Timed charging and the TCU

Well, we had to discuss it one day: charged timing and the TCU. While I am not a proponent of doing that based on the car’s (TCU) logic, there are many drivers using this and it DOES have quirks. One was a UK base driver that had it’s timed charger not only stuck (the icon it was on timed kept re-appearing even when he disabled it), it even refused to charge when it was inside the charging time slot. That is basically a 100% disabled car.

Pull/push the F31 fuse seems to do the trick. documentation says 10A, Body Control Module (which controls most non-drive-train related functions), Telematics Control Unit. It is the second row counting from the left, second fuse counting from the bottom up in the fusebox in the cabin.

Another driver advised to carefully pry open the R-Link bezel, and disconnect the white connector to the TCU unit. Reconnect after a minute or two and with some luck, the TCU is as if it were reborn.

My guess is that a disconnect of the 12 volt battery would do exactly the same, but I cannot confirm this. That sure is easier and avoids the risk of breaking plastic hooks. Open the bonnet, end disconnect the minus cable boom from the battery, that is the one not having the red fuse box on top.

My advice would be to try pull/push F31 first, then the 12 volt battery, and if it doesn’t work, go for the white connector.