Xantia ABS light on a car with no ABS

[aneesh84]

My 1999 Xantia Estate SX recently had its ABS light go on. However it has no ABS as confirmed with the specs. I found no ABS ECU next to the LHM tank and Lexia also didnt detect any ABS unit.

So puzzled about this ABS warning light and how to get it off.

Any clues?

[CitroJim]

That'll be a fault in the instrument pack or a problem with the wiring harness leading from the cabin over to where the ABS ECU would be... Most likely in the notorious 10AV harness that runs under the radiator.

As it is, it will fail the MoT.

If all else is working properly then the simplest way to resolve this is to pop the instrument pack out and remove the bulb. Finding the real reason why the lamp is alight could be a major and frustrating undertaking...

If the root of the problem is in the 10AV harness, there may come a time when other strange electrical problems manifest themselves...

Keep an eye on things...

[xantia_v6]

I think that this might be a LHD car, which would not have the 10AV across the front of the car. I assumed that by 1999 all Xantias had ABS, can you check that there are no sensors fitted to the front hubs?

[CitroJim]

Not having a 10AV harness is definitely a plus-point for an LHD car Mike

[wheeler]

Im amazed a 99 Xantia has no ABS. I think I would be double checking for speed sensors on the wheels.

[CitroJim]

Im amazed a 99 Xantia has no ABS. I think I would be double checking for speed sensors on the wheels.

I once had a 1998 1.9TD LX without ABS... And my Saxo of a similar age has no ABS.

A non-ABS Xantia is almost dangerous unless you are well aware of the braking ability they have, especially if you do the mod to remove the brake pedal 'spongy spring' and replace it with a bit of copper water pipe!

[myglaren]

My Xantia was non-ABS too.
Fabulous brakes but I was used to their severity after having a GS.

[aneesh84]

I think that this might be a LHD car, which would not have the 10AV across the front of the car. I assumed that by 1999 all Xantias had ABS, can you check that there are no sensors fitted to the front hubs?

Yes there are no sensors. Its a LHD from Portugal. I guess the SX here didnt have ABS. The brakes are strong and it can be dangerous since the car tends to slip when wet. But now i have learnt to be very gentle with the brakes.

[wheeler]

If I remember right ABS became standard on all Xantais & Xsaras around 99/00 sometime. Would have thought a 99 model should have had it.
As for Saxos I believe the only models that had standard ABS was the VSX & VTS right up to the end of production. It was an optional extra on other models.

[CitroJim]

As for Saxos I believe the only models that had standard ABS was the VSX & VTS right up to the end of production. It was an optional extra on other models.

Arguably, little cooking Saxos like mine have no real need of ABS They do not enjoy the fiercest of brakes by any means...

[myglaren]

I worked with a lad who had a Saxo.
When he took it for it's first mot (in his ownership) the tester claimed they were the worst brakes on the market.

[wheeler]

the tester claimed they were the worst brakes on the market.

Clearly they have never driven a C15 before.
Saxo brakes aint the best to be fair , usually once you adjust the brake linkage you can get a bit of improvement.

[CitroJim]

I worked with a lad who had a Saxo.
When he took it for it's first mot (in his ownership) the tester claimed they were the worst brakes on the market.

I can well believe it Steve!

the tester claimed they were the worst brakes on the market.

Clearly they have never driven a C15 before.
Saxo brakes aint the best to be fair , usually once you adjust the brake linkage you can get a bit of improvement.

Mine are just about OK after a very careful rebuild last year but not as good as my AX...