AL4 software update

[Mr Micawber]

Hello everyone,

I have just fitted the two recommended Borg Warner solenoid valves to the AL4 automatic transmission in my 2003 Citroën C3 following a fluid pressure problem. The official Citroën workshop manual says that a software update must now be carried out and this is indeed listed in my Lexia 3 diagnostic computer. When I try to do it, I am simply informed that my software is up-to-date! Has anyone else encountered this problem and what is the solution?

Many thanks,

Simon

[Hell Razor5543]

It may well be that an older version of the software had problems with the solenoid valves (hence the software update), and that you actually do have the most up to date software (so it would not need updating). However, I feel certain that people with better knowledge that I have can advise you further.

[Mr Micawber]

Hi James,

Thanks for your reply. Citroën's workshop manual describes that the Borg Warner replacements need the software update as the PWM supply is different. Since my engine pre-dates the supersession, I am satisfied that I need the update. The question is, how do I achieve this?

Simon

[Hell Razor5543]

Now there I cannot help you, but I believe that Forum staff (with access to a lot of information) may be able to advise you further.

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi James,

Thanks for your reply. Citroën's workshop manual describes that the Borg Warner replacements need the software update as the PWM supply is different. Since my engine pre-dates the supersession, I am satisfied that I need the update. The question is, how do I achieve this?

Simon

Software updates are usually dealer only, as they are downloaded direct from PSA servers and to do this you need a dealer login. It may be possible to purchase tokens to do this yourself, although it will cost you - but it is not recommended with a clone device as it may be blocked if you attempt to do so. You can ask PSA to do this for you, although they will charge you diagnostic time to do the operation - but should not need more than half an hour tops.

[xantia_v6]

This particular update has been around for a long time (predating the online update system) and could be applied using a downloaded file, if you could find a copy.

[Mr Micawber]

This particular update ... could be applied using a downloaded file, if you could find a copy.

Thanks xantia_v6. Unfortunately such an operation would no doubt result in a situation beyond my computer skills!

Simon

[Mr Micawber]

You can ask PSA to do this for you,

Thanks Marc. I was afraid that it would come to this! I try to avoid garages at all costs.
My cloned (presumably) Lexia states that it's "imperative" to download this update so I'm going to have to take the car on a short, local test drive to find out exactly how "imperative" it is. Will the car make it to the dealer? I suppose the worst that can happen is that the gearbox will go into emergency mode (3rd gear only).
Any further thoughts before I take the plunge Marc?

Simon

[GiveMeABreak]

You should be able to get it to the garage easily enough - the gearbox ECU just needs to be updated to function correctly.

[Mr Micawber]

The cost of the software update at a main dealer is one hour's labour: £132 including vat. That's more than I've spent on the new parts and fluid! There's a ten day wait for a slot.

Simon

[GiveMeABreak]

That's about it, although slightly longer than I had expected. Maybe due to the fact that they have to test it as it can take a few downloads to ensure it updates correctly, then they may need to road test it and reset the auto-adaptives.

[wheeler]

Hi James,

Thanks for your reply. Citroën's workshop manual describes that the Borg Warner replacements need the software update as the PWM supply is different. Since my engine pre-dates the supersession, I am satisfied that I need the update. The question is, how do I achieve this?

Simon

Your software may have been updated at another time though for other reasons, if you go into identification of the ECU in Lexia you should be able to see the software version & date it was installed. If you use Lexia (the original one, not the one in diagbox) you can do online software updates without a dealer login.

[GiveMeABreak]

I thought that facility had long since gone after a grace period - as everyone is supposed to be using Diagbox now - maybe it's still possible, but I thought I'd seen somewhere it wasn't the case.

[wheeler]

Sorry, you at least used to be able to, no dealer login was required on the old Lexia. The server may not be running anymore I suppose. I’ve not done it in years.
With the old Lexia you can also update directly off the CD rom disc. If you have a late version you can do this too, again no dealer login required.

[GiveMeABreak]

No worries - I just thought it worth a mention, just in case