Can fitting non-Citroen radio screw ECU or BSI

Unread post by **captainkephart** » 27 Oct 2021, 14:28

Hi All,

I think I know the answer to this question

BUT!

What's the correct procedure for fitting a non-Citroen radio in place of the one originally provided?

I'm assuming: disconnect the battery, lift out the old one, attach connector adaptors to the new radio (if necessary), fit into the slot, reconnect the battery.

I know that the radio controls on the steering wheel will be disabled, but do either the ECU or BSI need to be 'reset' in any way to tell them there is a new radio?

In my case I've a 2009 petrol Xsara Picasso 1.6DOHC.

The procedure above worked fine in the 2000 xsara picasso I had.

The 'Red Devil' that gave me so much ECU trouble was made in 2008, could my fitting after-market radio been a factor? (Just for interest, that car has been scrapped!).

Thanks again FCF folk!
Cheers, CapnK

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 27 Oct 2021, 15:57

As long as the radio is fitted correctly it will cause no problems. Although the aftermarket radio will likely have the same ISO connectors as you car they are generally NOT plug & play. On the new radio there should only be 3 wires from the car connected to the radio (with the exception of the speakers & aerial). You will have to run an ignition live as there isnt one at the radio connector.
You dont need to reconfigure the BSI but it will just log a fault code about no comms with instrument panel.

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 27 Oct 2021, 15:58

As for the other car, the issues you get with incorrectly fitted radios are central locking & display faults

Unread post by **captainkephart** » 28 Oct 2021, 08:40

Hi Wheeler,

Thanks again for the quick reply.
OK, understood.

Re 'correctly' that's both the wires (which you explain) and the procedure ...
Is my checklist above correct? Battery disconnected etc ... ?

Re BSI fault: does that come up if I use an OBD connector / analyser, or do you have to use some other device to see those?

Re other car, thanks, noted.

Best wishes, Capn K

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 28 Oct 2021, 08:49

Your new radio should have a permanent live, an earth & an ignition live. You will need to pick up the ignition live elsewhere as there isnt a true one at the power block on the radio power plug. I normally use the cig lighter for this. Alternatively some of the adaptors that allow you to retain the steering controls can also create a ‘ghost’ ignition live without having to splice in your own.
There should be no other wires from the car (with the exception of the speakers & aerial) connected to your radio.
The fault code im on about is not a problem, its just letting you know that the instrument panel & BSI cant see the radio. Basic OBD readers wont read this, you would need Lexia or a higher end diag tool.

Unread post by **captainkephart** » 29 Oct 2021, 09:30

Great thanks for the clarifications.
Sorry, being too fussy maybe asked such details ...

Ciao, Capn K

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