Citroen C5 2001 Mk1 RadioCD Head Unit

[aspire_helen]

Last week I started a post seeking a Lexia to re-programme the VIN coding of a second-hand replacement RadioCD unit, as my original unit is faulty. However, I have investigated alternatives as follows.

1. Install a second hand RadioCD RD3 unit (Clarion PU-2472B(J) - taken from a 2003 C5 2.2HDi ExcSE) and use a member's or dealer's Lexia to re-code the VIN.
2. Send the second-hand RadioCD unit to DND for them to re-programme the unit's EPROM with my VIN. (£40 plus £12 return postage). https://www.dndservices.co.uk
3. Repair my original RadioCD RD2 unit (Clarion PU-2295B(H)). I focus on this option in this post.

The problem started when the CD stopped working. I attributed that to the drying out of 20year old grease causing the mechanism to stick. I had successfully dismantled and re-lubed the 6-CD multi-changer with the same symptoms. However, post-dismantling, when I reconnected the RadioCD to the car a component on the main radio circuit board immediately burned out ...doh! Consequently, the radio also stopped working, but the front panel still operated the remote multi-changer OK. I fitted the second-hand unit which worked Ok, but, of course, it resulted in the extremely loud and annoying "I dont belong to this car and need VIN re-coding" beeping. Researching Clarion service manuals online, I have identified the burned-out component as a standard 2SC3420 transistor at £1.50 plus postage on ebay . So I a going to try replacing that, after fully examining the unit for evidence of what caused the burn-out. It may be that my dismantling of the CD drive unit has caused it, so I am going to leave out the CD unit in the hope that I can repair the radio circuit board, and the multi-changer continues to work. The CD drive unit is a separate unit within the RadioCD unit, connected by ribbon cable. If successful, I can do without the single CD player and then I dont need to fit and re-code the second-hand RadioCD unit. Merry Xmas! By the way, I call my C5 "Le B'stard".

[10mbc]

I had to buy 5 used CD Players to finally find a good one. And now, the good one seems to not be the best (or maybe the unit itself is not that good anyway) it skips when going on bad roads from time to time. I bought the good one for 30 euro but, knowing from the start what I know now, I would just bought an aftermarket one with Bluetooth calling / music and SD /USB. I was fixated on keeping the original look and feel of the car but I am not sure it is worth it. And yes, I payed something for the VIN coding to my mechanic (maybe 10euro, I don't recall exactly).

If I would have to name my C5 I would probably call him Bernard. I don't know why, but that's what it's name would be

[citroenxm]

Seems to be a hugely common issue I've got two in the same problem. They work but as the player reaches the end of a cd it starts to stutter the tracks...

This however doesn't seem to affect the cd players in the peugeot 207s. I'm guessing a next generation. But I wonder if the cd units inside swap interchangeable....

[aspire_helen]

Regarding interchanging the CD drive unit, I have noted significant internal design differences between my 2001 RD2 and the later 2003 RD3, including different ribbon connectors. If I repair my radio I will see if the RD3 CD unit will fit my RD2 unit. That should overcome the need to reconfigure the VIN as I assume that is coded in the EPROM on the main (radio) circuit board, and has nothing to do with the CD unit.

[citroenxm]

Ah typical.. Fair enough..

[aspire_helen]

Conclusion. I received the 2SC3420 power transistor today and soldered it into the head unit main circuit board. Success, the radio now works perfectly. I have left out the CD drive unit because the control panel still controls the 6CD changer. I can do without the single CD player. I have a suspicion that the original transistor burned out, when battery power was connected, when I inadvertently bent a couple of the fine ribbon cable leads on re-fitting the CD unit. The ribbon cables are a simple push fit, in a fiddly position, and easily distorted. There may even be another undetected fault, so best not to refit the CD unit.

Regarding interchangeability of the CD drive unit between my original 2001 RD2 unit and a spare 2003 RD3 unit, the answer is NO, they are not, neither mechanically (ie fit), nor electrically (ie connectivity). The ribbon cables are completely different. In addition, the front control panels are also NOT interchangeable despite being visually identical., again due to different connectivity.