Hello all,

 

Hope someone might shed some light.

 

Around about a month ago a bunch of lights just started to appear on my dash (ABS, ESP, Tyre Pressure) and just this week, the flashing red handbrake icon would come on 30min into my journey.

 

So I have had a problem with a couple of wheels losing tyre pressure for quite some time, but all I do is top them up every once in a while. The tyres have been changed several times but they still loose air. I've raised this with successive tyre fitters but none have done anything about it to understand why it is is happening.

 

I took the car to a trusty mechanic who said there was a dodgy sensor and he also said one of the calipers was binding. He replaced the sensors and caliper but the lights came back. Now going back several months ago I did have a blow out on one of those NOT 'so smart motorways' and had to keep driving on the rim for around 1 mile. I wonder if that screwed something up.

 

Anyway, id love to understand what to do about it because I don't feel at all comfortable using the car with brake system warning lights displayed.

 

PS, my Googling about also brought up something about ABS reluctor ring being the culprit for some others who had similar issues to minbe!

 

Please help

7 hours ago, Gazawee said:

Hello all,

 

Hope someone might shed some light.

 

Around about a month ago a bunch of lights just started to appear on my dash (ABS, ESP, Tyre Pressure) and just this week, the flashing red handbrake icon would come on 30min into my journey.

 

So I have had a problem with a couple of wheels losing tyre pressure for quite some time, but all I do is top them up every once in a while. The tyres have been changed several times but they still loose air. I've raised this with successive tyre fitters but none have done anything about it to understand why it is is happening.

 

I took the car to a trusty mechanic who said there was a dodgy sensor and he also said one of the calipers was binding. He replaced the sensors and caliper but the lights came back. Now going back several months ago I did have a blow out on one of those NOT 'so smart motorways' and had to keep driving on the rim for around 1 mile. I wonder if that screwed something up.

 

Anyway, id love to understand what to do about it because I don't feel at all comfortable using the car with brake system warning lights displayed.

 

PS, my Googling about also brought up something about ABS reluctor ring being the culprit for some others who had similar issues to minbe!

 

Please help

I'd start with a deep load test on the battery. Lots of places will do this for free, on an understanding that they get the business if the battery needs replacing.

 

If it's not the battery, get the fault codes read using a VAG code reader. This will at least tell you something along the lines of "ABS fault, front left corner" (actual narrative may vary; the important point is which corner the fault is at). It could be the reluctor, or the sensor, or the wiring, but you need access to the vehicle to discover which.

On 09/01/2024 at 05:35, Paws4Thot said:

I'd start with a deep load test on the battery. Lots of places will do this for free, on an understanding that they get the business if the battery needs replacing.

 

If it's not the battery, get the fault codes read using a VAG code reader. This will at least tell you something along the lines of "ABS fault, front left corner" (actual narrative may vary; the important point is which corner the fault is at). It could be the reluctor, or the sensor, or the wiring, but you need access to the vehicle to discover which.

Cheers,

 

It would be really annoying if the battery was an issue because I replaced it just 2 years ago. Start-up has been laboured for a while and it cuts out a bit too frequently in low revs (while reversing or moving forward) which is why we replaced the battery (which had been quite old). Battery never resolved the issue and for some strange reason, mechanics never seem that interested when we raise the issue (worried it might be a problem beyond economical repair else they'd say)

But okay, VAG scan is a good shout and I hope they have such a machine.

The battery is one aspect of the electrical system. Is the alternator giving enough output? 

If your battery voltage is dipping down it can cause all manner of warning lights to illuminate.

I experienced this once. Also check the battery terminals and earth strap are clean and conducting well.

14 minutes ago, krisp1 said:

The battery is one aspect of the electrical system. Is the alternator giving enough output? 

If your battery voltage is dipping down it can cause all manner of warning lights to illuminate.

I experienced this once. Also check the battery terminals and earth strap are clean and conducting well.

i think I know of an alternator specialist, I'll take it to them to check also

5 hours ago, Gazawee said:

i think I know of an alternator specialist, I'll take it to them to check also

In the context of Krisp1's query, does the battery light come on when you switch the ignition on?

On 10/01/2024 at 14:28, Paws4Thot said:

Not as far as I can recall

On 10/01/2024 at 14:28, Paws4Thot said:

In the context of Krisp1's query, does the battery light come on when you switch the ignition on?

On 10/01/2024 at 08:45, krisp1 said:

The battery is one aspect of the electrical system. Is the alternator giving enough output? 

If your battery voltage is dipping down it can cause all manner of warning lights to illuminate.

I experienced this once. Also check the battery terminals and earth strap are clean and conducting well.

i think I know of an alternator specialist, I'll take it to them to check also

On 10/01/2024 at 14:28, Paws4Thot said:

In the context of Krisp1's query, does the battery light come on when you switch the ignition on?

 

No not as far as I recall

4 hours ago, Gazawee said:

 

No not as far as I recall

That makes me think that you have a disconnected or broken alternator control wire. Maybe 30 minutes work.

17 hours ago, Paws4Thot said:

That makes me think that you have a disconnected or broken alternator control wire. Maybe 30 minutes work.

 

Is that something I can see and check without having specialist tools and having to take out engine parts? Best left to a mechanic?

Just want to be better informed when handing over to a mechanic if it isn't something I can check or sort myself.

Check your recollection first, see if it really doesn't come on with ignition.

38 minutes ago, Breezy_Pete said:

Check your recollection first, see if it really doesn't come on with ignition.

 

lol will do

 

If it adds anything to this, the problem has existed since shortly after I bought the car but it has gotten progressively worse. Now it can cut out even in low revs when rolling forward or backwards.