DS5 2013 headlight woes

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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by Shingleberry »

Hi Marc, I've come across this thread in the search for help with the same issue I'm having, my model, DS5 with Active Xenon Lighting. I was driving as normal and did a full lock steering manoeuvre (Left to Right) and as soon as I did this I had the "Directional Headlight Fault" accompanied with a service lamp and flashing headlight symbol. I've connected my CarScanner OBD reader and I get no fault codes.
The headlights light up but I have no movement, I've turned the feature off but the message stays and, also, if I flash my high beam with the lights off, I get the message in that moment too.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by GiveMeABreak »

The most likely issue is one or more of the body height correctors is playing up. Note a generic code reader will be useless on anything more than standard engine codes and most cannot read the more advanced constructor codes. You'll need something like Diagbox to confirm one or more height correctors or to read the associated fault codes for these.

As I mentioned in previous posts, whilst this fault is active you will lose directional functionality, but will retain standard lighting and levelling. That will be unaffected as it is a backup mode.

So perfectly fine to drive and dipped and main beams will work, just no side to side movement until the issue is resolved.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by Shingleberry »

Ah OK, I thought you mentioned that the body height corrector weren't responsible for the lateral movement for the lights.
Do you know any steps I can take to find the route of this issue because I am getting really annoyed with the constant beeps and flashing warnings when ever my lights come on now.
I really appreciate your help on this and I apologise if your repeating yourself.
Cheers.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by GiveMeABreak »

You will really need a proper diagnostic with Diagbox to be honest as this can indicate if it is a height sensor problem or another issue with the the headlamp ECU or a network communication issue. There are lots of possibilities and you don't want to be replacing parts unnecessarily.

Have a look at our list of members who have offered Lexia / Peugeot Planet / Diagbox Diagnostics help if you haven't already seen it - link below:

At the end of the list is a link to a Google Map, showing the geographic locations of members and details. Just use the Private Message or Email links on the member's profile to contact anyone suitable.

List of Lexia / Diagbox Owners with Kits Offering Help

Bear in mind, although we update the list as often as we can, not all members are active on the Forum all the time, so it may take a while for a reply.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by Shingleberry »

Ah OK, I will do that. Thankyou

In the mean time, is there a fuse I could pull to deactivate the feature at a base level this stopping the warning message or am I pulling at fanciful strings there. Thanks again.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by GiveMeABreak »

No. Pulling fuses is not the answer and may even deactivate your lighting - which is illegal of course as you must have functioning lights. If you can't wait, I suggest you take it into your nearest Citroen dealer if you have one locally. Give them a ring first though. If you book it in they'll arrange a courtesy car if you need to leave it with them for about £15 fee which covers the insurance and collision waiver regardless of how long you have it. That may be a solution if you just want it sorted. They'll advise of the likely issue and cost.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by Shingleberry »

OK, I'll look into the diagnostic route. Thanks again for your help and knowledge.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by Shingleberry »

Hi Marc, I have booked a diagnostic at my nearest citroen dealer in Inverness but the soonest I can get in is the 19th of July so I guess I'll have to sit tight for now. They think it's just a software issue for some reason. It'll be 95 quid for the diag... Do you think I'm better going to an independent specialist however? Cheers.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by GiveMeABreak »

No, not in this case. You could end up paying that and still having to go back to the dealer. Best to get it booked in, get a car and leave it with them to deal with. Fingers crossed it's a height corrector, and if truth be told, these can be a pig to do depending on which one and the type of setup you have.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by Shingleberry »

Ah really, so it's looking like a pricey job then you think?
I wouldn't mind but I've only had it 4 months but there's no warranty left on it now. I've loved it up until now, this is the first real issue I've had with it.

Cheers pal
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by NotAnInterestingName »

Depending on your commitment level, you could buy your own diagnostic kit for around the same price as you're paying for the one-off check.

You need a laptop and a good understanding of computerism though.

I've currently got exactly the same issue with my directional headlights. Mine's intermittent - binging and a lightshow one day, working perfectly the next while changing absolutely no settings. I've bought all the diagnostic gear, just in the process of setting it up between other jobs and will hopefully find out what the issue is with mine. We may have the same issue or completely different ones with the same symptoms.

I'll update this thread with my results when I find out, if we compare notes it may help.

Marc - are you sure the height sensors could be related to this "directional" message? I'm not doubting your wisdom and experience (both lots more than mine!), but logically I'd have hoped they'd have separated out the up/down and left/right aspects, and would say it was "levelling" related if that was the problem. But it's perfectly possible they've lumped everything under one "directional" fault message, I'm sure you'll know more that I do. I realise that hope, logic and common sense can get in the way sometimes!
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Ok so I can't be 100% sure on the DS5 that vertical levelling is maintained, but you will lose the directional function. I had exactly the same fault on my X7 with directional lighting. I had both height sensors replaced, problem sorted in my case. Although mine had Hydractive suspension, the same principle applies.

So there are several possibilities, depending on which warning lamp you have and message:
DS5 Lighting Fault.PNG
Key:
  • (1) Instrument panel .
  • (2) Matrix screen on the instrument panel.
  • "a" Dipped headlamp indicator.
  • "b" Automatic height correction fault symbol.
  • "c" Service warning lamp.
Directional Headlamp Fault
  • Flashing of the dipped beam indicator
  • Appearance of a message on the instrument panel matrix screen
Automatic Headlamp Height adjustment Fault
  • Lighting of the "automatic height correction" fault symbol and message on the instrument panel matrix screen
  • Lighting of the "service" warning lamp
  • Emission of a sound signal at the steering wheel switch module
So hopefully you can determine from the above where the fault is.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by Shingleberry »

Well I know in my case the warning given consists of a combination of;

Flashing of the dipped beam indicator

Appearance of a message on the instrument panel matrix screen

Lighting of the "service" warning lamp

Emission of a sound signal at the steering wheel switch module

My fault is also somewhat intermittent as it will appear fine for upto an hour of driving with the lights on but then the message will be triggered, regardless of the dynamic function being enabled in vehicle settings.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by GiveMeABreak »

This is also symptomatic of a height corrector failure. They are analogue devices that use a potentiometer like system that sends information regarding to the ride height tot he Headlamp ECU. Water and corrosion can affect these over the years and the tracks can start sending incoherent data.

The operation to calibrate the headlamps must be performed after replacement of a height sensor or control unit, and after any operation on the suspension necessitating the uncoupling of the link rod or the removal of the sensor, so best left to the dealer or a specialist who knows how to do this and has the correct diagnostic software, if this is the culprit.

It may also be worth checking the sensor connections to make sure they are sealed and not corroded or loose.
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Re: DS5 2013 headlight woes

Post by Shingleberry »

NotAnInterestingName wrote: 23 Jun 2022, 19:50 Depending on your commitment level, you could buy your own diagnostic kit for around the same price as you're paying for the one-off check.

You need a laptop and a good understanding of computerism though.

I've currently got exactly the same issue with my directional headlights. Mine's intermittent - binging and a lightshow one day, working perfectly the next while changing absolutely no settings. I've bought all the diagnostic gear, just in the process of setting it up between other jobs and will hopefully find out what the issue is with mine. We may have the same issue or completely different ones with the same symptoms.

I'll update this thread with my results when I find out, if we compare notes it may help.

Marc - are you sure the height sensors could be related to this "directional" message? I'm not doubting your wisdom and experience (both lots more than mine!), but logically I'd have hoped they'd have separated out the up/down and left/right aspects, and would say it was "levelling" related if that was the problem. But it's perfectly possible they've lumped everything under one "directional" fault message, I'm sure you'll know more that I do. I realise that hope, logic and common sense can get in the way sometimes!
Out of interest, what kit have you bought and how much have you forked out for it, if I may ask?
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