Bit of an odd issue got a 2001 fabia automatic, last weekend it was stuck in park as the brake light switch went, I could only move the gearbox when engine was off. Breakdown came out and identified the issue. They managed to set it so I could drive (I was at a petrol station about a mile from home) but the brake light was stuck on. I replaced the part with a new one this weekend and as the battery was flat used a charge pack to recharge it.

 

Now the car is starting and the light issue seems resolved. However I have the EPC warning light on my dashboard and when I press on the throttle nothing really happens. On the revs it goes up the tiniest bit so it looks like it wants to do something. 

 

Had a family friend who helped as I'll be honest I'm not the biggest car guy this is my first car. He took a look at the engine and checked the pedal but there is a plastic cover on it.

 

Has anyone had this issue before, if we do a reset via an ODB would that work? I have a colleague who has one who can lend it to me this week. My friend thinks the electronic system may need a reset but unsure if that will do the trick. 

 

The only other thing I can think of is the way we've fitted the part would that cause issue, I mean it seems to be working and not sure why a brake light would effect the throttle?.

1 hour ago, Kemp89 said:

not sure why a brake light would effect the throttle?

Well, that's easy. The EMS is programmed to cut fuel when the brakes are applied.

 

Since you've recently replaced the brake light switch, did you buy a genuine part or a fleabay special?

I'm not sure but I think the engine can rev up when the brakes are applied. I'm sure that the ecu cuts the fuel when the throttle is not pressed and the engine's rpm are higher than the threshold programmed for every particular engine type. 

The ECP light is on alone or in conjunction with the check engine light? 

27 minutes ago, KenONeill said:

Since you've recently replaced the brake light switch, did you buy a genuine part or a fleabay special?

 

I bought the part from the site in the URL I put my reg in online and it came back with this.

 

https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/p/haas-brake-light-switch-464440051

3 minutes ago, makymak said:

The ECP light is on alone or in conjunction with the check engine light? 

 

Sorry I should of mentioned yes the check engine light has also come up.

Ah, ok. If so, I think the best way to get a solution is to use a vcds to see the error code. 

Genuine  brake light switches are cheap, just £11 inc VAT last time I bought one.  No point saving a few quid on such a small outlay.

13 minutes ago, Wino said:

Genuine  brake light switches are cheap, just £11 inc VAT last time I bought one.  No point saving a few quid on such a small outlay.

 

I mean the site looked alright, I've heard of haas before as a company and put my reg in on the site.

 

It is reduced from £13 but looked legit, do you thinks it's a cheap knockoff then? I saw cheaper ones online but went with this one for that reason.

Before doing anything else, could you check the throttle pedal plug. Maybe, when you replaced the brake switch you disconnected it by mistake. Ensure everything is secured. I guess you know that the throttle is electronic and not mechanical. 

1 hour ago, makymak said:

Before doing anything else, could you check the throttle pedal plug. Maybe, when you replaced the brake switch you disconnected it by mistake. Ensure everything is secured. I guess you know that the throttle is electronic and not mechanical. 

 

That was my train of thought at first as well. We took the dashboard back off after it didn't work and tried to check around the throttle. There's a plastic cover over the top and couldn't see anything obvious unplugged.

 

I will try and have another look but may not be able to later this week, I had to borrow a star screwdriver of the family friend as my tools are lacking.. So may be a few days before I can get hold of another one, or I'll check to see if they have one in local hardware shop. 

 

Thanks for the advice btw people it is appreciated. I think I will try the ODB reset see if that works, then once I have the right screwdriver double check everything is plugged in. If either fixes it I will let you know otherwise I may have to bite the bullet and try and find a mobile mechanic.

 

 

Plugged in an ODB2 downloaded an app for the phone manager to reset it, epc is off now and is now working fine.

I had exactly the same problem on a car I just bought. Dead battery from messing with the wiring and all.

 

Some of the brake switches are really junk, I took two apart (broken original and ebay replacement that arrived broken) and there's this tiny bit of plastic that triggers a blob of glue to break the circuit, the plastic is really weak and brittle, and this bit on both of mine was broken. I fixed one with some of that epoxy stuff, but also  bought the boxy square looking one, as apposed to the (cheaper) more cylindrical looking ones and the boxy ones (or at least the one I bought) seems a better quality.

 

Unhooked the battery for 10 mins, cleared codes, and everything is better now.

 

Crazy how much trouble this bloody switch can causes, especially on autos.

 

 

Just switched to my phone to put these too so you can see what I’m talking about