ESP and ABS light probs

[geepeetee]

Hi

I have read through the previous posts and gathered a bit of information but the ones i read are a slight variation on the problem i have.

When i start the car (04 model fourtwo) all the dash warning lights come on and go off but occasionaly the ABS and ESP lights come back and on it seems to be getting more frequent. If i turn off the engine and restart it they go out (so far anyway).

Can you tell me:

What i should check (in order of likely cause)?
If i get the error codes read will they pinpoint the cause?
Is it a special analyser that reads smarts, the garage i use has one that does our other cars (golf and e46 bmw), is it likely this machine will do a smart?

Thanks in advance

Gary

[Gavin]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

You can use any OBD-II compliant reader to read the codes on the smart.

It's most likely to be a sensor on the ABS or ESP system that's out of range, the error codes might help. It could be a wheel speed sensor, reluctor ring, steering wheel angle sensor, brake switch, or possibly abs pump. Get the codes read first would be the easiest thing.

[10:45PM]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

Hi
What i should check (in order of likely cause)?

try this approach

check the areas that DO give trouble and contribute to this problem#

it's highly likely your car is suffering in these areas anyway, so best to check and confirm okay or not and sort out, before proceeding deeper into the problem cos they'll need doing/checking anyway

Reluctor rings

and the brake pedal switch

do/check them first

After confirming those two , next worry/check is the steering wheel if it's a 698 only

[ted]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

had same problem last week would start car lights would go out 5 mins later would come on and stay on until i restarted car fitted new brake light switch all ok now :goodlk:

[geepeetee]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

Hi

thanks for the replies, i had a couple of hours to spare yesterday so i..

checked brake fluid - was ok
removed and checked brake light switch as per instructions on evilution site - ok, bone dry, no water at all
checked the rear abs discs - a bit of surface rust, nothing serious - gave a bit of a clean with dremel

Since putting it all back together has been ok, however have noticed that sometimes when leaving car brake lights are on, a press of the pedal corrects it but looks like it could be faulty switch after all.

Thoughts appreciated.

Gary

[lil.smartie]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

We fitted 4 switches, sent out 3 and sold 2 more over the counter in one day last week!

Kate

[Falco9]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

Picked up my brake light switch from Smart of Leeds today. The parts guy commented that they have sold on average, 4 brake light switches a day for the past few weeks!!!!

They now hold 30 in stock at any one time. Smart must be laughing all the way to the bank over this component failure rate:censor:

F9

[mccsmart2002]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

My brake light switch failed unexpectedly.

Start up sequence was normal. No water ingress, just ABS and ESP fault lights showing up after applying the brakes for the first time in any journey. I also had no brake lights, which I was unaware of initially.

[10:45PM]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

bifurcated contacts is what it needs

[Falco9]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

My brake light switch failed unexpectedly.

Start up sequence was normal. No water ingress, just ABS and ESP fault lights showing up after applying the brakes for the first time in any journey. I also had no brake lights, which I was unaware of initially.

My symptoms exactly. Like you a new brake light switch has cured all the problems

F9

[Smartie81]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

Hi

all the dash warning lights come on and go off but occasionaly


Gary

all the warning lights! surely that must be a poor connection or a bad earth the make all the lights go on and off?

[wand8rer]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

My symptoms exactly. Like you a new brake light switch has cured all the problems

F9

hi,
where is the brake light switch???????

[Falco9]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

The brake light switch is under the car, remove the front plastic undertray and you will find a rectangular plastic box, be very careful as you open this box the clip can break very easily. Remove the lid slowly as it has a seal around the rim of the box to prevent water ingress etc...

Once the lid is open you will be able to see the brake switch.

Do a serch on this, there are a number of threads that detail how to swap this in more detail

F9

[Mr T]

Re: ESP and ABS light probs

This might help.
http://www.evilution.co.uk/index.php?id=165
or
http://www.fq101.co.uk/how-to-guides...ht-switch.html