C5-In energy saving mode-help!

[Monkeyfeet]

- I can't close the windows.

Whilst pulling out the starter motor I had the car radio on, with the windows down so that I could hear it (as you do).Only prob is that it went into energy saving mode and the windows will not go back up.I think it's waiting for the engine to start, but I won't get a new starter till Monday.Got the battery disconnected for while so see if that resets the mode.Apart from putting the old starter back on and hoping it will start I'm a bit stuck.
The manual doesn't even mention this mode, so er, help anyone?

[bencowell]

I'm sure that there is nothing you can do to turn off economy mode other than start the engine. The dealer may have a way by using their computer though but won't be open until Monday.

If Mr Haynes produced a C5 manual they would say to disconnect the battery before touching the starter as you could short out the solenoid and cause a spark.

[UFO]

Are you sure they will not go up at all? In my XM if the battery has been disconnected for a while and the driver's window is down at the time, the upper limit is "forgotten" and needs to be reset by putting the window up using the non auto switch. It goes up a couple of cm at a time until it gets to the top. You can then use full auto up and down mode.

Just a suggestion. Not used to these new fangled econo mode cits though!

[bencowell]

UFO,

The purpose of Eco Mode is to prevent all battery usage other than the starter motor. I think the door locks still work, but the indicators don't flash and interior lights don't turn on.

If you disconnect the battery the windows need re-initialising so they learn where the top is. There is a specific procedure to disconnect the C5 battery

[MikeT]

I'm totally clue-less about these new fangled systems but would it be possible to break into a connection somewhere and provide 12v direct? i.e. the door connection or the switch?

Networking and Power-save mode!! Whatever next? Mr Gates refusing to start your car because you haven't registered your copy of Windows? (excuse the pun).

[bencowell]

It wouldn't be easy.

The window switches are not wired to the window winder motors. Instead the switches are connected to something similar to a computer network that runs through the car. When you press a switch the computer sends a message to the window motors (also on the network).

In the same way as the internet your computer isn't directly connected to mine, but I could send you a message through the network.

It might be possible to strip the door down and apply power directly to the window winder motor but I wouldn't recommend trying!

I hope this makes sense.

[MikeT]

I hope this makes sense.

Yep, I understand networks far better than car electrics

[Monkeyfeet]

Thanks for all your replies.
When working on the starter you're right, the battery has to be disconnected (it was) otherwise I would definitely have shorted something out!
I was cleaning up the hoses etc later on when I made the fatal error

Last night I put the starter back on, wouldn't spin up at all, even with a jump lead to the starter with the solenoid on ( to move the engaging mech.), just got some very hot leads.

I'll look for the non-auto switch, but you're right - everything is powered down apart from the locks.

Love to have the software for the CAN (network) though.

Oh well, maybe plastic bags over the windows 'till Monday evening.

[wheeler]

Why dont you just put insulating tape round the power cables & bump start it to get it out of ECO mode ?
Disconecting the battery & shorting the cables together & reconecting them can sometimes bring it out of eco mode for a few seconds enough to get the windows up.

[Monkeyfeet]

Took apart the jump lead that got too hot - 2.5mm wire way too skinny for starting!
Wired in some 10mm earth cable instead, "jumped it" and bingo

Reset the windows and now the missus is happy again (it's her car)

And that's a result

Thanks for all the help too.