Brake sensor switch - I thnk my mechanic is pulling my wire...

[Honestcon]

I got a new engine put into my DS5 2litre automatic (2015 - Anniversary model)
Very soon after I got the car back, I was getting four warning lights when I touched the brake pedal - can't remember them exactly:

• ABS/ASR
  Electric brake not working
  Roll bar?
  And one more

My mechanic said it was an easy fix - the brake pedal sensor switch (or something like that...)
But now he says its the ECO control unit that sits on top of the battery, and that will cost me over €700.

I think he's ripping me off. (He has a bit of a reputation... )

He was SURE it was the brake switch when I dropped the car off. But on closer examination etc etc etc...

I should mention that there was one more serious problem. On overtaking, when the auto box dropped from six to four, there would be a serious loss of power. All acceleration would disappear and some drop in speed. Scary when overtaking a long vehicle. I could drop back to 60mph, but if I wanted to get to 65mph, it would take about a minute to get the increase in speed. I would have to restart the car to get back to normal (easy ) acceleration.

(This car is breaking my heart...!)

[GiveMeABreak]

There can be an issue where the ABS / ESP warning lights come on (and obviouisly related ESP faults like the anti roll back and other system messages related to the ESP system) when braking. The fix requires not only the brake pedal switch replacing, but the installation of a new intermediate harness that is part of the upgraded part. I suggest you talk to your dealer about it as they will be able to tell if your vehicle is affected by the issue and what the correct parts are - I really wouldn't leave it to this bloke. It may save you money in the long run having the dealer do the mod if it applies to you.

[Honestcon]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Do you thinthe gear changes problem might be related to the brake pedal switch? (I'm guessing not...)

Maybe he's right about changing the ECO control box...

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi, first, there's no such thing as an 'ECO' box.

There is a Battery Charge Status Unit, that monitors battery health and assists the BSI with fine tuning the energy management of the vehicle. These rarely fail though.
I don't have your VIN so unsure whether you have the older Stop Start system with separate ultra capacitor system, but that is not likely to be part of the other ESP issue.

If you have the actual fault codes and the VIN I may be able to give you some pointers.

[Honestcon]

Thank you so much for your time on this.
My VIN is VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

I'll see if I can get the error codes from him, although I think I'll just pull the car out and move it to someone else...

You have no idea how helpful you have been. I know this is probably not the right place to say this, but we had a terrible day yesterday (my dear cousin died in a boat fire). I really don't need the stress this car/mechanic is causing me at the moment. You have been such a great help to me. It is very much appreciated.

[GiveMeABreak]

Very sorry to hear that.

Do pop the fault codes up if you can and I'll see what they suggest.

[Honestcon]

Thanks, Marc. I got these images from the mechanic. Do they shed any light on the issue?

[Honestcon]

The mechanic also says that the vehicle has a cambus fault . When the cambus is down communication between the various units is absent, which causes all sorts of spurious errors.

[GiveMeABreak]

Unfortunately that doesn't help me as there are no actual fault codes - and he has cleared the ones that were there!

The electrical supplies protection and management ECU permits cutting off of the electrical supply to maintain the safety of the vehicle in the event of a short circuit.

[Honestcon]

Thanks for the advice. Went to the dealer an all sorted. Relatively painless in the end.

[GiveMeABreak]

Great - sometimes it's easier and less expensive in the long run to take it to properly trained techs.