttle.

and the piccies are up . . . happy bunny!

I'm flummoxed as to how the bonnet braid could cause battery drain.

So am I.

I can't even remember seeing mine! Must check tomorrow.

Hi Robert and Dieselman

Now you know why proper XM's have plastic battery covers.
Its to stop the volts jumping from the battery terminals to the flexing bonnet when the engine runs rough.

John

Dieselman wrote:I'm flummoxed as to how the bonnet braid could cause battery drain.

robert_e_smart wrote:So am I.

Nor me. I was merely replacing the strap. The ends of the strap were in very poor condition and needed replacing.

The other side is not as bad but I will change it when I have the scuttle off, just for the hell of it.

But engines never run rough in proper xms John!!

Check any underbonnet light wiring for chafing.
Also the bonnet catch wiring as the catches are bolted to a fibreglass panel.

John

russ92xmsed wrote:I can't even remember seeing mine! Must check tomorrow.

Checked....they have disappeared! The battery isn't draining though.