Sport mode & snow mode

[Erion]

Hello to everyone!
I recently bought a c5 tourer 2010 2.0 hdif 136 hp.
It has a sport mode button but it seems that doesn't work the snow mode also. Does anyone knows if this model has a sport mode or not?
Thanks

[Xantippa]

Yes it should have sport mode. Although with that engine it´s completely useless, because there´s just not more power on high revs that sport mode is using. On snow mode 1 and 2 gears are "disabled", so it´s easy to check wether it´s working. Do you have S or * symbols on your dial when selecting sport or snow mode?

[Erion]

That's my issue. Doesn't show anything on the screen like s for sport or the snowflake ? so I don't understand if it's working or not. The car does show any malfunction also.

[GiveMeABreak]

There's 2 things:

1) The Snow Programme

represented by the snow flake button on the Auto box is just to help prevent or to allow slipping and compliment the ESP system - by adjusting the gear changes as needed in line with the conditions. The same for starting off to help improve grip by reducing harsh acceleration.

This system only works when the transmission is in 'D' mode - that is fully automatic mode and will not work in sequential mode.

So the engine has to be running and the shift has to be in 'D', then press the Snowflake button to activate the system. You should then see a snow flake symbol in the instrument panel.

2) Snow Motion is just part of the ESP / ASR / Traction control system. It is not something you have any direct manual control to activate or deactivate - it just works in the background as part of the ESP system and is designed to brake or release all wheels or increase or decrease power to the driving wheels when needed according to the conditions.

[Erion]

I've done that but nothing happens. It seems like the buttons don't work.

[GiveMeABreak]

In that case you will need to get a diagnostic done to see if there is a fault with the gearbox.

[Erion]

Apparently I have to do that even everything else works just fine and the car doesn't show any malfunction.
Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

If you are not getting any error messages or warnings and the gearbox is functioning well enough for you, then leave it. But the fact that the snowflake icon is not showing up on the dash when it is supposed to would indicate a problem if you have followed the activation guidance.

When the Snow and Sports Mode lights flash constantly there is a fault - but the fact that the light is not lit when switched to Snow Programme may indicate an issue. It's up to you whether you want to get it checked though.

[Erion]

Is there a possibility that the car has the buttons but as model doesn't have the option?

[GiveMeABreak]

All AM6 Automatics on the C5 X7 have a sport mode and a snow mode on the selector - they have done since the it was introduced on the X7.
Even the earlier AL4 Auto boxes that were fitted on the early petrol C5 X7s had the same 2 programmes.

[Xantippa]

It just might be problem with those buttons. I would check the connections on them first. Maybe someone has forgot to reconnect connectors after working on the car, or that switch is broken.

[GiveMeABreak]

Yes - good idea Marko - always helps to check the obvious first like the electrical connections to the gear shift control unit.

[Drakopoulos1988]

Hi! I have the same problem at my al4 xantia 2001. Sport and snow mode not working at all! The third bitton (1st gear lock) Working properly! Is there anyone with experience to help me?