Economy mode

Unread post by **RichardW** » 22 May 2007, 08:16

My Dad has just bought a C4 and is still frusttrated by it shutting down into 'economy' mode after 30 mins (same as his 02 Xsara). Now, I have heard a rumour that the dealer can turn off or adjust this feature via the diagnostic computer. His local service agent, however, has denied all knowledge. Anbody (er, Wheeler....

) know the truth behind this?

This is the end of an era for him, as the C4 replaces his 93 Xantia - the last in a line of LHM suspended cars stretching back to about 1979. Broken only by a short emergency spell with an All-aggro sometime about 1987 (following the demise of a GS).

JohnD · Unread post by **JohnD** » 22 May 2007, 09:19

I have this feature on my C5 and what a b***** nuisance it is. Yesterday I had a long wait for my wife to have treatment. 30minutes of CD and then a sudden shutdown. Started the engine and gave a few gentle revs for a minute or so and then switched off. That gave me another 5 minutes of music before closing down again. It would be great if it could be programmed out.

Unread post by **lolingram** » 22 May 2007, 16:17

All PSAs do this since about 4 years back... real pain in the arse. I'm dying to learn from one of the Forum's geeks how this can be got rid of.

JohnD posted:
PostPosted: Tue May 2007 Post subject:
I have this feature on my C5 and what a b***** nuisance it is. Yesterday I had a long wait for my wife to have treatment. 30minutes of CD and then a sudden shutdown. Started the engine and gave a few gentle revs for a minute or so and then switched off. That gave me another 5 minutes of music before closing down again. It would be great if it could be programmed out.

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 01 Jun 2007, 00:18

unfortunately eco-mode cant be turned off, on early mutiplexed cars the cut in time can be adjusted (with the dealer diagnostic tool) up to a maximum of 60 minutes. however later models ie mk2 C5 & C4 onwards use a different multiplex system and the time cant be adjusted at all.

reblack68 · Unread post by **reblack68** » 01 Jun 2007, 06:34

What happens in economy mode and why do they think you want to economise after 30 minutes but not before?

Unread post by **RichardW** » 01 Jun 2007, 07:52

Thanks Wheeler, I'm sure that will not impress my folks!

Richard: economy mode cuts in after 30 mins with the ignition switched to accessories position. It cuts power to everything and puts ECON on the display - nothing will work until the engine is started again. Which is a real PITA if you are sitting in the car waiting for something and listening to the radio

On the later cars it is even worse, as if you start and stop the engine the interval before it shuts down again is reduced. I guess it is to save the battery, and any potential problems with spiking the BSI if a jump start might be needed. Doesn't stop it being annoying though!