Marc's X7, C3 Aircross, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

Unread post by RichardW »

Interesting stuff about the DS1s Marc - my new-to-me 3008 has HIDs, and the driver's side is much brighter than the passenger side (it doesn't look too much different from outside, but when driving it is obviously different - so much so that when you come up behind another car (admittedly only in half light as I haven't driven it in proper dark yet), there is little reflection from the NS light). I had a look and the NS is a Phillips, the OS I can't tell as the label is smeared - I suspect the OS has been replaced. So I think I will have to replace the NS bulb before the winter (or perhaps both to make them match). Is it worth going to a brighter bulb, or does that just annoy oncoming drivers? It seems to me that the lights are high, but it was tested before I bought it, and passed OK. It also has the swivelling lights, I am reserving judgement on them till I have driven it in proper dark - they seem a bit hyperactive to me as they only appear to have 3 positions, left, centre and right so the move quite noticeably with even small steering inputs, which is distracting, but maybe that's just because I am looking to see what they are doing!
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

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Paul-R wrote: 15 Aug 2018, 08:34
GiveMeABreak wrote: 14 Aug 2018, 22:49With your Halogens they don’t need a load levelling control because of the hydractive suspension, whereas the bed spring versions do have a manual adjuster ...
This brings up an idle thought that I've had in one of my quieter moments.

I wonder how easy (or otherwise) it would be to add headlamp levelling motor control to my car. Either by replacing with complete units off a non-hydractive unit or seeing whether the lamp housing already has the mounting points for the motor. The column cowl will then need either replacing or a hole cutting for the switch. Hopefully the wiring will already be mostly in place but if not what the heck. I don't know if the BSI interferes in any way but I can't see why it needs to be involved and wiring should then be direct surely? And even if instructions do go through the BSI on the pukka system I wouldn't feel the need to do this on my conversion.
This is one of the more confusing areas between the metallic and hydraulic versions and it is not helped by conflicting information (official), changes in headlamps (Halogen and Directional) for example.

Here's where it gets confusing. Neither of you (Paul & Elis) have directional lighting, and both of you have hydraulic suspension, albeit Paul will have a later model with the later halogens. BUT, according to the wiring diagram for Paul's RPO and Hydraulic suspension, it still shows the manual headlamp adjustment unit on the wiring.

So according to my information B-Directional Xenons were also available on the Metal sprung versions - so in this scenario they would also have height correctors fitted to the axles with a slightly different arrangement of interacting with the Dynamic Beam Control unit I suspect.
Paul X7 Non Hydractive Manual Adjustment.PNG
Paul X7 Lamp Corrector.PNG
6600: Headlamp Height Adjustment Control
276: Headlamp Corrector Position Control
6600 (wire): Manual Headlamp Height Adjustment Authorisation (BSI)
M6600: Earth
This is the Lamp Corrector Module, located in each Headlamp (item 15)
Now we know you don't have the control module on the dash. We do know that the BSI authorises the control of the manual adjustment via a K Line connection (6600 and M6600)

For a description of the Manual Adjustment System:
The manual headlamp height adjustment is used to compensate for the weight at the rear of the vehicle.
The adjustment is carried out by means of a dedicated dial.
The manual headlamp height adjustment is active in the following cases :
  • Ignition plus signal Present
  • Dipped beam headlamps on
The graduation of the knurled wheel varies from 0 to 3, the recommended positions according to the load are as follows (including the intermediate positions, 7 positions of the knurled wheel are possible :
  • Position 0 : 1 or 2 occupants in the front
  • Position - : 3 seats
  • Position 1 : 5 seats
  • Position 2 : 5 occupants + maximum load
  • Position 3 : Driver + maximum load
Composition of the manual headlamp height adjustment system:
  • One direct current motor per headlamp
  • One headlamp height adjustment dial
The angular movement for the load adjustment is 3°.
Having compared the system with mine, having the Bi-Directional Xenons, the Dynamic Beam Correction unit is a lot more involved with wiring to multiple systems.

So given that the manual unit won't do anything for the azimuth of the headlamp beam, would it not be better to put a temp mask on that can be peeled off? Surely it has to be more than just the vertical angle of the beam that can dazzle on the continent with a RHD?
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

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RichardW wrote: 15 Aug 2018, 12:27 Interesting stuff about the DS1s Marc - my new-to-me 3008 has HIDs, and the driver's side is much brighter than the passenger side (it doesn't look too much different from outside, but when driving it is obviously different - so much so that when you come up behind another car (admittedly only in half light as I haven't driven it in proper dark yet), there is little reflection from the NS light). I had a look and the NS is a Phillips, the OS I can't tell as the label is smeared - I suspect the OS has been replaced. So I think I will have to replace the NS bulb before the winter (or perhaps both to make them match). Is it worth going to a brighter bulb, or does that just annoy oncoming drivers? It seems to me that the lights are high, but it was tested before I bought it, and passed OK. It also has the swivelling lights, I am reserving judgement on them till I have driven it in proper dark - they seem a bit hyperactive to me as they only appear to have 3 positions, left, centre and right so the move quite noticeably with even small steering inputs, which is distracting, but maybe that's just because I am looking to see what they are doing!
They always recommend replacing these in pairs Richard and something I have always done (as on all my Bi-Directional Models, I have upgraded the bulbs when acquired to a higher performance version). But I've never had one go as yet through usage!

As for the directional element and speaking from the MK II and X7 C5 point of view, you really notice the directional function on country lanes or on windy roads. Moreso without a car in front of you and without street lights of course. Perfect for where I live.

The system is very quick to react and each headlamp has a specifically defined azimuth range depending on the angle of the steering wheel. It is hardly noticeable with smaller turns and of course does not work under a certain speed or in reverse.

My lights move smoothly throughout the angles, but as soon as you come to a stop, or the steering angle falls within a certain range, the projectors immediately return to dead ahead quite quickly to reduce any dazzle to oncoming vehicles, and likewise when moving off - they need to be sure you are moving before the directional function kicks in. The best way to check is in an empty car park at night with a wall, where you can see the movement more clearly on dipped as you steer. Yes - I know I'm sad, but that's how I checked mine were working correctly :-D

But if you live in a rural area like I do, then I would have to say that upgrading the bulb makes a hell of a difference in both range and brightness. They are all type approved and legal, so I can only assume that they have to meet all the stringent Euro regs to get approval. They are not cheap, but lights, like brakes IMO are uber important to have right.

One thing to note though which can be scary - my battery failed on the MK II at work and I was working late - switched ignition on and everything went haywire - directional lights were blinking up and down, dash lights like a Christmas tree, needles on the display flicking up and down, clicking and whirring everywhere! All becasue the battery had just gone!
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

Unread post by EDC5 »

Does this mean that there is every possibility that the wiring is already in place behind the steering column cover ?

I might investigate if that's the case.
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

Unread post by Hell Razor5543 »

It is likely (because of the way car manufacturers do things to save money) that the wiring will be there. They do not have a different wiring loom for each model, but only a couple of looms. That way it save costs on making them (as you only need two options, but in higher numbers), and it means they can also allow more 'optional extras' to be available to 'fleece' more cash out of the customer.

For example, my C5 had the ability to accept an auto-dimming rear view mirror and cruise control (because I have added them), and all I needed to do was connect up the mirror (the wiring was there_, and plug in the CC stalk at switch it on.
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

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I'm going to study this at length when I get back to the UK.
GiveMeABreak wrote: 15 Aug 2018, 13:39So given that the manual unit won't do anything for the azimuth of the headlamp beam, would it not be better to put a temp mask on that can be peeled off? Surely it has to be more than just the vertical angle of the beam that can dazzle on the continent with a RHD?
By moving the whole of the dipped beam down then of course you are lowering the horizontal cut-off line but the effect I'm looking for is to lower the "kick-up" that causes dazzle when driving on the right.
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

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Ok, got it.
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

Unread post by GiveMeABreak »

Hell Razor5543 wrote: 15 Aug 2018, 14:14 It is likely (because of the way car manufacturers do things to save money) that the wiring will be there. They do not have a different wiring loom for each model, but only a couple of looms. That way it save costs on making them (as you only need two options, but in higher numbers), and it means they can also allow more 'optional extras' to be available to 'fleece' more cash out of the customer.

For example, my C5 had the ability to accept an auto-dimming rear view mirror and cruise control (because I have added them), and all I needed to do was connect up the mirror (the wiring was there_, and plug in the CC stalk at switch it on.
With 14 Fascia Panel, 26 Intermediate and just under 30 variations of main engine wiring harnesses on the X7, I doubt the same can be said. This lot does not include any of the supplementary harnesses either that are all different, depending on build date, version, engine and options. But the cruise is all operated by the engine ECU anyway without any particular wiring - that is handled by one of the multitude of the steering control modules. It is very hit and miss and depends on so many factors and the build date as to what you get really and no way to know for sure.
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

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EDC5 wrote: 15 Aug 2018, 14:08 Does this mean that there is every possibility that the wiring is already in place behind the steering column cover ?

I might investigate if that's the case.
I think that is the only way to know for sure Elis - it is a black 3 pin connection in any case - but my concern would be with the BSI's command and control - again because it is using a multiplexed K Line on the network and we would need to know how that would impact on the current system you have....

This is the unit:
Headlamp corrector.PNG
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

Unread post by EDC5 »

I see. Is that module in your last post wired directly to the BSI then?

I might have a look at the weekend if i can get the steering column cover off and see if there are any loose connectors.

Actually, is there a place to manually move the reflector with a screwdriver on the light cluster itself?

I can see some Allen type plastic bolts but I'm not sure what they are for.
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

Unread post by Paul-R »

EDC5 wrote: 15 Aug 2018, 17:26I can see some Allen type plastic bolts but I'm not sure what they are for.
Sounds like the baseline headlamp adjusters to me.
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

Unread post by GiveMeABreak »

Watch out for the headlamp adjustment bolts - don't move those as it will bu**er the headlight alignment up and you'll have to get it re-aligned at a garage with the kit Elis.
X7 Halogen Headlamp Adjustment.PNG
Adjustment of Beam:
Height 'e'
Azimuth 'd'
These are the Adjustment screws on the Halogen
X7 Halogen Beam Corrector Access.PNG
X7 Halogen Beam Corrector.PNG
Access to the Beam Corrector UnitBeam Corrector Unit
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

Unread post by GiveMeABreak »

Well, I was having a browse for a cheap torque wrench today and came across the latest thing from the Far east - a Unisex 'Torque Wrenche Set'

Hmmm.. I know it's all the latest fad to be gender neutral these days and all that, but I think this is going a bit far! :shock:
Torque Wrench.PNG
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

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So the latest on the C3 is that after having solved the alarm issues with the replacement bonnet sensor, I noticed that the interior volumetric alarm light is now permanently lit whilst driving - which indicates a siren fault! All good and great having silenced the bu**er from randomly going off, but not much use having it not working when it is supposed to.

So I got the old Lexia on it yesterday and there is a siren fault on listed, and sure enough actuator test for the siren failed to trigger it.
Thought I'd be a bit adventurous and locate the siren which of course is very logically placed next to the windscreen wiper motor under the scuttle as one would expect. :roll:

So started to take that off and also happened to locate the pollen filter hatch whilst undoing the scuttle screws - so had a quick look at that and nearly threw up. :vomit1:

I tried to get the trim off without taking the wiper arms off - but had to abort as the car was needed. I did manage to raise the trim enough to get my hand in and locate the siren module, but it looked like bug heaven in there so have ordered a new sire module and anti allergen pollen filter and will be fitting those when the rain stops.

We've got the car going into the dealers for a 2 year service tomorrow as I also picked up an oil pressure sensor fault F406, so I will get them to replace it if they have one in.
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Re: Marc's X7, Rants, Raves & Everything Else

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And another gripe - I seem to have had an extraordinarily high number of phone spammers over the last 2 weeks - but significantly on my mobile - to the extent that I got fed up with leaving it ringing, doing the number lookup (to no avail as they tend to be dummy numbers) and blocking them. So I have changed my voicemail and now when one of the blocked numbers comes up I just divert it straight to my new greeting:

Turn your speakers up
My New Voicemail Greeting

Despite being on the Telephone Preference Service and Ex Directory, it seems our Indian scamming friends have been a little ambitious. I must of had about 15 calls from the same 'crew' all purporting to be from BT and telling me my WiFi / Router needs configuring as a prelude to trying to get onto my PC :rofl2: Yeh, right.

The others are initially blank, but quickly plays an automated message asking you to press one of several number options. For anyone getting one of these, don't press any buttons, Doing so confirms they have got a hit and whilst transferring you to a scammer posing as a support operative and keeping you chatting with bull crap, you will likely run up a huge bill from accessing a premium service without knowing it.

I usually give them a few choice words and cut then off, then go an log the number - but that is another story!
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