Xantia Mk1 steering wheel remote buttons

Unread post by **Old-Guy** » 05 Nov 2008, 14:07

Some moths ago the audio remote control buttons on the steering wheel stopped working. On long trips I now can't quickly turn Radio2 up to hear Sally Traffic as Clarion has such widdly little buttons so close together.

I've had the lower column shroud off to check for loose connectors, I guess the next thing to check is the back of the radio.

At first sight it looks as though the radio is held in by 4 torx?

Any traps for the unwary?

Any favourite causes of this fault?

handyman · Unread post by **handyman** » 05 Nov 2008, 14:36

Hello Guy, the radio is held into the carrier by four pins. Best way to remove it is two lengths of coat hanger or welding rod, bent into a "U" shape and inserted in the holes to deflect the internal pins. Sometimes the radio will spring out, once the tension is released or you may need to jiggle it about.

Make sure you have the radio code and that it is turned off, just in case you disconnect the power lead at the back. If it is left on the radio needs to be left for at least twenty four before entering the code, otherwise it will keep locking you out. Now, how do I know that?

Handyman

Unread post by **RichardW** » 05 Nov 2008, 15:36

On a MK 1 the radio is indeed held in with Torx screws - although I think there are only 2 of them - remove the ashtray, then undo the two screws revealed above it. Remove the surround (it just pulls off) then you will see the 2 screws to remove the radio.

Having said that, it's more likely the spiral connector behind the steering wheel is away - have you got the light for the air bag on the steering wheel - does it come on some times when you turn the wheel?

red_dwarfers · Unread post by **red_dwarfers** » 05 Nov 2008, 18:29

I just want to clear this up, you mention 'Clarion' and mk1 Xantia...just to double check, you did mean Blaupunkt didn't you? (Blaupunkt has 'Citroen' written on the cassete deck, Clarion has 'Xantia')

The reason I say this is that the steering wheel controls on a mk1 arn't compatible with Clarions.
As you say it has previously worked, what im suggesting probably isn't relevant but still worth noting none the less!

Unread post by **xantia_v6** » 05 Nov 2008, 20:20

If your MK 1 Xantia has a passenger airbag, then it could be the ribbon in the rotary connector has failed. The airbag circuit is usually the first to fail, followed by the volume controls a few months later.

Unread post by **Old-Guy** » 06 Nov 2008, 12:46

Thanks for all the suggestions.

To clarify: it's a 95MY 1.9Sx with a Clarion CDC605 radio/tapedeck/CD with the autochanger is in the O/S/R storage pocket.

It doesn't have a passenger airbag - grab handle cum 'shelf' above the glove compartment.

No problems with the airbag light coming on.

The Clarion is very neatly installed in the fascia behind the hinged-down flap, and as the wheel buttons used to work I assumed it was a Peugeot/Citroen option.

Looking through the copious documentation that came with the car, I've found the fitting instructions for the Clarion - in 8 languages in small type on 4 double-sided A2 sheets! There's no mention of remote controls or indeed of the hand-held IR remote! The user guide is in the car - must remember to take it out and have a read at leisure (and check the model number as well!)

The removal instructions say "Press the escutcheon upwards and remove it. Insert and lock the hook plates (hopefully I can borrow a pair). Pull the hook plates to remove the main unit."
But 4 torx screws and the sensor for the IR remote control go through the escutcheon. Looks like it maybe a 'special'!

Guy