Hello fellow Felicia owners,

I've just found this forum by chance googling a number of issues that have arisen literally overnight (or at least over the last three days). Sunday - I notice the (!) warning brake light lighting up as I turn corners; Monday finds me pulling a long fiborous rope out of the exhaust pipe, and today I start the car and the revs are extremely high and I've not even touched the accelerator... this happens many times on a short run.

Do you think these issues connected or separate issues?

I read on the common issues page that the high revs could be a clutch issue or a temperature sensor issue... the latter makes sense as a 'quick' (stop/ starting at every junction and traffic light) run around town seems to dramatically increase the temp gauge which barely moves on long runs. I hope it's the latter... I believe a clutch issue could cost me... any ideas on the approx cost?

Could I easily resolve high revs issue myself (to save cash) and are there any useful step by step instructions that someone could link me to (preferably with pics).

As for the fibrous rope... is this a sign the exhaust silencer needs replacing - does anyone know what this would cost me?

Guessing the brake light is low fluid and turning a corner impacts on the fluid sensor so a simple top up - I've got the car booked in for a full service next week so hopefully that will sort that issue.

(All the above gleaned from google and this site as this is my first car)

Thanks very much in advance.

Ellakopella

1. You're probably right about the "brake warning" light being low fluid level. It only takes a minute to check that the level is between the marks on the reservoir, so why not do it now? If it needs topping up, always use a new, sealed can of brake fluid.
   
2. Well, the fibre is a sign that the sound deadening is coming out of the back box. There's no actual need to do anything about that unless/until you fail the MOT on exhaust noise.
   
3. Since this is your first car, I'll expand on the generalities of this one.
   

• If you find the car is revving higher than you expect when driving at steady speed, reluctant to climb hlls, and slow to accelerate, that indicates clutch slip. This may just mean that the clutch needs adjusting rather than replacing though.
  
• However, your post reads like you're getting high revs on a closed throttle in neutral? If so, then it's probably the temperature sensor giving wrong values to the engine management unit.
  

Thanks @Ken0Neill, your reply is very helpful and puts my mind at ease on the issues I'm having.

Re: the revs; I've not had any issues when driving at steady speed so I'll go with the temperature sensor; I'm assuming from what I've read elsewhere that I could replace the temperature sensor myself, or would it be more sensible to let my garage deal with it when I take the car in for the service?

Thanks again

Ella, It's easy to change the sensor, if you know where it is. That's the bit I can't describe though I'm afraid.

Technically off-topic, but using @username doesn't actually copy that user a message from this forum. If they've got a watch set on a thread, and opted to have e-mail notification of updates, they'll get updates automatically though.

Topping brake fluid level is easy. But I would check in detail why brake fluid level dropped. There are two possible causes:

- there is a leak somewhere, that is dangerous

- brake pads are very worn, but don't quote me on that, not sure if fluid level drops so much to have a warning light.

Take into account also that brake fluid should be changed every 2 years. That is one of the most overlooked maintenance procedure. Of course there will be other members telling you it's alright to not do that, but why take chances on your safety?

yes the brake fluid level can drop enough to bring the warning light on just by the pads wearing down, or possibly it's had some work done on the brakes at some point and bled some fluid away from the system without replacing it. I'd also agree the brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years, brake fluid is hydroscopic which means it will absorb moisture from the atmosphere.

the fibre ropey stuff that looks like horses hair is nothing to worry about, it does mean that the silencer has started to fail internally however, but it's not critical.

the high revs thing could be a mixture of a few things causing it, could be throttle body related, or ignition timing, or the temp sensor.

does the car rev up and down on it's own, say like unto about 2000rpm then drops down, then back up then down? Or is it a constant speed that is higher than normal?

my back box did same thing all i did was keep pulling it out. i had the brake level come one mine before turned out level was ok checked for leaks turns out it needed new lid. does yours have abs.... the revs can be what tom said or i found mine was cable and pedel needed some oil and cable moved in engine bay my fault as i put it there....

Edited 26 April, 201313 yr by uma1998