C5 X7 tailgate anger......

[Jetjockey]

I see.

Just spotted loads of these on EBay circa £35 and only seem to lack the latest software. The easy diagnostics unit is 3 times the cost. What is the discount available to forum members please?

[GiveMeABreak]

The reason is the cheaper units aren't the full ticket - they don't have the full hardware components on needed to talk to full CAN cars like the C5.

That's why they are cheaper. The software is irrelevant to the price as it is freely available anyway - they just bundle that to save the hassle of you downloading it.

The current discount to FCF members is 15%.

[Jetjockey]

I wonder if my mates old Lexia will work with my 2008 C5?

See below:-

[Jetjockey]

[GiveMeABreak]

Can you try it out? You’ll soon know, once you hook it up and run a global diagnostic. If it shows communication with all the ECUs, then you’ll. be good to go.

[Jetjockey]

Yes, I can try it out tomorrow. I seem to remember the software ran on Win XP.
I’d prefer to run it on newer Win 7 software. Where would I source that?

[GiveMeABreak]

Extended support for Windows 7 ended 14th Jan 2020. But you'll still need a valid product key to install it anyway even if you have access to a software DVD or ISO file and you probably won't be able to get any service packs or patches for it now anyway.

If you have XP already - then that will be fine, as the copy on your laptop will already be licenced if it's already installed and activated.

[Jetjockey]

Hello Marc.

Sorry, I meant where can I source new Lexi software?

The software on the Laptop was actually Windows Vista which was running terribly badly.
I’ve changed the hard drive and installed Win 7 32 bit with a valid Licence Key and it’s running beautifully.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok I’ll send you a PM shortly

[Jetjockey]

Thanks.

I’m picking the Lexia up tomorrow morning. The existing software disc is labelled.........

V22.14 and V45.

[GiveMeABreak]

I've sent you a PM

[Jetjockey]

Thanks Marc.

[Jetjockey]

Right. Just picked up the Lexia programming interface from my mate. I’ll get the software set up and see where we go. If I can open the interface casing I’ll have a quick look as I’m curious re the CAN interface chips.

I have a few glitches on the C5, faults that appear occasionally such as low rail pressure. Also, the entertainment system reports that there is an error in the system (something not working) and it shuts down after 30 seconds operation, but only with the ignition off! It will run forever with the ignition switched on, well, 2 minutes at least, until the bl**dy car enters Economy mode! Arrrrgh!

[GiveMeABreak]

It will be easier to just attempt a global test without opening it up - if there is no communication with ECUs then it won't be compatible. Bear in mind there will be some entries that may show - like a Trailer BSU unit - which is fine as the interface is there but unless fitted, won't communicate. We're more interested in ECUs like the ABS ECU, the BSI, the Suspension ECU etc. These are the usual ones that will not talk with an older interface.

Opening up the unit, can in some cases cause issues (strain on the wiring / solder joints). So I would suggest you don'y open it up for this reason alone.

The infotainment systems are a drain, so rarely will you get more than a couple of minutes with engine off - and the other issue is cooling. The units can easily becom overheated, factor in additional heating to the passenger cabin and you have a bad combination. The fan can and often continues to run after the vehicle is switched off to try and cool the unit, plus it saves any data to the ECU from the last journey etc.

[Jetjockey]

Hello Marc.

The infotainment system shutting down with the ignition switched off is a constant. It happens every time, hot or cold, and you can set your watch to it. It complains that “Something in the car is not working” and that “I have to shut down”. Interestingly, when the car is interrogated using a diagnostic unit, there is ALWAYS a fault logged “0062 Cannot communicate with the audio unit”. All of the infotainment controls work, even the ones on the steering wheel, so what is not communicating is a mystery to me.