C5 Auto headlights

aljohnso · Post by **aljohnso** » 05 May 2006, 14:05

I think they are not working as the lights come on all the time even in full sunlight. Is there anything I can do to sort them out or is it a dealer job?
I have tried turning them off then back on but no joy - they still come on anyway

Al.

SandyD · Post by **SandyD** » 05 May 2006, 15:03

Hi Al, it’s a pain when your h/lights won’t go off mine come on sometime when I use my indicators and I have to switch them on and off to get them to go out or people must think I’m driving a Volvo. 8)
Can you disconnect the stalk switch to see if it’s that that is causing the problem.

Sandy.

miked · Post by **miked** » 05 May 2006, 15:40

Have you cleaned the sensor part of the windscreen -A bird might have left a message blocking out the sunlight

Homer · Post by **Homer** » 05 May 2006, 18:16

First I would go for checking the sensors are clean and not covered up by anything.

If it's not that then how about switching them to manual.

On the Pug 807 and 206 you do this by holding the button on the end of the stalk in for 5 or 10 seconds. but it only works with the engine off (and ignition on IIRC).

406 V6 · Post by **406 V6** » 05 May 2006, 20:41

If it's not that then how about switching them to manual.

It's described very well on the car's manual....

I would check the sensor, like Homer said, it's above the rear view mirror on the outside of the windscreen.

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 06 May 2006, 12:45

Had this problem with my 206, A new sensor under warranty fixed it.

Dodgy rain / light sensors are pretty common, Most owners dont bother getting it fixed.

Try & take a picture of the headlamp stalk set to auto, the headlamp warning lamp on the dashboard on & some bright daylight through the windscreen, No arguments then that there isn't a fault.

To turn the auto setting off or on.

Turn the ignition on so the dash warning lights are on.

Now press & hold the button on the end of the headlamp stalk.

After you have held it in for about 4 seconds you get a beep & if you have a high spec car you will get AUTOMATIC HEADLAMPS DEACTIVATED / ACTIVATED ( depending if you are turning them off or on ) On the multifunction display.

Job done.

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 06 May 2006, 12:50

SandyD wrote:Hi Al, it’s a pain when your h/lights won’t go off mine come on sometime when I use my indicators and I have to switch them on and off to get them to go out or people must think I’m driving a Volvo. 8)
Can you disconnect the stalk switch to see if it’s that that is causing the problem.

Sandy.

Disconnecting the stalk will stick a load of error codes in the BSIs memory & will make the rest of the dash light up like a xmas tree.

NOT recomended on a multiplexed car!

wheeler · Post by **wheeler** » 06 May 2006, 13:18

Yes disconecting the stalk (com2000 unit) will bring the headlamps ON due to loss of communication between the BSI & the com2000.
the sensors have been known to become detached under the mirror cover & just need clipped back in,especially if the car has ever had a new windscreen fitted.

fastandfurryous · Post by **fastandfurryous** » 06 May 2006, 14:31

PowerLee wrote:Disconnecting the stalk will stick a load of error codes in the BSIs memory & will make the rest of the dash light up like a xmas tree. NOT recomended on a multiplexed car!

Good grief! You can't even disconnect a switch? not even with the ignition off?

How about breathing... is it OK to breathe in a multiplexed car??!

It does make you wonder how many multiplexed cars are going to be scrapped due to what would be a minor problem on a "normal" car, but the multiplex system makes it expensive/impossible to fix.

Hence a car is scrapped before its time, and another has to be manufactured. Hardly environmentally friendly is it?

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 06 May 2006, 14:54

Also if you disconnect the instrument panel it lights the rest of the dash & headlamps up.

If the BSI sees something as missing then it has a major sulk.

99% of multiplex faults are down to the following 3 things.

1) Untrained people tapping into the wiring to add a towbar, alarm or trying to change a radio etc.

2) Water getting into one of the connections

3) Software faults ( A simple reboot cures most ) or a software upgrade is needed.

Homer · Post by **Homer** » 07 May 2006, 21:15

406 V6 wrote:
If it's not that then how about switching them to manual.
It's described very well on the car's manual....

Then the C5 manual is better than the 807 manual, it's barely mentioned in mine.

aljohnso · Post by **aljohnso** » 09 May 2006, 09:34

I believe I have found the problem. It was my fault, I was starting the car as soon as the diesel preheater warning went out (about half a second). I have started waiting for all the lamps and the problem has not recurred since. I'm guessing therefore that I was not allowing the system to boot fully before starting the car and this caused the problem. I hear what you are saying re the tow bar, I'll have it fittted by the dealer

Al.

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 09 May 2006, 16:28

It doesnt have to be a Citroen main dealer to fit a towbar or alarm etc.

As long as you talk to whoever is doing the job first & they understand about CAN / Multiplexing then thats ok.

There are a few people out there who can work wonders with CAN electrics on cars, It just takes a while to find them though