Brake warning light

Goughy · Post by **Goughy** » 28 Jan 2003, 04:24

I've got a brake warning light problem with a Citroen Xantia 1.8 16v SXi ('97). As I've lost, (or should I say, my wife has filed away somewhere never to be seen again) the User Manual, I can't remember whether the light indicates a pad wearing problem or fluid level problem. I've checked both and they seem to be O.K. (about 6mm of wear left on pads and fluid level between red lines on maximum suspension height.)
The light does'nt come on immediately, but comes on after about 10-15 minutes driving.
Any suggestions and a confirmation of what the light actually indicates (apart from getting divorce) would be appreciated...

Post by **RichardW** » 28 Jan 2003, 13:22

Can you give us a description of the symbol on the light? Does the STOP light also come on? Do any other lights come on at the same time? Is the light on all the time, or does it only come on when go around corners, or brake / accelerate sharply?
Richard

Goughy · Post by **Goughy** » 28 Jan 2003, 15:21

Hi Richard,
It's a yellow light, right in the middle of the upper left-hand row. Its got a double set of drum-like symbols similar to (( )), with a car skidding in the middle. The light just seems to come on without warning. Heavy braking, cornering etc. don't seem to have an effect.
Cheers
Dave

Post by **RichardW** » 28 Jan 2003, 16:28

Ah, that is the ABS warning lamp. It should come on when you first switch the ignition on, then go out after about 5 seconds. Coming on again after a few minutes suggests a problem with a wheel sensor or cable. Try wiggling the cables (engine running) to see if you can make the light come on - this will point to the corner at fault. Some have repaired the cable, but the most permanent solution is to replace the sensor (which may be required if the sensor itself is going west). Another trick is to clean (carefully!) the sensor and the toothed part of the hub behind it - they sometimes lose contact if lots of dirt builds up.
A Cit garage should be able to put it on their computer and interogate the ABS ECU to see what the fault is. My mate just had this done, and ended up having a new ABS ECU <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle> - not too bad second hand though <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Richard

Goughy · Post by **Goughy** » 28 Jan 2003, 16:32

Thanks Richard,
I'm just off to the car park to give my Xantia a good kicking.
See ya
Goughy