Peugeot Boxer Time & Date Change with Aftermarket Stereo - partial solution

[IanFl]

This is my solution to an issue I've seen reported several times, but never seen an easy answer too.

I have just fitted an aftermarket head unit in my Boxer PVC. The original headunit was the VP2 Sat Nav system, and with this option installed from the factory the time and date are set from the touchscreen. Once it is removed from the van, there is no way to change the dashboard clock.
In vans without the Sat Nav from factory, the time and date can be set from the MODE menu button by the drivers knee, but this menu option is not available with the touch screen - it just doesn't appear in the list when you press the MODE button.

This is the original unit:

Things I have tried that did not work:

• Removing the original head unit, and hoping the menu option will magically appear - NO
• Disconnecting the battery at exactly 12:00 - NO, the display just flashes a blank time
• Entering the Engineering Menu (hold down Radio, Menu, Browser) on the original headunit and looking for an option to select - NO
• Using a bluetooth OBD dongle & the Android Torque app to look for an option to set the system time - NO, this is not possible with this app.
• Getting an auto-locksmith to check his diagnostic system for an option when I had a new key cut - NO, he could see the body config settings, but his system couldn't change anything.

With other software (and almost certainly at a dealer), there may be more opportunity to reprogram the body computer. The electrician could see that in the body config there is an option for "Media System" and another for "Media System with Navigation". For my van the first was disabled and the second was enabled. Potentially changing these setting around may make the MODE menu item appear. However his software couldn't make the change and I haven't investigated the dealer option. I have also ready that potentially turning off the Nav Unit setting will disable the steering wheel controls (but I have no experience of this).

I've also read there is an Android app called AlfaOBD that allows more settings to be changed that the Torque app I have used, but I've not tried it.

The final option that I have read about is simply to re-fit the old headunit whenever the time needs to be changed. Although this will work, it's a right PITA and not really practical.

My solution is a slightly more convenient version of this last option. I have soldered a cable that connects the CANBUS and power pins from the back of the original headunit to an OBD plug - I can then connect the old stereo to the OBD port twice a year to change the time settings. Between times it can sit on a shelf in the garage until I need it.

Here it is in use:

Here is the OBD pin connections:
Pin 16 - +12V
Pin 4 - GND
Pin 1 - CAN (+)
Pin 9 - CAN (-)

And at the headunit end:

Pin 2- CAN(+)
Pin 12 - CAN(-)
Pin 43 - GND
Pin 44 - +12V

I ran into problems initially because the OBD standard is for CANBUS to be on pins 6 and 14 - when I connected the stereo this way I got a load of dashboard warnings. Turns out 6 & 14 is the high-speed CANBUS, and the stereo on the low-speed system, which for the Boxer / Ducato / Relay is pins 1&9.

Anyway - the OBD plug cost me a few quid from ebay and I had the wire and connectors already, so I'm happy with this as a workable solution.

 

[IanFl]

I should add this is a 2016 x290 van

 

[NicM]

Wrong place.

 

[dazandandrea]

Thank god mines a 2008 model

 

[the1andonly]

IanFl just fired up Alfaobd can't see anything related to Clock or menu in the modules BODY COMPUTER, INSTRUMENT PANEL, RADIO.
ps WE very rarely change the clock in any car and just accept its an hour out.
For those that dont yours is a "simple" method.

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[IanFl]

IanFl just fired up Alfaobd can't see anything related to Clock or menu in the modules BODY COMPUTER, INSTRUMENT PANEL, RADIO.
ps WE very rarely change the clock in any car and just accept its an hour out.
For those that dont yours is a "simple" method.

Thanks for checking - it's useful to know I'm not missing out on a simple solution. My fallback solution was going to be having the clock set to BST, so at least it would be correct during the season when the van gets most use.
Is AlfaOBD worth the money for other things?

Ian

 

[the1andonly]

Is AlfaOBD worth the money for other things?

I also have Multiecuscan on a win10 laptop with OBDlink SX cable.
I bought AlfaOBD to carry in the van at all times . i have used the sx cable and a usb adaptor for my samsung J6 android phone. I now use a Vgate Bluetooth4 adaptor permamently in the van. Generaly use Torque to read speed temperature etc.
Alfaobd can do all sorts of Fiat specific stuff as well as standard obd fault code and monitoring. For a Euro 6 ducato owner the most useful thing is the ability to reset the service and oil depletion software.
For your question a ducato owner the answer is definitely yes. For a boxer i don't know what will work, some control units are the same. There is a free demo version, use this to check communication and what is available. The worst that can happen is you get this

 

[Dave101]

I notice you have just about got a solution but just for info, I had a 2015 boxer on which changed the (Uconnect 5) head unit for a third party system, I used a "Connects2 CTUFT01 Infodapter Steering Control Interface" from Dynamic Sounds which provided the date / time etc on the setup menu. Dont know if the VP2 is the same as the Uconnect 5 though...
I notice they want an arm & a leg for it now, I think it was about half that price when I did mine.

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[IanFl]

I notice you have just about got a solution but just for info, I had a 2015 boxer on which changed the (Uconnect 5) head unit for a third party system, I used a "Connects2 CTUFT01 Infodapter Steering Control Interface" from Dynamic Sounds which provided the date / time etc on the setup menu. Dont know if the VP2 is the same as the Uconnect 5 though...
I notice they want an arm & a leg for it now, I think it was about half that price when I did mine.

​

Great shout. I thing VP2 & Uconnct5 are the same thing.
I bought the steering wheel control adapter for mine which was about £70, so the extra money for the CTUFT01 is probably not too bad if you are starting from scratch with an expensive stereo.

 

[Dave101]

Yes I'm pretty sure they are the same thing, the CTUFT01 does include the steering wheel control adapter functions which helps...

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[IanFl]

I notice you have just about got a solution but just for info, I had a 2015 boxer on which changed the (Uconnect 5) head unit for a third party system, I used a "Connects2 CTUFT01 Infodapter Steering Control Interface" from Dynamic Sounds which provided the date / time etc on the setup menu. Dont know if the VP2 is the same as the Uconnect 5 though...
I notice they want an arm & a leg for it now, I think it was about half that price when I did mine.

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Based on this recommendation, I stumped up the cash & swapped the steering wheel control adapter for the CTUFT01.

It works very well, and is more elegant that my original solution. I can also now put the original headunit on eBay and maybe recoup some of the cost.

 

[Dave101]

Glad that's worked out ok for you.

 

[Cockers]

Good afternoon Ian,
Just wanted to say a massive thanks for the info about using your old stereo unit and the easy to follow wiring guide to be able to reset the clock and date. Cost me £3 for an ODB plug found some old bits of wire and a couple of connectors.
worked a treat I’m happy to plug in twice a year to change the date Anything to stop that bloody clock flashing I can take the bit of black tape off now

 

[Bigbear52]

Hi Ian
After a lot of searching and finally finding your thread I considered using the old radio method but decided to purchase the Connects2 CTUFT01 adapter as it seemed a better option.
After a lot of head scratching I have finally managed to get into the menu, could you tell me how you saved the settings as it doesnt mention anything in the manual
Thanks

 

[IanFl]

Hi Ian
After a lot of searching and finally finding your thread I considered using the old radio method but decided to purchase the Connects2 CTUFT01 adapter as it seemed a better option.
After a lot of head scratching I have finally managed to get into the menu, could you tell me how you saved the settings as it doesnt mention anything in the manual
Thanks

Any changes I make are saved automatically- when I use the steering wheel buttons to change the time, the dashboard clock updates immediately.

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