Multifunction display: Not working

[Ginabobeena]

Hello!
I recently purchased a second-hand 206 cc, however, for some unknown reason the multifunction display is not working - along with the radio.

I was told on purchase about the radio not working (original radio) which was no issue as I planned to get it replaced to a unit which be compatible with USB and Bluetooth. However, I am at a loss over the display unit.

I went down to Halfords today where I know someone who replaced my fuses for me for free and checked to make sure that there were no obvious loose wires behind the radio to stop it working but nothing stuck out.

I have scoured the internet and only found one suggestion to what this now may be for the same issues I have: radio and multifunction display not working BUT power going to the radio as it takes and ejects a CD (so I guess it’s getting electric supply?) - I did what was suggested and removed the casing and unplugged / replugged the display in and still nothing.

Does anyone have any ideas over to what this may be?

I’ve orderrd a replacement MFD for a few quid from a parts dealer to make sure it’s not the actual display that’s broken which should be here in a few days but would like to hear some other opinions on it.

I’m not very car savvy, so I hope this makes sense!

Thank you Georgina


Edit:: Radio people are cautious to fit a new radio just incase there is something wrong with the electrics as in their opinion (rightly so) if there is something stopping the MFD working it could potentially stop a new fitted radio working regardless if it’s new or not, so really that’s why if like it sorted even though I’ve read new radios sometimes defunct the MFD anyways!

[gazza82]

A bit more info about the age of the CC (the year it was made) would help. One easy way to tell is the shape of the radio. If it is rectangular and doesn't have its own display you probably have a Multiplexed car. The remote radio control stalk on the steering column is also flatter and wide. The older pre-mux cars had a radio with a small display, it had more curved edges and the remote stalk was long and thin.

The MFD has three or four small capless bulbs which light it up from inside. So first make sure they all work. Pull off the dashboard cover over the MFD and you should be able to get to the bulb holders. Twist to remove, check or replace the bulbs and twist them back into place.

If the bulbs are fine (or you replaced them) and the MFD still doesn't light up then my money is on the pins that join the two circuit boards inside. When they get older the solder dries out and the circuit eventually fails. To get to those you will need to remove the MFD unit and open it up!

The radio in our both cars worked find when the MFD didn't .. so that might be a red herring.

There are TWO different types of MFD ... one for pre-mux cars (2001 and before) and Multiplex models (2002 on) .. they are NOT swappable. You must fit the right type. So if yours has three bulbs, fit a three bulb unit, and if four, a four bulb. (Can't remember which way around it is for age)

AND to complicate it further, there is a basic and more advanced unit for each especially the newer MFDs with the radio display, etc.

AND a new, non-Peugeot radio will have it's own display screen and doesn't use the MFD ...

[Capncol]

You sure its not just the bulbs gone?

[Ginabobeena]

Sorry about the slow replies - I thought I’d get some form of alert if someone responded but obviously not. Wasn’t being rude!

My car is a 2006 reg plate and I believe I have purchased the correct replacement unit.

Bulbs - the replacement MFD I brought apparently has working bulbs in it so I’ll soon see once that arrives. They accept returns so if it works once I’ve connected it then I can always sell it on / send it back after I’ve replaced the bulbs in mine and know it works. Luckily there is a YouTube video on how to do this - the only reason I didn’t replace the bulbs straight away was there is literally nothing showing, not even really dimly lit. Completely blank screen. Others have suggested on other posts that if it was the bulbs you’d atleast see something?

Radio / interface situation - That’s okay, I can get that sorted just they are cautious to touch it right now with the original radio not working and also the MFD not working due to being worried the electrics are fooked so I can’t even get it as far as needing an interface sorted, if that makes sense? Also, I can hear the CD player working on the car, it accepts and rejects cds and makes sounds as if it’s spinning the cd but there is no audio response. The car also doesn’t have an aerial as it was snapped off - getting replaced this week. Sorry cars aren’t my thing which is making this ten times harder... sorry if I’m being dense!

Also - It’s been suggested on another forum that the MFD may have been disconnected by the seller to avoid any system errors showing in an attempt to be dishonest? I don’t know how viable this is because again I’m a complete novice (this is my first car and at the age of 27 I’ve never even driven before this year, slow to the game here!) BUT After connecting and disconnecting it yesterday (like shown in a video which I can’t link for some reason where a guy replaces the bulbs in his MFD) to test the other suggestion of it just needing a little reset, I don’t think this is the case - unless it is connected else where in the car? Or is it just that block at the back of the MFD unit?

Any suggestions would be really kindly received - I’m just very lost right now

Really hoping I’ve not been sold a completely clapped car - it’s got an MOT until next year so atleast that’s somewhat promising and I guess everything is fixable...

Thank you xo

[Ginabobeena]

You sure its not just the bulbs gone?

I see you live in / near Reading? If so, me too! Do you have any connections or recommend anyone who could come and look at this car for me without mugging me completely off? I posted on a Facebook group the same query and already had creepy men saying weird things to me in my messages so I’m really put off asking for help / recommendations of this nature on there!

Thank you

[gazza82]

Unfortunately that is facebok all over ... don't expect it to change anytime soon.

As for the forum, you tend to only get people on these who want to help .. this one is no exception.

Actually if all the bulbs have gone you don't see anything. A 2006 mfd unit shouldn't be suffering from dry solder joints but who's to say what previous owners do to sell a car ...

Try the replacement unit. You can see if the bulbs work with the dash cover off .. if none work in the new one I'd start to be a bit more concerned. One big problem that we can all suffer from are people cutying corners when fitting a replacement headunit. I've seen some wiring jobs that must have bern carried out wuth a power saw ... you don't need to cut any wires ... there are adaptor units that do the job ... but people try to save money ...

[Ginabobeena]

Hopefully the replacement part will be here tomorrow so I can give this a go.

Are the MFDs controlled by the radio at all? Because it’s been suggested that they are and the broken radio is why the MFD is completely blank but I didn’t think this was the case. (So many conflicting opinions, my poor little brain cannot cope haha!)

Thank you again for replying

[gazza82]

Not as far as I know. The radio uses it as a display but that's it.

But that doesn't explain lack of clock, etc.

[Ginabobeena]

I thought that may be the case! Well, let’s see what tonorrow brings once the courier arrives. Will report back, cross your fingers!

[Capncol]

I see you live in / near Reading? If so, me too! Do you have any connections or recommend anyone who could come and look at this car for me without mugging me completely off? I posted on a Facebook group the same query and already had creepy men saying weird things to me in my messages so I’m really put off asking for help / recommendations of this nature on there!

Thank you

I can take a look if you can get it to me in Tilehurst

[MartinMax]

IF the bulbs are OK, you should see the display at least light up in amber when lights are ON. So If you are seeing a blacked out display, I'd bet on the bulbs.

[Ginabobeena]

Ok so I managed to fix the MFD. Long story short the part I ordered was the wrong one but they’ve accepted a return on it, instead of messing about with a replacement order and waiting again I just fiddled the bulbs and bam now it’s working...

HOWEVER... now I have two errors being displayed: passanger seatbag and antipoulltion


Any ideas on what my next step is? Diagnostics? Cry? Admit defeat? I suddenly feel this may be a costly thing.

I see you live in / near Reading? If so, me too! Do you have any connections or recommend anyone who could come and look at this car for me without mugging me completely off? I posted on a Facebook group the same query and already had creepy men saying weird things to me in my messages so I’m really put off asking for help / recommendations of this nature on there!

Thank you

I can take a look if you can get it to me in Tilehurst

I also live in Tilehurst - off of dark lane - RG31!

[Capncol]

Not far away from me on Overdown

[Ginabobeena]

Not far away from me on Overdown

I can’t message you privately as I’ve not been a member for long enough I presume - if I was able to drop down to you do you have the tools to do diagnostics ect? I’ve seen from previous posts of yours that you’ve done cars up ect so just chancing my luck!

Crazy small world though - I’ll be driving past you almost every day!

[Capncol]

PM'd you my number