Hidden settings??

[Mrchr15]

Morning all

I'm a citroen Virgin having just bought a c5 2.0 hdi moving over from a saab 9-3. I love the car but it's got a few quirks which I would like to change if possible. Firstly can I stop the wing mirrors from retracting every time I lock it? and can I keep the radio on when I turn the engine off. Only a few small niggles but any help would be appreciated

Thanks in advance

[Gibbo2286]

The radio should stay on if you turn the key to the accessories position, not right back to the key out position, I often sit in mine with the radio playing whilst waiting for a passenger to do her shopping.

With the key in that position you can also open and close the electric windows and flick the wipers.

Can't help with the mirrors, mine doesn't have that option.

[GiveMeABreak]

The mirror foldback can be deactivated on locking, but you will need somebody with a Lexia to do it. A Lexia is the diagnostic kit specifically for Citroen & Peugeot cars. You can try one thing first though, with the car stopped and ignition on, move the mirror control button to the centre position, then press back once to retract mirrors. Then get out and lock car, they should perform the reverse function to normal.

Next the radio. The answer is yes, but the car has an 'economy' mode setting that will give you anything UP TO 30 minutes use before all electrical systems are shut off to prevent battery drain. The C5 has a battery charge status device fitted onto the negative terminal cable clamp that monitors charge levels and sets the amount of time you have to use equipment based on the charge level remaining.

One thing to remember with the C5, DON'T disconnect the battery before allowing the car's electronic systems and network to go to sleep, and use the BSI reset procedure when reconnecting the battery. just search here for BSI reset (I'm using a phone to type this so it's awkward to locate and paste here) on the Forum.

[Stickyfinger]

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 11&t=40407

[GiveMeABreak]

Cheers Alasdair! . I'll have to bookmark the topic.

[vborovic]

and can I keep the radio on when I turn the engine off.

Sadly no, the latest C5 doesn't have the mid position, you have to turn the engine off, which cuts all the power. You can turn the radio (only the radio) back on afterwards, but you'll meet the economy mode soon enough, after which you'll be forced to start the engine once again.

@ Mark - the question is (I believe) when the car comes to a stop, and you want to just turn the engine off, but keep the electricity ... my previous Xsara had that i.e., the X7 doesn't (stupid, but that's how they did it).

[GiveMeABreak]

I know, that's why I didn't mention it on the X7, as even with ignition on, Economy mode still kicks in. It can be turned off for an hour using diagnostic kit when you need to run certain tests or just diagnostics without being interrupted - I use this occasionally when having a session, but not really relevant for the OP

[Mrchr15]

OK thanks for the info I suppose I'll just have to learn to live with it.

[white exec]

Surely you can always rewire to permanent live? Most car radios have two +12 supplies: one perm live, the other IGN sw live. Just make both perm live . . . but don't forget to switch off!

[vborovic]

The car will go into economy mode anyway, it measures the battery power directly, and takes action based on the readings

[Xantippa]

Economy mode doesn't shut down aftermarket radio. I think original radio is shut down by can-bus...

I had constant economy mode, but it was bad battery again (had only about 60% of capacity left). Now I changed to Exide AGM-battery, and haven't had economy-mode in two weeks. 2 years old Bosch-battery was (-expletive removed-) up already.

[GiveMeABreak]

Economy mode doesn't shut down aftermarket radio. I think original radio is shut down by can-bus...

I had constant economy mode, but it was bad battery again (had only about 60% of capacity left). Now I changed to Exide AGM-battery, and haven't had economy-mode in two weeks. 2 years old Bosch-battery was (-expletive removed-) up already.

I've used AGM batteries in the last 2 cars - first thing I do when I change the car is change the battery for one of these brutes. Never let me down.

[Xantippa]

Sznajder AGM -battery did let me down, and I'm not the only one who has had problems with that. Beware.

[GiveMeABreak]

I've got a Bosch S6 AGM fitted - just on charge now as car battery status monitor reported it at 70%, so time for a top up.