Merged Lexia & Diagbox threads

[Mandrake]

Allan,

I haven't used a Lexia yet or even seen one, but I have a question and a couple of possible suggestions that apply to any USB devices.

Is the USB interface box for the Lexia self powered ? In other words does it get power from the laptop via USB, or does it have a separate power supply ? If its self powered via the USB port read on...

Powering power hungry devices over USB is often temperamental, and results can vary depending on the laptop and the device anywhere from "doesn't work at all", to "works sometimes" to "works properly".

The USB spec only allows devices to draw a maximum of 100mA when first connected and the device must "negotiate" with a data exchange before being allowed to draw up to a maximum of 500mA - with the laptops permission. (The OS grants this permission)

MANY USB devices break these rules and will draw up to 500mA without performing this negotiation, older hard drive equipped iPods are notorious for this for example. MANY laptops / PC can cope with this unexpected 500mA power draw before negotiation, some cannot. Because so many can cope with it device manufacturers have become lazy and many break the rules by drawing more than 100mA without negotiation, which causes incompatibilities with laptops/PC's which follow the spec strictly.

Additionally, although 500mA is the maximum current allowed by the spec, laptops/PC do NOT have to support up to this maximum, they can support anywhere between 100mA and 500mA, and often the maximum current is shared between two or more ports, so for example a pair of ports may support 500mA total, so a device requiring the full current may not work if another USB device is plugged into a nearby port at the same time and using significant current.

Furthermore some devices will draw more than even the maximum allowed 500mA current even after negotiating. Some laptops (apple laptops in particular) and handle as much as 1 amp, most cannot.

All this leads to a messy situation where only devices that require less than 100mA are guaranteed to work on all PC/laptops, higher current devices will "usually" work with modern PC/laptops, but sometimes won't, especially on older PC/laptops.

You can often see in device manager if you view devices by connection, locate your USB hubs, then go into the properties how much current is being drawn by each device and how much the port has available.

As an example of these issues I have a 2003 era desktop PC running Windows XP running a good quality Asus motherboard, and with certain usb devices that consume a lot of power (iPhones in particular) I get constant problems where the usb device will appear, disappear, appear, disappear, etc. Some days it might work, some days it won't work at all, yet usb thumb drives and other low power devices work fine even in usb 2.0 mode. The devices that I have trouble with all work on a more modern laptop.

The easiest way to find out if your laptop is having trouble powering the Lexia is to connect it via a powered USB hub - eg one that has its own power adaptor. If that works fine its almost a certain indication that your laptop is simply having trouble powering the Lexia. It may be that the Lexia interface like so many other devices doesn't follow the power spec faithfully, or it could be that your laptop has sub-par power output capabilities on the USB ports - not uncommon for older machines.

If it works fine via the powered hub your only choices really are to use the powered hub (a bit inconvenient in a car to be sure, you'd need a small battery to run it instead of an AC adaptor) or just try a different laptop.

Another thing to check is in device manager to see if the ACTIA device appears. If you see it appear and disappear again when plugged in, it could be power issues as well.

Good luck.

[brittleware]

If it is Lexia rather than Diagbox you are running then try turning off the wifi connection (if left on), it might be that the Lexia program is trying to update it's software and the software in the interface.

In fact the system restore did the trick - though I then had to re-activate both Lexia and PP2000. As a result I now have the correct maker (FIAT) instead of Peugeot on the multi function screen on start up - but also I know that the RT3 unit and the display aren't talking to each other. Anyone know if upgrading the firmware (to v. 5.95 from 5.31) on both units will correct this?

[Mandrake]

Right, my Lexia is on order from Jim at Easy Diagnostics, and should arrive tomorrow. When I mentioned I was a french car forum member he offered me a £10 discount so all up its costing £110 including next day delivery, which I think is pretty good.

Of course I'll be at work when the courier arrives so it will most likely be Thursday before I can collect it from my local post depot.

My car seems to know what is about to happen to it as it has been on its best behaviour for the last few days. The poor running, shuddering etc between 1000-2000rpm is still there but its gone from "severe and worrying" to "just annoying", although I think its differences in the weather and temperature over the last week that might have caused the change. (Faulty water temp or air intake temp sensor maybe ?)

Looking forward to playing with my new toy - I've also been holding off refitting my replacement alarm ultrasonic sensors until I have the Lexia so I can test them a bit more thoroughly. (Hopefully there is a sensor test mode for the Alarm where I can test the movement sensors to see if they work WITHOUT setting off the siren! )

[lexi]

Just my luck Simon that you have Lexia now and I have no Cit to get you over to look at

[Mandrake]

Just my luck Simon that you have Lexia now and I have no Cit to get you over to look at

Hey, you could always buy a Pug, it works on those too.

[CitroJim]

Hey, you could always buy a Pug, it works on those too.

There's a nice blue Pug 406 V6 Coupé jgra is looking to sell..

Suit you perfectly Lexi

[Mandrake]

Lexia received from Jim at Easy Diagnostics, installed, and a diagnostic session run

I'll leave the details of the engine diagnostic I ran to another thread. A couple of questions I have though that DickieG might know the answer to - I only used the main install CD - the two other PP2000 CD's didn't seem to be required. One of them seems to have copies of older Lexia software versions (?) and also Proxima ? Not sure if those are needed or are just archives of older versions of the Lexia software if needed.

I was able to interrogate all the ECU's in the car, perform actuator tests, read live data etc... however I was expecting to be able to perform actuator tests on the Hydractive ECU (eg turn Electrovalves on and off) but there doesn't seem to be any option for actuator tests for the Hydractive ECU, unlike most of the other ECU's ? I could read sensors data and fault codes from it though.

I was impressed by how much data can be read from the climate control system including multiple temperature sensors, as well as all the slider switch settings.

Also it looks like I can read the live state of the alarm ultrasonic sensors as well, which means I'll be able to test my new sensors without repeatedly setting off the siren The list of alarm activation causes in the ECU (apart from once when I unlocked the door manually with the alarm set) were nearly all from the ultrasonic sensors and a few times from the boot switch. The boot switch (and indeed the boot catch itself) were not adjusted properly when I got the car, so that probably explains that one, meaning that it was indeed the ultrasonic sensors that were the cause of most of the false alarms...

[DickieG]

A couple of questions I have though that DickieG might know the answer to - I only used the main install CD - the two other PP2000 CD's didn't seem to be required. One of them seems to have copies of older Lexia software versions (?) and also Proxima ? Not sure if those are needed or are just archives of older versions of the Lexia software if needed.

If they are what I believe they are then you don't need them, might be worth giving Jim a quick call or email just to confirm. Proxia was another diagnostic tool very similar to Lexia which was offered as an alternative to Lexia, I understand it does the same job but goes about it in a slightly different way.

I was able to interrogate all the ECU's in the car, perform actuator tests, read live data etc... however I was expecting to be able to perform actuator tests on the Hydractive ECU (eg turn Electrovalves on and off) but there doesn't seem to be any option for actuator tests for the Hydractive ECU, unlike most of the other ECU's ? I could read sensors data and fault codes from it though.

That's correct, with Hydractive you can view live data but cannot do any actuator tests, it's exactly the same on my ex dealer Lexia 2.

Also it looks like I can read the live state of the alarm ultrasonic sensors as well, which means I'll be able to test my new sensors without repeatedly setting off the siren The list of alarm activation causes in the ECU (apart from once when I unlocked the door manually with the alarm set) were nearly all from the ultrasonic sensors and a few times from the boot switch. The boot switch (and indeed the boot catch itself) were not adjusted properly when I got the car, so that probably explains that one, meaning that it was indeed the ultrasonic sensors that were the cause of most of the false alarms...

Don't be fooled by the live data from the ultrasonic sensors, the fact that they detect movement doesn't stop them setting off the alarm at some unearthly hour,,, I would suggest that if you have say 7 or 8 activations out of the recorded 15 which are down to the sensors then they or at least one of the sensors is buggered.


Within the next few days I'll be reporting on how well these Lexia's/Diagbox work on a certain C5 X7 which is loaded with toys galore

[allanmc]

I am looking for some information about my Lexia which has stopped working I had contacted DickieG and he tried to contact the supplier but had no luck said that I could try myself I phoned twice and sent an email but still no reply I dont know what to do next, could anyone help please
allan

[Mandrake]

A couple of questions I have though that DickieG might know the answer to - I only used the main install CD - the two other PP2000 CD's didn't seem to be required. One of them seems to have copies of older Lexia software versions (?) and also Proxima ? Not sure if those are needed or are just archives of older versions of the Lexia software if needed.

If they are what I believe they are then you don't need them, might be worth giving Jim a quick call or email just to confirm. Proxia was another diagnostic tool very similar to Lexia which was offered as an alternative to Lexia, I understand it does the same job but goes about it in a slightly different way.

I was going to ask about Proxia actually, is that some sort of predecessor to the Lexia ? Back when I had photo copies of the genuine Citroen service manuals (1998 vintage, not covering the V6, and left back in NZ with my Dad) it had references to both the ELIT and the Proxia for programming and diagnostics, but no mention of the Lexia. From what I remember the Proxia was a trolley sized device!

On the PP2000 CD there are folders for "diagbox", "Lexia45", "PP2000&lexia V46", "PP2000_09B", and "Proxia3_43", so I'm guessing they're older versions than those installed by the main CD.

I've just tried running the Proxia installer and its installing! (but taking a while) so I'll give it a try and see what it looks like.

I was able to interrogate all the ECU's in the car, perform actuator tests, read live data etc... however I was expecting to be able to perform actuator tests on the Hydractive ECU (eg turn Electrovalves on and off) but there doesn't seem to be any option for actuator tests for the Hydractive ECU, unlike most of the other ECU's ? I could read sensors data and fault codes from it though.

That's correct, with Hydractive you can view live data but cannot do any actuator tests, it's exactly the same on my ex dealer Lexia 2.

Interesting. Maybe I just assumed that it could do actuator testing, although I have a vague memory of reading in either the Hydractive 2 training manual or on my original photo copied Citroen manuals that the Proxia could do actuator testing of the electrovalves on the HA2 ECU.

Also it looks like I can read the live state of the alarm ultrasonic sensors as well, which means I'll be able to test my new sensors without repeatedly setting off the siren The list of alarm activation causes in the ECU (apart from once when I unlocked the door manually with the alarm set) were nearly all from the ultrasonic sensors and a few times from the boot switch. The boot switch (and indeed the boot catch itself) were not adjusted properly when I got the car, so that probably explains that one, meaning that it was indeed the ultrasonic sensors that were the cause of most of the false alarms...

Don't be fooled by the live data from the ultrasonic sensors, the fact that they detect movement doesn't stop them setting off the alarm at some unearthly hour,,, I would suggest that if you have say 7 or 8 activations out of the recorded 15 which are down to the sensors then they or at least one of the sensors is buggered.

I think you misunderstand. I already know the original ultrasonic sensors are faulty. I confirmed this with an oscilloscope a while ago... I've since sourced 3rd party replacement sensors (for the princely sum of £7.50 each) and hadn't got around to re-installing them and testing them yet. See this thread for detailed info:

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... =3&t=41002" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've fitted and tested them tonight. What I wanted the Lexia to tell me is whether the new sensors were detecting movement or not (without setting off the siren!) - and they are. I was sitting still in the back of the car and as long as I didn't move they didn't trip, all I had to do is wave my arm slightly between the front seats and it would go off, so they're quite sensitive. Meanwhile if I was outside the car with the windows closed I couldn't trip the sensors by bumping the car or rocking it, so it looks like they work perfectly. Time will tell whether the new sensors trigger any false alarms of course, but I don't think they will given how obvious the fault with the original sensors were. (Again, see the thread for more details)

Within the next few days I'll be reporting on how well these Lexia's/Diagbox work on a certain C5 X7 which is loaded with toys galore

Excellent, look forward to hearing the results...

[lexi]

There's a nice blue Pug 406 V6 Coupé jgra is looking to sell..

Suit you perfectly Lexi

Love them and the xantia V6 Jim. I have difficulty getting head lowered down into a normal car though.......all since my accident.

It is the main reason I bought the Vel and use it and the series Landy. I go straight into these cars with no real stoop. You have heard it all before Jim................................Old Fart with bad back /leg story

[DickieG]

I was going to ask about Proxia actually, is that some sort of predecessor to the Lexia ? Back when I had photo copies of the genuine Citroen service manuals (1998 vintage, not covering the V6, and left back in NZ with my Dad) it had references to both the ELIT and the Proxia for programming and diagnostics, but no mention of the Lexia. From what I remember the Proxia was a trolley sized device!

Lexia and Proxia sold alongside each other almost as competitors, both were tablet computers based upon a trolley here's a Proxia and here's a Lexia

On the PP2000 CD there are folders for "diagbox", "Lexia45", "PP2000&lexia V46", "PP2000_09B", and "Proxia3_43", so I'm guessing they're older versions than those installed by the main CD.

Diagbox supersedes Lexia and Proxia.

I think you misunderstand. I already know the original ultrasonic sensors are faulty. I confirmed this with an oscilloscope a while ago... I've since sourced 3rd party replacement sensors (for the princely sum of £7.50 each) and hadn't got around to re-installing them and testing them yet.

Re the ultrasonic sensors, I've had it where they are shown as being the cause for setting off the alarm but when I tested them using Lexia live datastream they performed exactly as you expect by responding to movement (or none) within the car yet the alarm would still go off at random intervals with the CPH stating that the sensors were the cause, when I later replaced the sensors the false alarms ceased.

Well done for finding ultrasonic sensors at that price, it'll be interesting to see how they perform in the long term.

[Mandrake]

Unable to install the Proxia software, the installer kept hanging part way through, wasn't able to uninstall it properly either, so had to use System restore to clean things up, and ended up uninstalling and reinstalling Diagbox/Lexia as well as I couldn't figure out what belonged to each. (There seems to be some file/folder overlap between the two, installing both on the same windows install may not even be possible without clashes...) Just as well this windows install is dedicated to the Lexia install... Assuming Lexia does everything Proxia does, I don't think I'll touch it again.

Also 24 hours with no false alarms on the alarm, (with the old sensors it would go off without fail in less than 30 minutes) I'm pretty confident that its working properly with the new ultrasonic sensors, I'll give it a week to be sure then post a conclusion in the alarm thread

[CitroJim]

Also 24 hours with no false alarms on the alarm

That's brilliant Simon

[hirameuser]

I had been lurking around the forum for a week or two and joined a few days ago.
I found the site after having to get a jump start in France on holiday (C5 by the way I had run the battery down by forgetting to disconnect the cool box overnight!) since then various niggles started happening susspension has gone 50mm higher at the back, drivers electric window would go down on the switch but not up (could get it closed on the key fob untill I tried a couple of of battery disconnects as described on the forum now it does not raise what ever I try). I already have what I think is a MAF anti polution fault seems to clear after warming up (local mechanic put it on his general tester before I went on holiday, he said for full testing it would need to go to a citroen dealer for proper dianostics 40 miles away) so I had been looking at an eobd reader before finding this site and found out about the Lexia and as I hope to keep the car for at least another 2 years I decided to jump on the Lexia bandwaggon.
So now I have joined the forum and ordered and recived a diagbox from Jim (very helpfull by the way), installed the software and connected to the C5 theres a lot of info in there. So now I am going very slowly through the tests.

Thanks for the info.

Also give me a few weeks playing with the beast and I may be able to help users local to me with a plugin (north Cornwall/Devon border)

Cheers