logo elektroda
logo elektroda
X
logo elektroda
Advanced Search
logo elektroda

Citroen C4 1.6 16V - change of the AL4 automatic transmission to the BE4 manual

intels 13548 19
Best answers

How can I swap the AL4 automatic in a 2007 Citroën C4 1.6 16V/TU5JP4 to a BE4 manual, and what gearbox and electronic changes are needed?

You need to recode both the BSI and the engine ECU in Lexia so the car sees a manual gearbox; otherwise it may not start because it still expects the automatic’s P position [#16695800][#17186356] The automatic gearbox configuration should be removed from the BSI/ECU, and the harness for the old gearbox does not need to be cut up — it can simply be hidden or removed as needed [#16699339][#16695895] For the reverse lights, connect the reverse switch to the BSM module; one poster later confirmed the reverse light worked after wiring it according to the diagram [#17214229][#17186356] No firm BE4 compatibility list was provided, but the poster eventually used a 20CQ16 gearbox complete with shafts and clutch after hearing only tentative suggestions like 20DM12 or 20DP10 [#17186356] The swap was reported as straightforward when done personally, costing about PLN 800, and afterwards the car started and drove normally with no sign of the old automatic [#17273210]
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT
Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
Report a violation of the law
Reply | New topic
  • #1 16695451
    intels
    Level 19  
    Posts: 446
    Help: 21
    Rate: 51
    Hello
    as above, I recently bought a C4 English from 2007, unfortunately the car has an AL4 automatic gearbox which I would not want. Due to the fact that I have the option and the car will stay for at least 4 months, I would like to change this box to a manual one, but BE4 which are already harder boxes compared to most of the MA5 that were there. I just need to know which models of these boxes will fit me with the TU5JP4 block that I have in the car, apparently it fits 20DM12 but I would like to be sure about this. The second thing is electronics, is it enough to reprogram the BSI and the car won't catch errors?
    thanks in advance for the hints
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • Helpful post
    #2 16695800
    Tomasz Downacki
    Level 13  
    Posts: 125
    Help: 10
    Rate: 49
    As for the gearbox, I will not help, but when it comes to electronics, you need to reprogram the BSI and the engine controller to see the manual gearbox. I worked on this topic myself in a Citroen c5. Without reprogramming, he did not even want to fire because he did not see the position of P.
  • #3 16695830
    intels
    Level 19  
    Posts: 446
    Help: 21
    Rate: 51
    Tomasz Downacki wrote:
    As for the gearbox, I will not help, but when it comes to electronics, you need to reprogram the BSI and the engine controller to see the manual gearbox. I worked on this topic myself in a Citroen c5. Without reprogramming, he did not even want to fire because he did not see the position of P.

    I understand that it will reprogram everything with lexia I also have launcha at my disposal? The question is, what about the bundle of the box under the hood, can it be simply cut off after the changes?
  • Helpful post
    #4 16695895
    Strumien swiadomosci swia
    Level 43  
    Posts: 27411
    Help: 1403
    Rate: 6379
    Cut out what is not needed of course.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • Helpful post
    #5 16699339
    Tomasz Downacki
    Level 13  
    Posts: 125
    Help: 10
    Rate: 49
    You will make lexia. Hide installations. There is no point in cutting it.
    Strumien swiadomosci swia wrote:
    Cut out what is not needed of course.

    Valuable notice. Because as for the type of chest, there was no knowledge.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #6 16699896
    intels
    Level 19  
    Posts: 446
    Help: 21
    Rate: 51
    Thanks to everyone for any comments. As for electrical matters, I only have to connect the reverse gear sensor, unfortunately I can not find a diagram or instructions where to plug it in, I guess that this signal goes to the BSM only the question for which pin. If someone has a diagram, I would ask for information or sharing it. I have BSM L-11.
    best regards
  • #7 16756012
    intels
    Level 19  
    Posts: 446
    Help: 21
    Rate: 51
    Well, unfortunately, through the forums it was not possible to get information whether at least a piece of the diagram, fortunately, a colleague from the company arranged for me access to the citroen service website, where I printed the necessary diagrams and I already know where and what to connect, unfortunately even Citroen does not boast about the types of be4 boxes there there are only so many that they were, but more precisely what not. Well, I will have to look for something that will be pulled directly from this engine. To everyone who wanted to help in a queue, thank you when I get a model of the box that fits, I will write here if someone ever wanted to do something similar ;)
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #8 17186280
    matmirek
    Level 12  
    Posts: 21
    Rate: 6
    I have the same problem. You can give me some information on how the crates can be mounted and provide diagrams and comments. Best regards. matmirek(_at_)wp.pl
  • #9 17186356
    intels
    Level 19  
    Posts: 446
    Help: 21
    Rate: 51
    As for the be4 boxes, unfortunately, I could not get the right one, supposedly 20dm12 or 20dp10, but the prices are high and I bought a 20cq16 complete with support shafts and a clutch. In Lexi, you have to throw out the automatic unit in the bsi and the engine control unit and switch to manual, then the car normally fires and the meter switches from automatic to manual. As for the reverse, you need to connect to the bsm module, I have a diagram but I have not checked it yet because I have been waiting for the papers for almost half a year. I translate the car and soon I will check if the diagrams find their application in the car. I will write what and how to connect ;)
  • #10 17214229
    intels
    Level 19  
    Posts: 446
    Help: 21
    Rate: 51
    Well, the spacer is finished, the reverse light connected according to the diagram works as it should. Adds a schema for posterity as if someone had the same problem so as not to search ;)
    best regards
    Citroen C4 1.6 16V - change of the AL4 automatic transmission to the BE4 manual Citroen C4 1.6 16V - change of the AL4 automatic transmission to the BE4 manual Citroen C4 1.6 16V - change of the AL4 automatic transmission to the BE4 manual
  • #11 17247309
    DanielC4
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    Rate: 1
    Hello
    I have a problem with the BVA AL4 gearbox, I also wanted to replace it with a manual one. Please tell me how much did this treatment cost you. And is everything ok with the car? There is no problem with the engine and do you have any technical advice on what to watch out for?
    Thanks in advance
    best regards
  • #12 17260684
    matmirek
    Level 12  
    Posts: 21
    Rate: 6
    I did not replace and today I will not answer what problems I encountered, but I will try tomorrow.
  • #13 17273210
    intels
    Level 19  
    Posts: 446
    Help: 21
    Rate: 51
    The costs I incurred are about PLN 800, but I replaced everything myself and the al4 box was operational, which can be sold. There were no major problems, the starter fits the engine body, there are no changes to the automatic. The car works as if there was never an automatic machine there ;) if you have any questions, I will be happy to help, best regards :)
  • #14 17305945
    matmirek
    Level 12  
    Posts: 21
    Rate: 6
    Unfortunately, I do not have the conditions to do it myself and all the mechanics advise me against it and say that I will have problems later. The costs that, in their opinion, I will have to incur is PLN 2,800, which becomes unprofitable. And a small note about what I am writing about because I have a C8 with the same engine, but they say that the paw and many other parts do not fit and I will have to buy a lot of parts including the starter, driveshafts, pedals, counters, mounting / base for the gearbox. Generally, no one wants to play it or demands too much money in my opinion.
  • #15 17471280
    karmazynio
    Level 11  
    Posts: 3
    Rate: 1
    Hi
    Sorry for the excavation
    I have a small question, namely at home in Citroen c5 3.0 V6 I translate to manual gearbox, precisely because of the automatic gearbox, which I have already had the third time. My question is, in Lexia I have set up BSI that there is no automatic transmission, the same in the engine control unit and ESP. The problem is that it doesn't give a boost to the pacemaker. After that, after disconnecting the controller from the automatic transmission, BSI catches the error 'No communication with the engine controller'. You had such problems with the rework and how did you deal with it
    Thanks for the answer
  • #16 17473690
    matmirek
    Level 12  
    Posts: 21
    Rate: 6
    It seems that you have not completely got rid of the automatic gearbox and the computer does not see the P position, therefore the starter does not work. Someone wrote that it is enough to short two cables and that's it.
  • #17 17473703
    karmazynio
    Level 11  
    Posts: 3
    Rate: 1
    BSI in lexi just sees Park positions, at least that's what it shows in parameters. In addition, after firing its own for a short time, when the automatic gearbox controller is connected, the counter works, ie RPM, temperature, etc., but only the counter dies and there is only the backlight.
  • #18 17473766
    matmirek
    Level 12  
    Posts: 21
    Rate: 6
    Unfortunately, I did not find any posts in which this problem was discussed, but someone wrote that after reprogramming the counters were also set to the manual.
  • #19 17487379
    karmazynio
    Level 11  
    Posts: 3
    Rate: 1
    Thanks for your commitment, I've got it all. It flashes beautifully, the cruise control works, the reverse sensors and clutches are connected. It accelerates smoothly, without jerks, gearbox 6 inserted, so far in the testing phase, because there was no gearbox 6 here, but first impressions good, on the highway 6, gear as found ?
  • #20 18772347
    kaziupsv
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    Buddy, please describe which jumpers you shorted and do you need Lexia?
Reply | New topic
Report a violation of the law

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around converting a Citroen C4 1.6 16V from an AL4 automatic transmission to a BE4 manual gearbox. Users share insights on the necessary electronic reprogramming of the BSI and engine control unit to recognize the manual gearbox, emphasizing the importance of using diagnostic tools like Lexia. Participants discuss the wiring modifications required, including connecting the reverse gear sensor to the BSM module. Some users report successful installations and provide diagrams for future reference, while others express concerns about the complexity and costs associated with the conversion. The conversation highlights the need for specific gearbox models compatible with the TU5JP4 engine and the challenges in sourcing these parts.
Generated by the language model.

FAQ

TL;DR: DIY C4 AL4→manual swaps reported at ~PLN 800; “The car works as if there was never an automatic machine there.” [Elektroda, intels, post #17273210]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps Citroën C4/C5 owners plan a reliable AL4-to-BE/ML gearbox conversion with minimal electrical headaches.

Quick Facts

Which BE4 gearbox codes fit the Citroën C4 1.6 16V TU5JP4?

Owners researched 20DM12 and 20DP10, and one completed a swap using a 20CQ16 with shafts and clutch. Fitment depends on mounts and drives. Verify donor parts match your TU5JP4. [Elektroda, intels, post #17186356]

What coding changes are required after an AL4 to manual swap?

Reconfigure both the BSI and the engine ECU to recognize a manual gearbox. As one expert put it, “you need to reprogram the BSI and the engine controller.” Without this, the engine may not crank. [Elektroda, Tomasz Downacki, post #16695800]

Can I do the coding with Lexia/DiagBox?

Yes. Lexia handles the necessary configuration. One installer advised doing the coding and leaving the old loom hidden rather than cutting anything. [Elektroda, Tomasz Downacki, post #16699339]

How do I wire the reverse lights after the manual swap?

Connect the manual reverse switch to the BSM pins per the shared diagrams. The solution was tested and the lamps worked correctly. [Elektroda, intels, post #17214229]

How much does the swap cost if I do it myself?

One C4 owner reported spending about PLN 800 by sourcing parts and doing the labor personally. Selling the working AL4 helped offset costs. [Elektroda, intels, post #17273210]

Will the instrument cluster switch from automatic to manual display?

Yes. After coding BSI and ECU to manual in Lexia, the cluster switched from automatic to manual display mode. [Elektroda, intels, post #17186356]

Does the original starter fit after converting to manual?

Yes. The starter matched the engine casing. No starter changes were needed in the reported C4 TU5JP4 swap. [Elektroda, intels, post #17273210]

The car won’t crank after the swap—what’s the common cause?

If the system still expects an automatic, it looks for the P position and blocks starting. Recode BSI and ECU for manual to restore cranking. [Elektroda, Tomasz Downacki, post #16695800]

Can I install a 6‑speed manual instead of a 5‑speed?

Yes. A C5 3.0 V6 owner reported a working 6‑speed setup with smooth acceleration and proper operation after configuration. [Elektroda, karmazynio, post #17487379]

Do cruise control and parking sensors still work after the manual conversion?

Yes. After completing wiring and coding, cruise control and reverse sensors were reported as fully functional. [Elektroda, karmazynio, post #17487379]

I unplugged the AL4 TCU and got a BSI error—what should I check?

This can occur if modules still reference the automatic. Ensure BSI, ECU, and ESP are set to manual. Clear faults after coding. [Elektroda, karmazynio, post #17471280]

Is paying a shop worth it compared with DIY?

One member received a shop estimate around PLN 2,800, versus a DIY outlay near PLN 800. Budget, tooling, and risk tolerance decide the path. [Elektroda, matmirek, post #17305945]

Can I just short jumpers to start the car without coding?

Avoid jumper hacks. Properly reprogram the BSI and ECU to manual. That resolves the P/N start lock and keeps systems integrated. [Elektroda, Tomasz Downacki, post #16695800]

What are the basic steps to swap AL4 to manual on a C4 1.6 TU5JP4?

  1. In Lexia, set BSI and engine ECU from automatic to manual.
  2. Install the manual gearbox (e.g., 20CQ16) with matching shafts and clutch.
  3. Wire the reverse switch to the BSM; confirm lamp operation. [Elektroda, intels, post #17186356]

Any reliability notes or failure edge cases to expect?

One owner reported repeated automatic failures; others note no-start until coding is complete. Plan coding first to avoid immobilized vehicles. [Elektroda, Tomasz Downacki, post #16695800]
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT