C3 Picasso braking system faulty STOP

[Samd1991]

Hi there,

I have a problem that has appeared in my C3 Picasso.

I keep getting STOP braking system faulty but it goes away usually within minutes but returns just as quickly. It’s a little random.

The brakes themselves are fine, brake fluid all good, no ABS warning either.

It may be worth mentioning that I believe it needs a driveshaft. Put your foot down in first and second and you can hear it grind but it isn’t that bad, delicately driven worse for much longer in the past.

Is it likely related?

[GiveMeABreak]

Probably not. I suspect you may have a faulty brake switch or the brake fluid could be low - but don't ignore the driveshaft - it's what's keeping your wheel on. My wheel nearly came off on a C5 without any noises or warning on the way to work - just started wobbling. When I pulled over and looked at it the front right wheel was all but hanging off. This was on a vehicle that had regular Citroen servicing too!

[Samd1991]

Hi, thank you for the reply.

I’ve read the codes this morning and there isn’t anything brake related which is odd.

Brake fluid seems ok. Are you referring to the switch at the brake pedal?

I was thinking the abs reluctor ring at the driveshaft. I won’t be ignoring it, ok have a new one next week when I get paid.

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi, yes there may not be a code for brake fluid - apart from the warning.

If it was the ABS reluctor ring, I would expect there to be an ABS fault or ESP / ASR fault if you also have ESP on your vehicle, but if you only have ABS, that may be also be the case.

[Samd1991]

Hi again,

It was indeed brake fluid.

It had new discs and pads not that long ago so I’m hoping it needed topping up.

Any common brake fluid leaks that you’re aware of. Your advice has been invaluable, been years since I’ve had a Citroen or Peugeot and I must say the warning system scares me a little, in my experience there are quite ‘highly strung’ shall we say.

[GiveMeABreak]

Generally, when changing the discs or pads for example, the brake fluid cap is slackened to all ow the fluid to return to the reservoir, then then the pads and or discs are replaced, the fluid is usually checked and topped up.

Of course, as the pads and discs wear over time, the fluid drops because the piston (s) in the calipers travel more to compensate. It may be that the fluid was not checked or topped up afterwards, and some may have leaked out, so always best to check and top up where necessary especially when bleeding.