Radio not working and electrics

[pscotty]

hi all im new to this forum, I bought a 04 plate berlingo 1.9D and ive had a few problems with it. The first is the radio doesn't work - no power nothing all the fuses seem ok ive had it out and the wires seem ok, all other electrics work as should in centre console. 2nd problem is when driving no warning lights during the day when I put my headlights on I get the handbrake light on and the coolant level light on??? not sure why these are on only when the headlights are on??

Also got a load of what looks and feels like oil in the coolant tank but no sign of head gasket failure???

[Civvic]

hi all im new to this forum, I bought a 04 plate berlingo 1.9D and ive had a few problems with it. The first is the radio doesn't work - no power nothing all the fuses seem ok ive had it out and the wires seem ok, all other electrics work as should in centre console. 2nd problem is when driving no warning lights during the day when I put my headlights on I get the handbrake light on and the coolant level light on??? not sure why these are on only when the headlights are on??

Also got a load of what looks and feels like oil in the coolant tank but no sign of head gasket failure???

Hi there, I'm not much of an electrical expert, but it could be that there is a problem with the electrical system that has caused it to shut down some functions. You could begin with the alternator overcharging or earthing problem. However as you were purchasing the car, it would have been prudent to confirm that there are no electrical problems at all as some examples I have seen have gone through some serious butchering and spaghetti connections. I am hoping that it is the former rather than the latter as you will need some extensive electrical job.

As for the oil in the coolant tank, the 1.9d is notorious for concealing gasket failures. If the engine needs some thrashing to get speed out of it and can hardly rev beyond 3k, and coolant hoses keep being ejected out their shanks, then its obvious the gasket is gone. Another way to tell especially if there is no leakage of the cooling system, is to leave the car overnight and the next day before starting the car, open the coolant cap - If you see bubbles and/or hear a hissing sound like a beer being opened, then the gasket is gone. If gasket job is inevitable, also ensure that new head bolts are used as the design of head bolts is such that they are rendered non-reusable once removed.