[Dave2302]

Hi Guys,

@pinkster

OK, so when I first got my C4 and tried it out it kept telling me "Check Batteries" , but once configured it worked OK.
I asked if I should put a set of 6 Rechargeables in it and some said NO !! Don't bother they said.

Their reasoning is this:-

With Batteries installed, when we disconnect from the OBD Socket, the Batteries are then discharging, so you are supposed to press the Spanner Symbol and then the Green Tick when it says "Powerdown ?", but after it shuts down it continues in "Sleep mode", drawing a small current, thus discharging until the Batteries are dead.

If you are DIY, you may only use your C4 once a month or less, even me with a busy workshop I sometimes don't use it for 3 weeks or more if I'm working on other "lesser" Marques.

There is potential for FUBAR Batteries or leaking Batteries etc to damage the C4 !!

OK that sounds sensible, but there is a far bigger Danger by not using them, and maybe a reason why some guys have moaned that their C4's have gone Kaput after a few months !!

If you are using it on a Car with a less than perfect and good make Battery, it is highly likely you could spike it, when cycling the Ignition / Start, whilst re setting Codes or Event Logs etc.

Also, as soon as you pull that diagnostic Plug from the Car, the unit instantly goes off without the correct shutdown procedure !!

Again this can result in corruption, spiking etc, after all, you wouldn't just pull the Plug from the wall on your Desktop Computer without shutting it down first now would you

Thanks to Dean for taking the time to Skype me and explain that.

So I've been musing this over for a while, and come up with the following solution, basically I've installed Re Chargeable Batteries, which charge when the C4 is plugged into a Car.

So now I can pull the Diagnostic Plug and C4 stays Booted, then I use the Press Spanner Button Twice, then Press Tick, that shuts it down correctly into Sleep Mode .............................

Now all we need is to be able to Switch off the Battery Power to stop them draining over time ..........................

I didn't want to strip the whole unit so here is my £1.00 solution, (the cost of the little Switch).

Basically, under the End Cover there is a Battery Clamp with a small metal connector in it that links the 2 Battery rows together, (2 Rows of 3 Cells) and that Clamp has to be removed by a single screw when you fit the Batteries.

I simply cut a piece out of this metal link, and carefully soldered 2 wires one on each half, and then soldered the other ends of these wires to the switch contacts 😈

Drill a suitable hole for the Switch in the Grey Rubber, and the Plastic underneath it, push the Switch into the hole, carefully route the wires so they don't get trapped or foul the Wi Fi Card, then fix it all back together, simples, and works like a charm

I'll let the Pictures do the talking now .....................

Cheers Dave

 

[cerritos]

That's how they should have designed the unit, and the future productions should have that switch. They should hire you as a consultant.

 

[MikeKerr]

Just want to add a note. I am running a C4 with a "later" version of software. Although the C4 will run off the OBD port (without batteries), every-time I start xentry, it requires a download and reboot of the C4. Not sure why. But was is critical is that the C4 will error out unless the batteries are installed. I did not have this issue with my prior C4 unit running an older version of software.

So- I simply install batteries when I use the C4, and remove them when done. A bit of a pain, but really no big deal.

 

[Dave2302]

A lot easier to install the switch once, than remove and install batteries every time you use it :laugh

 

[MikeKerr]

A lot easier to install the switch once, than remove and install batteries every time you use it :laugh

Thanks Dave. I seem to have leaky batteries of late, causing corrosion on electrical devices, from a residential telephone, to a garage door remote control, to even the C4. I am playing it safe and removing the batteries after each usage.

The upgrade with the switch on your C4 is awesome, I just don't want to risk a leaking battery.

 

[pinkster]

That's how they should have designed the unit, and the future productions should have that switch. They should hire you as a consultant.

The unit is for Dealers not small indys or home diy. Dealers unit is used daily and there is no need for a switch for them.

 

[cerritos]

Nonetheless, Dave's mod is still very good, and it's very nice to have that switch, even for dealers.

 

[Sinichow]

The unit is for Dealers not small indys or home diy. Dealers unit is used daily and there is no need for a switch for them.

Hi Guys,

@pinkster

OK, so when I first got my C4 and tried it out it kept telling me "Check Batteries" , but once configured it worked OK.
I asked if I should put a set of 6 Rechargeables in it and some said NO !! Don't bother they said.

Their reasoning is this:-

With Batteries installed, when we disconnect from the OBD Socket, the Batteries are then discharging, so you are supposed to press the Spanner Symbol and then the Green Tick when it says "Powerdown ?", but after it shuts down it continues in "Sleep mode", drawing a small current, thus discharging until the Batteries are dead.

If you are DIY, you may only use your C4 once a month or less, even me with a busy workshop I sometimes don't use it for 3 weeks or more if I'm working on other "lesser" :grin Marques.

There is potential for FUBAR Batteries or leaking Batteries etc to damage the C4 !!

OK that sounds sensible, but there is a far bigger Danger by not using them, and maybe a reason why some guys have moaned that their C4's have gone Kaput after a few months !!

If you are using it on a Car with a less than perfect and good make Battery, it is highly likely you could spike it, when cycling the Ignition / Start, whilst re setting Codes or Event Logs etc.

Also, as soon as you pull that diagnostic Plug from the Car, the unit instantly goes off without the correct shutdown procedure !!

Again this can result in corruption, spiking etc, after all, you wouldn't just pull the Plug from the wall on your Desktop Computer without shutting it down first now would you

Thanks to Dean for taking the time to Skype me and explain that.

So I've been musing this over for a while, and come up with the following solution, basically I've installed Re Chargeable Batteries, which charge when the C4 is plugged into a Car.

So now I can pull the Diagnostic Plug and C4 stays Booted, then I use the Press Spanner, Press Tick, that shuts it down correctly into Sleep Mode .............................

Now all we need is to be able to Switch off the Battery Power to stop them draining over time :grin ..........................

I didn't want to strip the whole unit so here is my £1.00 solution, (the cost of the little Switch).

Basically, under the End Cover there is a Battery Clamp with a small metal connector in it that links the 2 Battery rows together, (2 Rows of 3 Cells) and that Clamp has to be removed by a single screw when you fit the Batteries.

I simply cut a piece out of this metal link, and carefully soldered 2 wires one on each half, and then soldered the other ends of these wires to the switch contacts :devil

Drill a suitable hole for the Switch in the Grey Rubber, and the Plastic underneath it, push the Switch into the hole, carefully route the wires so they don't get trapped or foul the Wi Fi Card, then fix it all back together, simples, and works like a charm :grin

I'll let the Pictures do the talking now .....................

Cheers Dave

How_ basically then do you perform the configuration_?
Because mine has got The same issue_ even after had replaced the new rechargeable batteries_?