ABS light 96 Xantia TD

Bren · Post by **Bren** » 31 Mar 2008, 21:10

After having various problems with my ABS light (new sensor for MOT) the light is intermittently illuminating again - even when I am stationary. If I switch off and start moving again the light extinguishes. Sometimes the STOP light will illuminate for a second or so. Do I have an ABS problem or an instrument problem?

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 31 Mar 2008, 23:23

so is it the STOP lamp or the ABS lamp which is coming on now, if the later you still have n ABS fault, but if its the STOP lamp dose any other lmp light at the same time, weather other lights come on with it or not check all your fluid levels (engine oil, coolant and hydraulic fluid), the hydraulic fluid level cn only be checked with car on level ground and fully up on the highest setting
regards malcolm

Bren · Post by **Bren** » 01 Apr 2008, 20:39

I'm sorry Malcolm - I did'nt make myself clear. The lights come on independently of one another - the Stop light flashes for a second or so along with the temp. warning light - even if the engine is not up to temp. This is why I was wondering if I had an instrumentation problem. The fluid levels are regularly checked and are always correct.

Post by **admiral51** » 01 Apr 2008, 20:46

not sure about the abs but i have had the other problem known to me as the phantom overheat

it is mostly caused by a faulty/dirty connection to the bitron unit from the plug on the thermostat housing a good clean of this plug and a check for broken wires will usually clear it up
do your fans kick in on full speed when the light/s come on??
they should as this indicates default/overheat mode and proves that the bitron is doing its job just getting a false signal but acting on it as it should

hope this helps

Colin

Post by **CitroJim** » 01 Apr 2008, 21:00

One cause I had, Bren, of the ABS light intermittently coming on was dirt and muck on one of the ABS sensor rings. It happends after a CV joint boot split and covered the ring in grease.

I cleaned it up and never a problem again.

Flaky rust that gathers on the rear hub sensor rings can also cause this. Trouble is, they're a bit of a devil to get to being effectively under the rear discs. Still, it's a good excuse to give your rear claipers a once-over.

The other cause can be intermittencies on the ABS sensor connectors. It will be worth beaking each one apart and cleaning them, mindful that the front ones are usually well doused in oil and LHM.

I'm sorry, I too thought you meant the ABS and STOP light was coming on at the same time. I've been scratching my head over that one since you first posted... Glad that's cleared up!

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 01 Apr 2008, 21:07

So there's THREE lights coming on now?