Citroen c4 Grand Picasso electrical fault. BPGA or Alternator

[martina_sk]

Hello,

First time writing here but I’m looking for advice.
Bought a c4 grand picasso a year ago (reg 2015)
An amber light saying Electrical Circuit Fault: Have the vehicle repaired started coming up few months ago. Citroen diagnosed BPGA unit needs replacement. “Electrical supply system failure”.

Few times the battery has died on me if I didn’t drive it for 1 or 2 days.
The garage near me Told me to change the battery. Long story short changed the battery and the car died again. It took two days and all types of warning lights started coming on. During driving the car broke down and had 0 battery in it. RAC managed to get the car back but said the alternator needs replacement. Checked and the alternator prices are insane so my question is:
Is it really the alternator or the ECU/BPGA Needs replacement? I am considering fixing the BPGA unit before getting a new alternator because I read that most times its not the alternator’s fault.

Has anyone experienced this and can anyone advise what would be the best course of action in this case. I am hoping once the new proper unit is installed the car will operate fine.

Thank you in advance.

[GiveMeABreak]

The BGPA unit is the supplies protection unit. When these fail they can cause electrical issues as they supply everything else with the power.

The alternator can be ruled out by testing.

Warning! Be very careful to keep a record / photos of the connections to the correct fuses on the existing unit when replacing this!

[dt13kym]

Hi, we're having the same issue and it seems reading through he comments that it will be the BPGA unit. Are these just plug and play for a 2015 exclusive +
Have a mechanic that will fit it if no programming required.
David

[GiveMeABreak]

David - The BGPA unit (Supplies Protection / Management Unit) doesn't require programming, but the engine fuse boxes on these do, but essential that all the existing fuse connections are photographed / positions / locations recorded prior to removal as the connections can differ from vehicle to vehicle depending on the fitted equipment and options for each vehicle, so there is no standard reconnection help if you don't get these right!

[dt13kym]

Thanks, will pass the info onto him. Any idea best place to purchase one?
On another note, have you ever heard of the warning check indicator direction when someone indicates to turn right? Only does it the 1st time in each journey then is fine? Plus the orange service light stays on all the time now, not sure if this will be related to one of these 2 issues.

David

[Carole_]

Hello. I have this exact problem. Did changing the BPGA work please?

[dt13kym]

Hey Carol, yes it did but buy proper 1st time. I got one off ebay and had to send back after having to put it into citroen specialist.

Cod just under £1000 for them to diagnose, and then buy and fit the right one.

[djurhuus]

On another note, have you ever heard of the warning check indicator direction when someone indicates to turn right? Only does it the 1st time in each journey then is fine?

David

Hi David

It's a bit old thread, but anyway maybe this can give meaning to others
I have exactly same experience om my Grand Picasso II and the way I solved this were buy resetting the BSI - so this indicator thing is a ghost living in BSI.
As I recall it I'm shure that I found the precise guide in this forum.

Kind regards
Djurhuus

[Crystalswing_79]

hi everyone,
i recently had problems with my Citroen c4 grand Picasso 1.6hdi not starting. so after a lot of research put it down to the battery management fuse box.so i bought a replacement and fitted it ( taking pictures of were all the wire go). the car starts no problem now but i have a problem with the indicator lights, they are blinking double fast now. i have checked every light bulb to see if any have blown, but all are good. the BPGA was an after market part bought from AliExpress . would this be causing the fast blinking indicators as its not an oem part?

[jonnny1975]

Crystal wing - do you have a link to the ali express seller for the BPGA? My car has the issue with the eco switching on / off every few mins and I’ve just installed a new battery and did BSI reset! God I hate these cars

[jonnny1975]

Thank you so much for your insight on this annoying as hell issue

Is it simple to test the alternator? Do you know of any online tutorials?

Huge thanks for your thoughts

The BGPA unit is the supplies protection unit. When these fail they can cause electrical issues as they supply everything else with the power.

The alternator can be ruled out by testing.

Warning! Be very careful to keep a record / photos of the connections to the correct fuses on the existing unit when replacing this!

[PaulC5]

A basic test of the alternator is to check the battery voltage. With the engine off it should be about 12.7 volts first thing before starting each day, then with the engine on should be about 14.4 volts if the alternator is working. On newer cars with a smart alternator with the engine on the voltage can vary depending on need so could be as low as 12.7 volts but with the head lights on and such as the rear window heater it will go up to about 14 volts. Sometimes a new battery needs a charge if it has been sat on a shelf for some time so I usually charge them up before fitting.

Also have a look at the alternator drive belt to make sure it is in good condition but since from your car list it looks as if your car is 11 years old so possibly when the timing belt was replaced the alternator belt was also replaced.