Ecomode

[roadey_carl]

Hi everybody,
 
I have a Citroen C3 which is stuck in Eco-mode. I understand that Eco-mode is a state the car is put in to stop the battery from running flat when if the interior lights etc have been left on, or Eco-mode will show up when the battery is flat/voltage is low. 
 
My question is what part of the car is putting the car into Eco-mode? Is it the BSI unit? ECU? ... any feedback would be greatly appreciated. 
 
 
Thanks,
 
Carl

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Eco mode will go once the engine is started - have you been able to start the car ?

[roadey_carl]

Thanks!

 

No, the car wont turn over. I know eco mode will go away once the car has started but I find it interesting that the car is in eco mode even before its had time to " time out" and battery voltage is good. 13.4v  ( new battery) 

 

For example, eco mode seems to turn on after a period of time if the radio etc.. is being used but the engine isn't running. To me, this indicates that Eco mode works on a timer in relation to the engine running.

 

Eco mode also seems to occur when the battery voltage is Low. What the car defines as  " low" I'm not sure. 

 

So if the battery is at 13.4v but is in eco mode before its had time to " time out"  this leads me to believe that what ever is measuring the voltage and telling the car to go into eco mode isn't working properly or there is a issue with it?

 

 

I think that finding which part of the car goes into eco mode will help me solve the problem of why the car isn't starting in the first place!

[grin factor]

My car goes into eco mode 30 mins after the engine has been switched off to protect the battery.

Think I read that in the hand book.

Sounds lime you have another problem tho, if the engine won't turn over and its a new battery

[paul.h]

13.4 volts is an unusual voltage - normally about 14.3 volts with the engine running and about 12.5 volts without the engine running.

 

What year/model/engine size and power output/diesel or petrol is your car and how many miles has it done ? Does the dash light up when the ignition switch is used and have you tried using the spare key ? Is the engine management light on ?

 

I would ignore the eco mode for now and find out why it does not turn over, it could be the starter motor is faulty, possibly the ignition switch or may be a fuse or maxi fuse has failed. Check the wiring/connections to the starter motor, the earth connections to the body and the engine. When trying the ignition switch do you hear a click at the starter motor indicating voltage is reaching the solenoid - also check for 12 volts at the solenoid when the ignition switch is turned. You could also try 12 volts direct to the starter from the battery to see if the problem is between the battery and the ignition switch and starter but make sure the car is in neutral and the handbrake is on.

[roadey_carl]

Thanks for the reply.

 

its a 2005 Citroen C3 1.4D - not sure of power output. 60k

 

the dash does light up when the ignition switch is used,  and I have used the spare key. Engine light is on too. 

 

There is no clicking at the starter solenoid when the key is turned.

 

I will check all the earth points, I've just brought a Haynes manual as I couldn't see all the earthing points!

 

I'll wire straight to the starter from the battery and see if it turns.

 

Thanks for your help, I'll let you know what I find!

[Porsche430]

Economy Mode is controlled by the BSI and can be disabled using Citroen Diagnostic Equipment, but this will cause battery drain. As everyone has said, it is used to protect the battery when engine is not running. If the car is brand new, it may have not been configured properly during the Pre-Delivery Inspection by the technician through Diagbox. Also, check the shunt fuse on the BSI (glovebox fusebox). Ensure it is in Client/User mode and not "Parc". 

 

Hope this can help some way.