Mk1 C5 Screen issues

[GiveMeABreak]

These are getting as rare as hen's teeth now Mick

[mickthemaverick]

So it would seem Marc, I guess the main problem is that not too many of the MK1's had the system fitted anyway and with its propensity for overheating very few are left I'm guessing. I'll just have to keep looking on the basis that surely mine can't be the very last one working? The really frustrating thing for me is that I scrapped my last MK1 Exclusive SE with a fully functioning screen but the turbo blew and the exhaust manifold cracked so it wasn't worth saving. I kept the ECU's I knew about but sadly I was unaware of this one secreted away and it went to the scrappy in the car!! I had the screen and the head unit of course and some other parts, all of which are still buried in the man cave!!

[GiveMeABreak]

I suspect this particular ECU is not just for the screen, but also the navigation unit itself - in the days before the ECUs were integrated into the head unit and ditto with the screens, which on later systems are also integrated.

The cheapest one I've seen is £153.68 inc. postage from Lithuania:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-C5-K ... SwIvRfdNLn

[mickthemaverick]

Thanks for that Marc, it didn't come up on my ebay search. I have messaged the seller re condition etc and go from there!! fingers crossed

[mickthemaverick]

Well after getting a commitment to refund if it fails within one month, I have done the deal and the ECU is on its way!! I was going to celebrate mending the original so now I'll celebrate getting the replacement and hope it works ok. Thanks again Marc have a beer on me!!

[GiveMeABreak]

No worries, I just hope it works Mick!

[mickthemaverick]

Well there was I minding my own business waiting for a friend to get in the car and lo there was light!!! The screen lit up showing 3rd Feb 2000 01.15 and flashing. I quickly ran through the set up and checked trip computer and sat nav displays. All correct. I didn't think to check the cd multi function or the steering wheel controls but I am more convinced than ever that the issue is with the ecu not the screen so I'll be interested to see what happens on the way home from Elstree!! If the screen lights I'll check those other functions before it dies again!!

[GiveMeABreak]

Well done - temperamental aren't they Mick!

[mickthemaverick]

Aren't they just!! I think it got frightened again because I've paid for a replacement!! I can report it worked perfectly all the way home as did the other functions which I did not check earlier!!

[aspire_helen]

Marc
What is it that you call the "Head Unit"?
H

[mickthemaverick]

The head unit is the bit we used to call the car radio, but since incorporating remote cd players and MP4 players the controlling bit has become the head unit.

[admiral51]

Mick as well you know, threaten something with being replaced it will only work as intended once you have splashed the cash. Once the new part arrives and you send it back as the current one is behaving it will throw a wobbly and stop working again lol

[mickthemaverick]

I'll outsmart it there Colin, as I did with the head unit. You just put the spare in the boot and the threat of surgery keeps it working!!

[GiveMeABreak]

Marc
What is it that you call the "Head Unit"?
H

Yes, I commonly refer to the Radio as the 'Head Unit' unit. Most have an ECU inside the Head Unit, and also the Multifunction screen has an ECU inside it too.

On Mick's system, it was one of the earliest Sat Nav Units and is slightly different. The ECU for the Colour Multifunction Screen is also the Navigation ECU by all accounts and this remains a separate unit.

But to go back to your question, they are referred to as Head Units, as they are not simply the radio and would not be correct to call them that. They also interface with the vehicle's systems to provide a way for the driver to configure of some of the vehicle's options and functions (depending on system fitted and options of course). This is another reason why people run into trouble when they want to replace the stereo and in so doing render some of the vehicle's features inoperable.

[mickthemaverick]

Well the replacement ECU was waiting for me when I got home yesterday and I have just finished installing it in the car. As I am isolating I can't take it for a test run but it booted straight up and I set all the parameters to my liking and it looks good, so fingers crossed! I have left it loose in the compartment for the moment until it has had a good run so hopefully the South Coast Saunter will do that!!